Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleans effectively without stripping the skin.

A mild, coconut-derived surfactant that cleans effectively without stripping the skin, making it a popular sulfate-free alternative.

A mild synthetic helper that keeps cleansing formulas clear and stable, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A gentle silicone surfactant that cleanses while leaving hair and skin feeling soft, but may not suit those avoiding silicones entirely.

A mild-ish synthetic cleanser that helps products foam and remove dirt, but may be drying for very sensitive skin.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without clogging pores.

A behind-the-scenes stabilizer that protects your products from metal-induced degradation, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Ammonium fluoride is effective for cavity prevention in toothpaste but is not used in leave-on skincare due to irritation concerns.

Ammonium fluorosilicate is a fluoride source used in oral care for cavity prevention, but it is not a typical skincare ingredient and can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.

A milder form of glycolic acid that exfoliates and smooths skin with less sting, but still requires sun protection and gradual introduction.

A gentle, licorice-derived ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and reduce redness without harsh side effects.

A gentle, salt-modified collagen that coats hair and skin to reduce frizz and add temporary softness, but its effects are not permanent.

Ammonium hydroxide is a common pH adjuster that helps other ingredients work better, but it can be irritating at high concentrations.

Ammonium Iodide is an uncommon cosmetic ingredient with limited benefits and potential skin irritation risks; most consumers can safely avoid it.

Ammonium Isostearate is a mild cleansing agent that helps mix oil and water, but it may cause irritation for very sensitive skin.

Ammonium lactate is a milder, less acidic alternative to straight lactic acid that hydrates and gently exfoliates, making it suitable for dry or sensitive skin.

A strong foaming cleanser that can strip the skin's natural oils, best for oily or resilient skin types.

A common foaming cleanser that is milder than SLS but can still be drying for sensitive skin.

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

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

A gentler relative of SLS that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin or scalp.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A milder relative of SLS that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin as harshly.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleans effectively while being kinder to sensitive skin than traditional sulfates.

A strong, effective cleanser that can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, but is generally safe in rinse-off formulas.

A mild, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Ammonium molybdate is a mineral salt that provides molybdenum, but its benefits in skincare are unproven and it may cause irritation at higher concentrations.

A well-studied fluoride compound that helps strengthen tooth enamel and reduce cavity risk when used in oral care products.

A common foaming cleanser ingredient that is generally milder than SLS but can still be drying for sensitive skin.

A common foaming cleanser ingredient that is generally milder than sodium lauryl sulfate but can still be drying for sensitive skin.

A gentle cleansing agent that helps create foam and remove impurities without stripping the skin.

A moderately effective synthetic cleanser that can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, but is generally safe in rinse-off formulas.

Ammonium Oleate is an effective cleanser and emulsifier, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin due to its soap-like nature.

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

A synthetic emulsifier that helps formulas spread evenly and resist water, but it belongs to a chemical family under environmental scrutiny.

Ammonium Persulfate is an effective hair bleach but can cause severe skin and respiratory irritation; it is not recommended for sensitive individuals or at-home use without precautions.

Ammonium Phenolsulfonate works as a deodorant by reducing odor-causing bacteria, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Ammonium phosphate is a safe, low-irritation pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and effective.

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions while also softening the skin.

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

Ammonium Propionate is a mild preservative and pH adjuster that helps keep products stable and microbe-free, but it is not as widely studied as more common preservatives.

A natural film-former from shellac that helps hold styles and create water-resistant layers, but may feel stiff or heavy in high concentrations.

A mineral complex that helps control moisture and odor, but its silver content requires cautious use.

Ammonium Stearate is a safe, mild emulsifier that helps creams and lotions feel smooth and stay mixed, but it can be drying for very sensitive or dry skin.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without clogging pores or irritating skin.

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

Ammonium sulfate is a common pH adjuster and mild cleansing agent, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin or scalp.

Ammonium sulfite is an effective reducing agent for hair restructuring but can be irritating and has a strong odor, making it more common in salon treatments than daily-use products.

Ammonium thiocyanate is a synthetic salt used in professional hair waving and straightening products; it is not a skin-conditioning ingredient and can be irritating if misused.

Ammonium thioglycolate is a potent chemical that permanently reshapes hair, but it requires careful handling due to its strong odor and potential for skin and eye irritation.

A strong chemical that breaks hair bonds for removal or straightening, but can irritate skin and requires careful use.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, but may feel stiff or heavy on some skin types.

A synthetic polymer that gives hair flexible hold without flaking, commonly found in styling sprays and gels.

A mild synthetic helper that keeps formulas stable and clear, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Amniotic fluid extract is a novel, biotech-derived humectant with limited research; it may offer hydration benefits but lacks strong evidence for unique advantages over more established ingredients.

A futuristic ingredient that shows promise for skin repair and anti-aging, but human studies are still limited and regulatory oversight is evolving.

Amodimethicone is a gentle silicone that coats hair to reduce frizz and add shine without heavy buildup.

A gentle, water-dispersible silicone that smooths hair and softens skin without heavy buildup or irritation.

A gentle, modified silicone that smooths hair and skin without the heavy feel or buildup of standard silicones.