Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still early.

A lab-made peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but human studies are limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are still limited.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still early and results can vary.

A safe, effective pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and gentle on skin.

Aminomethyl Propanol is a common pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and effective, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin at high concentrations.

A synthetic molecule that may help support hair density and reduce shedding by encouraging healthy follicle activity.

A synthetic molecule that may help skin cells communicate better, but research is still early and it's not a proven anti-aging powerhouse.

Aminopeptidase is a gentle enzyme exfoliant that helps smooth skin by breaking down dead surface proteins, but it is less common and less studied than other exfoliating enzymes.

A synthetic hair dye intermediate that can help achieve specific shades but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Aminophylline is a drug ingredient that may offer temporary skin-firming effects, but it has limited cosmetic evidence and a moderate risk of irritation.

Aminopropanediol is a gentle pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and comfortable on the skin.

A gentler, more stable vitamin C derivative that brightens and protects skin without the sting or short shelf life of pure L-ascorbic acid.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that helps products stay put without feeling heavy or sticky.

A novel synthetic ingredient that may offer antioxidant protection, but research is very limited and it is rarely found in mainstream products.

A mild synthetic surfactant and pH adjuster that helps create gentle, non-stripping cleansers.

A gentle silicone that smooths hair cuticles and reduces frizz without heavy buildup, but may not suit very fine or low-porosity hair.

A gentler, more stable version of kojic acid that helps fade dark spots and even out skin tone without the irritation of the original.

A gentle, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A silicone-derived film former that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a soft, matte finish without clogging pores.

A synthetic cooling ingredient that delivers a refreshing, mint-like sensation without the strong odor or potential irritation of menthol.

A synthetic ingredient that may support collagen and firmness, but research is still early and it's not widely used yet.

A lightweight silicone that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A gentle, water-friendly vitamin E derivative that delivers antioxidant protection without the greasy feel of standard vitamin E.

A synthetic silicone compound that helps makeup and skincare last longer by forming a flexible, water-resistant film on skin or hair.

A silicone-like film former that can help soothe and protect the skin, but research is still limited.

A synthetic UV filter that offers broad-spectrum protection, generally well-tolerated but with limited long-term data.

A behind-the-scenes stabilizer that protects your products from metal contamination, but not a direct skin benefit ingredient.

Ammonia is effective for hair coloring but can be irritating to the scalp, eyes, and respiratory tract; many gentler alternatives exist.

Ammonium acetate is a safe, low-irritation pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and gentle on skin.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A safe, effective film-former that gives hair flexible hold and helps skincare products resist water and sweat.

A reliable synthetic thickener that gives water-based products a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A reliable synthetic thickener that gives water-based products a silky, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic thickener that creates a smooth, non-sticky gel texture without clogging pores.

A versatile synthetic thickener that creates a smooth, non-sticky gel texture and helps stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

A reliable synthetic thickener that gives products a silky, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic thickener that helps create a smooth, non-sticky gel texture in skincare products.

A safe, effective synthetic thickener that gives water-based products a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A reliable synthetic thickener that gives water-based products a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, seaweed-based thickener that helps create smooth, stable formulas without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Ammonium alum works as an astringent and antiperspirant, but may irritate sensitive skin and raises concerns about aluminum absorption.

Ammonium benzoate is a synthetic preservative that helps keep products fresh, but it may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived cleansing agent that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin or hair.

Ammonium bicarbonate is a synthetic pH adjuster that helps keep formulas stable, but it can be irritating at high concentrations and has a strong odor.

Ammonium bisulfite is a chemical reducing agent used in professional hair treatments, but it can be irritating and is not common in everyday skincare.

A strong cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentler alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate, but can still be drying for sensitive skin.

A strong foaming cleanser that can be drying for sensitive or dry skin.

A synthetic ingredient that helps products resist water and oil, but raises environmental concerns due to its perfluoroalkyl structure.

A synthetic surfactant with strong water-repellent properties, but its safety and environmental impact are under scrutiny due to its perfluoroalkyl structure.

A gentle cleansing agent that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

Ammonium carbamate is a synthetic pH adjuster with limited direct skin benefits and moderate irritation potential at higher concentrations.

Ammonium carbonate is a functional pH adjuster that can be irritating at high concentrations, but is generally safe in well-formulated products.

A milk protein that forms a light film on skin or hair, offering temporary smoothing and conditioning, but may not suit those with dairy allergies.

Ammonium chloride is a safe pH adjuster and thickener in small amounts, but can be irritating at high concentrations.

A gentle, coconut-derived cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin.