Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, plant-derived oil with traditional use for soothing skin, though modern research is still limited.

A gentle, marine-derived ferment that supports skin hydration and barrier function without irritation.

A gentle, hydrating ingredient from marine bacteria that supports skin moisture and resilience.

Alumina is a safe, effective abrasive for exfoliation and texture, but can be irritating if particles are too large or used too aggressively.

Aluminum acetate is a mild astringent that can help soothe minor skin irritations, but it is not a common everyday skincare ingredient and may cause dryness or irritation with overuse.

Aluminum behenate is a safe, synthetic thickener and stabilizer that helps keep makeup and creams smooth and consistent.

Aluminum Benzoate is a synthetic colorant and opacifier with limited skincare benefits and potential concerns about aluminum absorption.

Aluminum bromohydrate is a common antiperspirant active that effectively reduces sweat but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A safe, non-irritating mineral pigment that adds opacity and subtle color to makeup, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Aluminum Caprylate is a safe, synthetic thickener and stabilizer that helps maintain product texture but offers no direct skin benefit.

A collagen-based ingredient that helps control shine and smooth skin texture, but its aluminum content raises mild precaution for sensitive skin.

Aluminum chloride is effective at reducing sweat but can cause irritation and has raised safety questions; use with caution on sensitive skin.

Aluminum chlorohydrate is an effective antiperspirant that blocks sweat glands temporarily, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin and has been the subject of ongoing safety debates.

A common antiperspirant active that effectively reduces sweat but may cause irritation for sensitive skin and has ongoing safety discussions.

A common antiperspirant ingredient that effectively reduces sweat but may cause irritation for some and has been the subject of safety debates.

Aluminum citrate works as an astringent and antiperspirant, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin and raises environmental concerns.

Aluminum Diacetate works as an astringent to tighten skin and reduce sweat, but it can be drying and may irritate sensitive skin.

A synthetic thickener and stabilizer that helps keep formulas smooth and consistent, but it's not a skincare active.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in creams and lotions, giving them a smooth, non-greasy feel.

Effective at reducing underarm sweat, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin and has been the subject of long-standing safety debates.

A common antiperspirant active that effectively reduces sweat but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A common antiperspirant active that effectively reduces sweat but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A safe and effective thickener and stabilizer that improves product texture and shelf life, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A safe, synthetic thickener and opacifier that improves product texture and stability without major skin concerns.

Aluminum Distearate is a safe, synthetic thickener that helps keep creams and makeup smooth and stable, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

Aluminum Glycinate helps reduce sweat and tighten skin, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

A semi-synthetic ingredient that helps cosmetics feel smooth and stay put, but its animal-derived origin may not suit everyone.

A safe, mineral-based colorant that adds opacity and a matte finish to makeup, with a strong safety record.

A safe, non-irritating mineral that improves product texture and opacity but offers no direct skin benefit.

A synthetic UV filter that provides broad-spectrum sun protection with a low irritation profile, commonly used in sunscreens and daily SPF products.

A mineral blend that improves texture and feel in powders, but with limited research on its specific benefits.

A safe, non-irritating mineral pigment that adds coverage and texture to makeup, but offers no skincare benefits.

Aluminum isopropoxide is a synthetic stabilizer rarely used in leave-on skincare; it may pose irritation risks and is best avoided in sensitive skin products.

A synthetic thickener and stabilizer that improves product texture and feel, generally considered safe for most skin types.

A synthetic thickener and stabilizer that improves product texture and shelf life, generally considered safe for most skin types.

A synthetic thickener and stabilizer that helps keep makeup and creams smooth and consistent, but its aluminum content raises mild safety questions for some users.

A synthetic thickener and stabilizer that helps create smooth, creamy textures in makeup and skincare, but its aluminum content raises questions for some users.

A synthetic thickener and stabilizer that helps keep makeup and creams smooth, but may be moderately pore-clogging for some.

A safe and effective thickener and stabilizer that helps create smooth, creamy textures in makeup and skincare, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions, generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Aluminum Lactate works as an astringent to reduce sweat and tighten pores, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Aluminum Lanolate is a waxy stabilizer that helps keep water and oil mixed, but it may not suit acne-prone skin due to its moderate comedogenic potential.

Aluminum Methionate works as an astringent and antiperspirant, but its safety is debated and it may irritate sensitive skin.

Aluminum Myristate is a synthetic thickener and opacifier that improves product texture but may be moderately comedogenic for acne-prone skin.

A safe, functional thickener and opacifier that helps give products a creamy texture and uniform appearance.

Aluminum PCA effectively reduces sweat and tightens skin, but its aluminum content raises concerns for sensitive or irritated skin.

Aluminum Phenolsulfonate works as an astringent and antimicrobial to reduce sweat and odor, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A safe, FDA-approved metallic pigment for sparkle, but not a skincare active.

Aluminum salts are effective antiperspirants but have been the subject of safety debates; current evidence supports their safety in cosmetics at regulated levels.

A common antiperspirant ingredient that effectively reduces underarm wetness but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrex PEG is a common antiperspirant active that effectively reduces sweat but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A common antiperspirant ingredient that effectively reduces sweat but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A safe, non-irritating mineral that helps control oil and improve product texture, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A safe, non-irritating powder that soaks up excess oil and gives a smooth, silky feel to makeup and skincare.

Aluminum Stearate is a safe, widely used texture enhancer that helps keep makeup smooth and stable, but it has no direct skin benefit.

A safe, effective thickener and emulsifier that improves product texture without common irritation concerns.

A gentle barrier-forming ingredient that helps soothe and protect compromised or irritated skin.

Aluminum sulfate works as an astringent to tighten skin and reduce sweat, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and raises environmental concerns.

Aluminum Triformate works as an astringent to reduce sweat and tighten pores, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Aluminum Triphosphate is a safe, low-irritation stabilizer that helps maintain product pH and texture, but it offers no direct skin benefit.