Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Hexyldecyl Oleate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product spreadability with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

Hexyldecyl Stearate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturize and improve the feel of skincare products without clogging pores.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefit; safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic brightening ingredient that works by slowing melanin production, but research is still emerging compared to more established alternatives.

A gentle emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, with low irritation potential.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Hexylene glycol is a safe, effective humectant and solvent that helps products feel lightweight and absorb well, but it can cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare last longer, but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but its use is limited by regional regulations and potential environmental concerns.

Hexylglycerin is a gentle, multifunctional ingredient that boosts preservative effectiveness while providing light skin conditioning.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds fragrance but may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant floral-woody scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Hexyloxodecanamide MEA is a synthetic surfactant that helps create rich lather in cleansers, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

A synthetic cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may be drying for sensitive skin.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, green note to products but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic antioxidant that helps defend skin against environmental damage, but research is still emerging compared to more established antioxidants.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, green scent to products but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Hexyloxyethanol is a synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients dissolve and boosts preservative effectiveness, but it may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.

Hexylresorcinol is a gentle, effective skin brightener that works by slowing melanin production and fighting oxidative stress, making it a good alternative to stronger brighteners like hydroquinone.

A synthetic silicone that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stressors, though research is still emerging.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, though human studies are limited and it's best known for traditional use.

Hiba wood oil is a natural essential oil with promising antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits, but its strong scent and potential for skin irritation mean it's best used in low concentrations and patch-tested first.

A gentle, aromatic water from Hiba wood that may help calm skin and provide mild antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skin benefits is still limited.

Hibiscolide is a plant-derived active that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still early.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is still early.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, naturally scented oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though human studies are limited.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early — it's not a proven powerhouse yet.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, though human studies are still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm and protect skin, but research is still early.

A gentle fermented hibiscus ingredient that may offer mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but research is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that offers mild exfoliation and hydration, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, hydrating botanical water that adds a touch of antioxidant protection and a pleasant natural scent to skincare products.

A gentle plant-based exfoliant and antioxidant that can help brighten skin and support a smoother texture without harsh scrubbing.

A gentle, natural exfoliant that also provides antioxidant benefits, but may not suit very sensitive skin due to its physical texture.

A gentle, naturally astringent floral water that may help tighten pores and refresh skin, but lacks strong clinical evidence for most claims.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, best for calming sensitive skin and providing light environmental protection.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress without irritation.

A gentle plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A natural, gentle exfoliating powder from the hibiscus plant stem, ideal for physical scrubs without harsh microbeads.

A gentle, plant-derived water that provides light hydration and antioxidant benefits, but research on its specific skincare effects is still limited.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, though research on its specific skin benefits is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

A non-greasy, stable plant oil that hydrates and supports the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A lab-grown seaweed extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

A blend of Himalayan plants that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and mostly traditional.

A fragrant essential oil with a fresh, woody scent that may offer soothing benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A nutrient-rich brown seaweed powder that hydrates and soothes skin with antioxidants and minerals.

A gentle botanical extract from hinoki cypress that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress.

A gentle, aromatic water from the Hinoki cypress tree that may help soothe skin and provide a calming sensory experience, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, plant-derived antimicrobial that helps preserve formulas and may support acne-prone or sensitive skin without harsh side effects.

Hippuric acid is a gentle, naturally derived exfoliant with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited compared to more established acids.