Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle lipid that may help strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration, but research is still early.

An experimental ingredient with potential for light-activated delivery, but very limited safety and efficacy data in everyday skincare.

A gentle phospholipid that helps reinforce the skin's natural barrier and may calm sensitivity.

A mild, lipid-based ingredient that supports the skin barrier and helps keep moisture in without clogging pores.

Lysozyme is a gentle enzyme that helps control unwanted bacteria on the skin, making it a mild alternative to harsher antimicrobial ingredients.

Lysyl Ornithine is a gentle, amino-acid-based ingredient that may help calm irritated skin, but research is still early.

M-Aminophenol is a synthetic dye ingredient used in hair color to achieve cool, ashy tones, but it can be a skin irritant and allergen for some people.

M-Aminophenol HCl is a synthetic dye ingredient used in permanent hair color to create cool, ashy shades, but it can be a skin irritant for some people.

A synthetic hair dye intermediate that helps create cool, ash tones in permanent color, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

M-Cresyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral note to products, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic film-former that helps products spread evenly and feel smooth, but with limited published safety data.

M-Hydroxyanisole is a synthetic fragrance and antioxidant ingredient that can help stabilize formulas but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that is increasingly restricted due to potential skin sensitization and reproductive toxicity concerns.

M-Tolualdehyde is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds almond-like notes but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.

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

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

A gentle botanical oil with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits for skin is still limited.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early — it's more of a supporting ingredient than a star performer.

Maackiasin is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A gentle, water-based botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited.

Maca root powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

A mild, coconut- and macadamia-derived surfactant that cleanses gently, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin.

A gentle, water-friendly emollient that softens skin without feeling greasy, but the PEG modification may raise concerns for some sensitive users.

A gentle, fatty-acid-rich extract that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A non-greasy, nutrient-rich oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or mature skin.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that mimics the skin's natural lipids to improve softness and barrier function.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and helps blend oil and water in formulas, with a very low risk of irritation.

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures while leaving skin feeling soft.

A gentle, natural exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells without harsh microplastics, but may feel too gritty for sensitive skin.

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

A nourishing plant butter that softens and hydrates skin without feeling overly greasy, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A promising antioxidant from nutmeg that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Mace oil adds a warm, spicy scent to products and offers antioxidant benefits, but its potency means it can irritate sensitive skin if used too strong.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on human skin is still limited.

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

A gentle, non-greasy oil that helps soften and soothe skin, but research on its unique benefits is still limited.

A plant-based antioxidant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A plant-based antioxidant extract that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a powerhouse ingredient on its own.

A gentle botanical powder with traditional soothing and antioxidant potential, but scientific research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

Madecassic acid is a soothing, skin-repairing compound from Centella asiatica that helps calm irritation and support the skin barrier.

A gentle, research-backed soothing ingredient from cica that helps calm redness and support skin repair without irritation.

A gentle, fermented cleansing ingredient that removes dirt without stripping the skin.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is still early.

A gentle, lab-grown lily extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that may help calm and protect skin, though human studies are still limited.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle, lightly astringent floral water that adds a subtle lily scent and soothing feel to skincare products, but has limited research on specific skin benefits.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Madrox is a little-known ingredient with minimal published research; its benefits are unclear and it may be a trade name for a blend.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited—think of it as a supportive, not star, ingredient.

A gentle pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and skin-friendly, but offers no direct skin benefits.

A gentle antioxidant that pairs magnesium with a modified amino acid to help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

A safe mineral stabilizer and absorbent used in many cosmetics, but not a star active ingredient.

A safe, multi-mineral powder that helps control shine and improve product texture without common irritation concerns.