Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps skin retain moisture and feel soothed, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.

A gentle seaweed powder that helps thicken and soothe formulas, but its benefits are mostly textural rather than active.

Iritone is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that may help calm irritated skin, but research is limited and it's not a proven powerhouse.

A safe, non-irritating mineral pigment that gives warm yellow tones to makeup and skincare tints.

A safe, non-irritating black mineral pigment that adds color to makeup and skincare without clogging pores.

A safe, widely used mineral pigment that adds red tones to makeup and skincare — unlikely to irritate or clog pores.

A safe, non-irritating mineral pigment that provides yellow color in makeup and skincare, widely accepted for sensitive skin.

A safe, non-irritating mineral pigment that provides black color in makeup and skincare.

Iron powder is a safe, non-irritating mineral colorant widely used in makeup for its stable, opaque pigment.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich hydrosol that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging.

A nourishing, non-greasy butter that softens skin and helps maintain moisture, but its high price and limited research on specific benefits are worth noting.

A lightweight, plant-based emollient that softens skin without clogging pores or feeling heavy.

A lightweight, plant-based emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores or leaving a heavy residue.

Isatin is a synthetic dye rarely used in mainstream skincare; it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals and has limited cosmetic research.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still emerging.

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and mostly traditional.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from woad seeds that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still early.

A lightweight, linoleic-rich oil that moisturizes without clogging pores, though research on its unique benefits is still emerging.

A gentle brown algae extract that helps hydrate and protect skin with antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Isoamyl acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a fruity scent; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

Isoamyl alcohol is a solvent and fragrance ingredient that can help products feel lighter, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh, green scent to products, but may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

Isoamyl Benzoate is a synthetic ester that adds a pleasant, fruity scent to products and helps condition the skin, with a low risk of irritation for most people.

Isoamyl Butyrate is a synthetic fruity-scented ester used in cosmetics for fragrance; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A plant-derived emollient that hydrates without heaviness, making it a great choice for oily or combination skin.

Isoamyl Cinnamate is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a warm, cinnamic scent to products, but it may be a potential skin sensitizer for some individuals.

A synthetic ester that adds a fruity scent to products; generally considered safe at low concentrations but lacks extensive skin-benefit research.

Isoamyl formate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, apple-like scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

Isoamyl Geranate is a gentle synthetic ester that adds a pleasant floral scent and light skin-conditioning feel, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

A lightweight synthetic ester that softens skin without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated.

Isoamyl hexanoate is a synthetic ester that adds a fruity apple-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits beyond fragrance.

A synthetic ester that adds a fruity, sweet scent to products; generally considered safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A mild synthetic ester that helps condition skin and adds a pleasant scent, generally safe for most skin types.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for lightweight formulas.

A silky, non-greasy emollient derived from meadowfoam seed oil that hydrates without clogging pores.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that helps other ingredients absorb better and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient from olive oil that hydrates and improves the feel of skincare products.

A lightweight, plant-based emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily and combination skin types.

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that is generally safe at low levels but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic sweet-scented ester that adds fragrance to products; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Isoamyl propionate is a synthetic fragrance ester that adds a fruity, sweet scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefit beyond scent.

A gentle, oil-soluble exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and enhance fragrance, but is less studied than salicylic acid.

Isoamyl Tiglate is a synthetic ester used to add a sweet, fruity scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oilier or acne-prone skin types.

Isobavachalcone is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still early.

Isobergamate is a synthetic fragrance that adds a citrusy scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Isoborneol offers a cooling sensation and mild antimicrobial benefits, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Isobornyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, pine-like scent to products, but it may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

A synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and leaves a light, non-greasy feel on skin.

Isobornyl Formate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, pine-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Isobornyl Isovalerate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a subtle woody note to products, but its main role is scent, not skin benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps nail products last longer, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Isobornyl Methyl Ether is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, pine-like scent; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Isobornyl Propionate is a lightweight synthetic emollient that helps skincare products spread smoothly without leaving a heavy or greasy residue.

Isobutane is a safe and effective propellant used in aerosol products, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral note but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.

Isobutoxypropanol is a synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients dissolve and spread, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Isobutyl acetate is a fast-evaporating solvent that helps products dry quickly, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin or when inhaled in high amounts.