Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, synthetic brightener that targets hyperpigmentation without the irritation of stronger alternatives.

A synthetic antioxidant that helps defend skin from pollution and UV-related damage, with early research suggesting it may also help brighten skin.

A gentle, lab-made ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and reduce redness without harsh side effects.

A promising synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from pollution and UV damage, but research is still early.

A synthetic antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, but research is still early.

A gentle, synthetic brightener that works by slowing melanin production, offering a milder alternative to hydroquinone.

A gentle yet effective retinoid that works like retinoic acid without the typical redness and peeling.

A synthetic ester that helps nail polishes and hair products form flexible, durable films without making them brittle.

Hydroxyproline is a collagen-building amino acid that may help firm and hydrate skin with minimal irritation risk.

A gentle peptide-like ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and hydration with low irritation risk.

An effective film-former for nail products, but not a common or recommended ingredient in everyday facial skincare due to potential irritation and limited benefit.

A gentle, amino-acid-based conditioner that helps repair damaged hair and skin without weighing them down.

A mild, amino-acid-derived conditioner that smooths hair without heavy buildup, ideal for fine or sensitive scalps.

A gentle, synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce frizz and static while improving the feel of hair and skin.

A gentle synthetic conditioning agent that helps detangle and soften hair without heavy buildup, but may not suit those avoiding quaternary ammonium compounds.

A gentle synthetic conditioner that smooths hair and softens skin without heavy buildup.

A synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve the feel of hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A gentle synthetic ingredient that helps hair feel soft and smooth without heavy buildup, but it's not a star performer on its own.

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning ingredient that reduces static and improves manageability without heavy buildup.

A gentle synthetic ingredient that helps condition skin and stabilize formulas, with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle synthetic conditioner that improves feel and manageability without heavy buildup.

A gentle synthetic conditioner that reduces static and softens hair without heavy buildup.

A synthetic conditioning agent that helps reduce static and improve manageability, but its iodine content raises mild safety questions for sensitive skin.

A gentle silicone derivative that smooths skin and locks in moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone derivative that improves product texture and skin feel, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle silicone emollient that improves product texture and skin feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle silicone-based stabilizer that helps keep formulas smooth and well-mixed without clogging pores.

A silicone polymer that helps makeup and skincare last longer and feel smooth, with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A safe, effective thickener that gives gels and creams a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning polymer that reduces frizz and static without heavy buildup.

A mild, starch-based conditioning polymer that reduces static and adds softness without heavy buildup.

A synthetic film-former that helps nail polish and some cosmetics resist wear and water, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle, plant-based thickener that gives products a smooth, non-greasy feel without clogging pores.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that helps products spread smoothly and stay put without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived thickener that improves texture and stability without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning agent that reduces frizz and static without weighing hair down, also suitable for sensitive skin.

A synthetic ingredient that targets dark circles by reducing pigmentation and improving microcirculation, best for under-eye use.

A gentle, biotech-derived humectant that boosts skin hydration and supports a healthy moisture barrier without irritation.

A gentle, synthetic humectant that draws moisture into the skin without the stickiness of glycerin, making it a good option for lightweight hydration.

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning ingredient that adds softness and manageability to hair without heavy buildup.

A synthetic violet dye for hair color, generally safe in rinse-off formulas but may cause irritation for sensitive scalps.

A gentle, amino-acid-based humectant that helps hydrate and soothe skin without irritation.

A safe, plant-derived thickener that gives products a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps stabilize formulas.

A gentle, semi-synthetic thickener and stabilizer that improves product texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A gentle silicone derivative that smooths skin and hair without heavy buildup, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle silicone that improves product feel and spreadability with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients blend and spread, but has limited direct skin benefit and is best reserved for nail and hair formulas.

A gentle, sugar-derived humectant that helps hydrate skin without stickiness, suitable for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the sting of pure ascorbic acid.

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning ingredient that improves hair and skin feel without heavy buildup.

A gentle, protein-derived conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and smooth hair without heavy buildup.

A gentle, positively charged honey derivative that helps hair and skin retain moisture and reduces static without the stickiness of raw honey.

A gentle, high-performance hyaluronic acid derivative that sticks to skin better than standard HA for deeper, longer-lasting hydration.

A gentle, protein-based conditioning ingredient that helps strengthen hair and improve manageability with low irritation risk.

A gentle, modified collagen that adds slip and softness to hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning agent that helps detangle hair and reduce static without heavy buildup.

A gentle, positively charged keratin derivative that bonds to damaged hair to improve strength, smoothness, and manageability without buildup.

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning agent that helps reduce frizz and improve manageability without heavy buildup.

A gentle, modified silk protein that smooths hair and reduces static without heavy buildup.

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning ingredient that helps hair feel soft and smooth without heavy buildup.