Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Laureth-4 is an effective emulsifier and cleanser, but it can be moderately irritating and potentially pore-clogging for some skin types.

A mild surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but may cause irritation for very sensitive types.

Laureth-4 Phosphate is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.

A mild cleansing and emulsifying agent, but can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Laureth-5 is a mild cleansing and emulsifying agent, but may be slightly drying or irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Laureth-5 Butyl Ether is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in products, but it may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, large-molecule surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, but may not be ideal for those avoiding ethoxylated ingredients.

Laureth-6 is a gentle surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but it may be too drying for very sensitive or dry skin if used in high concentrations.

A gentle, effective surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Laureth-6 Citrate is a gentle, citrate-modified surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Laureth-7 is a mild surfactant and emulsifier that helps products spread and rinse cleanly, but it is not a star active ingredient for skin benefits.

A gentle surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but may not suit those avoiding ethoxylated ingredients.

Laureth-7 Tartrate is a gentle surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin types.

Laureth-8 is a workhorse emulsifier that helps products spread and rinse clean, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin in high concentrations.

A gentle, non-stripping surfactant that cleanses effectively without disrupting the skin barrier.

Laureth-8 Phosphate is a mild, semi-synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify without stripping the skin, but it may not suit those avoiding ethoxylated ingredients.

Laureth-9 is a common cleansing and emulsifying agent, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Lauric acid is a natural fatty acid that helps cleanse skin and may have mild antimicrobial benefits, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic conditioning agent that helps products feel smoother and less drying, but it's not a standout active ingredient.

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin barrier.

Laurocapram is a synthetic ingredient that boosts absorption of other actives, but its use in consumer skincare is limited due to potential irritation and regulatory caution.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that effectively cleanses while respecting sensitive and dry skin.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.

A gentle, sugar-derived surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

A mild chelating agent that helps your products stay effective and feel fresh by neutralizing unwanted metal ions.

A gentle, coconut-derived conditioning ingredient that helps detangle and soften hair without heavy buildup.

A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while respecting your skin's barrier.

A gentle, protein-based cleansing and conditioning ingredient that adds softness without stripping the skin or hair.

A gentle, modified protein that adds a temporary smoothing and conditioning feel to skin and hair, but does not restore lost elastin.

A mild, skin-friendly surfactant that cleanses without stripping, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin.

Lauroyl Lysine is a gentle, amino-acid-based powder that gives cosmetics a silky, smooth feel without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A gentle, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without disrupting the skin barrier.

A gentle, biodegradable surfactant that cleans effectively without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A film-forming polymer that helps products stay put longer and feel smoother, but it's not a star active ingredient.

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

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

A synthetic polymer that helps cosmetics stay put, especially in water-resistant formulas, with a low risk of irritation.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is limited to lab and small-scale studies.

A synthetic peptide designed to support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.

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

A mild, conditioning cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that cleans effectively without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive and dry skin.

A gentle, synthetic amino-acid derivative that helps reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier and improve hydration.

A synthetic conditioning agent that reduces static and softens hair, but may cause irritation for sensitive scalps at higher concentrations.

A gentle synthetic emollient that softens skin and helps carry fragrance, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Lauryl Acrylate is a synthetic building block used in polymers for film-forming and water resistance, but it may be a skin sensitizer in its raw form.

A synthetic polymer that forms a flexible, water-resistant film on skin, commonly used in sunscreens and long-wear makeup to improve durability and texture.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put on skin and hair, but offers no active skincare benefit.

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

A gentle fatty alcohol that softens skin and helps products feel smooth without clogging pores.