Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Kousou Ekisu is a gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it's best used as a supporting ingredient.

A gentle herbal extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is mostly traditional and lab-based.

A gentle botanical astringent that may help tighten pores and calm skin, but research is limited.

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

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited compared to more established ingredients.

Kudzu Root Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A traditional botanical root powder with antioxidant potential, but human skincare studies are limited.

A gentle plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Kukui nut oil is a gentle, non-greasy plant oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from New Zealand, best for soothing and protecting skin, though research is still emerging.

A gentle botanical root extract with traditional use for soothing skin, but modern cosmetic evidence is still limited.

Kumquat fruit water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that can help brighten and tone the skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still emerging compared to more established plant extracts.

Kunzea oil offers a pleasant, earthy scent and potential soothing benefits, but its essential oil nature means it can be irritating for sensitive skin and lacks strong research backing.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from an Australian berry that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit powder that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Kunzea seed oil is a gentle, non-greasy oil that helps soften skin and may offer mild antimicrobial benefits, but research is still limited.

A gentle seaweed extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still emerging and benefits are not yet well-established in human skin.

A gentle botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still emerging for cosmetic use.

A traditional seed oil with good moisturizing potential, but limited modern research and a moderate chance of clogging pores for some skin types.

A lab-grown plant extract that may help support skin firmness and radiance, but human research is still limited.

A plant-based ingredient with phytoestrogens that may support skin firmness and elasticity, but human studies are limited.

A fermented botanical extract with promising antioxidant properties, but research is still early and benefits are not yet well-established.

A gentle herbal extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not well-documented in Western skincare.

Kyounin Yu is a gentle herbal extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but scientific evidence is limited.

L-Allo-Ocimenol is a natural fragrance ingredient with limited research on skin benefits; it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

L-Carvyl Propionate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, minty scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

L-Menthanone adds a refreshing, cooling feel to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher levels.

A gentle synthetic cooling agent that gives a refreshing sensation without the strong mint smell, ideal for soothing products.

A traditional botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited modern research to confirm its benefits in skincare.

A fragrant essential oil with traditional use for soothing skin, but limited modern research and a moderate risk of irritation for sensitive skin.

A gentle, fat-free milk ingredient that hydrates and soothes skin, but its benefits are mild compared to more concentrated actives.

Laccase is a gentle enzyme that can help fade dark spots and even out skin tone without the harshness of some chemical brighteners.

A natural plant wax that helps create a smooth, protective film on skin and lips, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin, similar to lactic acid but without the exfoliating effect.

Lactamide DEA helps products feel creamy and foamy, but it's a synthetic ingredient with limited research on long-term skin benefits.

A gentle humectant that helps skin retain moisture and may improve texture, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and improves hair manageability without heavy buildup.

Lactate Dehydrogenase is a naturally occurring enzyme that may support skin barrier function, but its cosmetic benefits are still being explored and are not yet well-established.

Lactic acid is a gentle AHA that exfoliates dead skin cells while also attracting moisture, making it a great choice for dry or sensitive skin types looking for smoother texture.

A gentle, non-irritating moisturizing ingredient that helps soften and condition the skin without the potential sting of pure lactic acid.

A gentle film-forming polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen last longer without feeling heavy or sticky.

Lactide is a gentle, biodegradable exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and boost hydration without harsh irritation.

A gentle, naturally derived exfoliant and skin conditioner from fermented milk, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, milk-derived lipid blend that helps soften and condition the skin, ideal for dry or sensitive types.

A gentle milk protein that helps hydrate and soften skin, but may not suit those with dairy allergies.

A gentle milk protein extract that helps hydrate and temporarily smooth the skin, but may not suit those with dairy allergies.

Lactitol is a gentle, non-irritating humectant and mild exfoliant that helps hydrate and smooth skin without causing breakouts.

A gentle, fermented seaweed extract that helps calm irritation and boost hydration without clogging pores.

A gentle, probiotic-based exfoliant that helps smooth skin and support a healthy microbiome without harsh acids.

A gentle, fermented collagen ingredient that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

A gentle probiotic ferment that helps maintain a healthy skin microbiome and improve moisture retention.

A gentle, microbiome-friendly ingredient that helps hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier without irritation.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help support a healthy skin microbiome and soothe irritation, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, postbiotic ingredient that supports the skin's microbiome and helps calm irritation without live bacteria.

A gentle probiotic-mineral blend that may support a healthy skin microbiome, but research is still early and benefits are not guaranteed for everyone.

A gentle, probiotic-derived exfoliant that helps smooth skin and support a healthy microbiome without harsh irritation.

A gentle, fermented kelp extract that hydrates and soothes skin while supporting a healthy microbiome.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help balance your skin's microbiome and strengthen its natural defenses.