Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the sting of pure ascorbic acid.

A gentle, stable vitamin C option that brightens skin and supports hydration without the irritation of pure ascorbic acid.

A gentle, stabilized vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals with less irritation than pure L-ascorbic acid.

A gentle, stable form of vitamin C that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the irritation of pure ascorbic acid.

Magnesium Aspartate is a gentle, hydrating mineral salt that helps support skin barrier function and soothe irritation.

Magnesium Benzoate is a gentle preservative that helps keep products fresh, but it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive individuals.

Magnesium bromide is a gentle mineral salt that may help calm irritated skin, but research is limited and it's not a mainstream ingredient.

A safe, non-irritating mineral powder that absorbs oil and moisture, commonly used in deodorants and loose powders.

A gentle mineral powder that helps absorb oil and improve product texture, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A gentle, water-loving ingredient that hydrates and calms the skin, ideal for sensitive or irritated skin types.

Magnesium chloride is a gentle mineral salt that helps hydrate, calm, and support the skin barrier, but it can feel drying if overused or used in high concentrations.

Magnesium citrate is a gentle, water-soluble salt that can help exfoliate and hydrate skin without the irritation of stronger acids.

A milder sulfate surfactant that effectively cleanses but may still be drying for sensitive skin.

A gentler sulfate cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while being less stripping than sodium lauryl sulfate.

A gentle, coconut-derived soap ingredient that cleans without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Magnesium fluoride is a mineral salt used mainly as a bulking or abrasive agent in cosmetics; it offers no proven skincare benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle humectant that pulls moisture into the skin and may help calm irritation, but research is still limited.

A gentle, water-soluble form of magnesium that helps calm skin and support its natural barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle mineral salt that delivers magnesium to the skin, potentially supporting barrier repair and calming irritation.

A gentle, well-absorbed form of magnesium that may help calm stressed skin and support a healthy moisture barrier.

Magnesium hydride is a novel ingredient that releases hydrogen gas on contact with water, but its skincare benefits are not well-established and it may cause irritation.

Magnesium hydroxide is a gentle mineral pH adjuster and oil absorber, but can be drying for some skin types.

An effective synthetic cleanser that can be drying for sensitive skin; best for normal to oily skin types.

A gentle, hydrating magnesium salt that supports skin barrier function without clogging pores.

Magnesium Lanolate is a gentle emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams, but may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

A mild thickening and opacifying agent that helps give products a creamy, opaque appearance without major skin concerns.

A gentler alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin.

A mild, sulfate-free surfactant that effectively cleanses while being gentle on the skin barrier.

A milder alternative to traditional sulfates, but still a surfactant that may not suit ultra-sensitive skin.

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

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

A gentle, sulfate-based cleanser that effectively removes impurities while being less harsh than traditional sulfates.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kinder to sensitive skin than traditional sulfates.

A moderately gentle sulfate surfactant that effectively removes dirt and oil but may still be drying for sensitive or dry skin.

A promising plant antioxidant with early research suggesting it may help calm and protect skin, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

A safe, non-irritating mineral pigment that provides color and some UV protection, but its effectiveness as a sunscreen ingredient is limited compared to zinc oxide or titanium dioxide alone.

A mild, coconut-derived cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A milder sulfate surfactant that cleanses effectively but may still be too drying for very sensitive or dry skin.

Magnesium Myristate is a safe, non-irritating powder ingredient that gives makeup a silky feel and helps products glide on smoothly.

Magnesium nitrate is a safe, low-irritation mineral salt that helps preserve formulas and improve feel, but it's not a star active ingredient.

A mild cleansing agent that can effectively remove impurities but may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

Magnesium oxide is a safe, non-irritating mineral that helps absorb excess oil and adjust product texture, but it offers no direct skin benefit beyond formulation support.

Magnesium Palmitate is a safe, synthetic ingredient that improves the feel and appearance of makeup and skincare products without major skin concerns.

A mild, amino-acid-based cleansing agent that effectively removes dirt and oil while helping skin feel soft and hydrated.

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

Magnesium peroxide releases oxygen to help kill bacteria and whiten skin, but it can be irritating and is rarely used in modern leave-on skincare.

Magnesium phosphate is a safe, low-irritation mineral salt that helps keep your skincare products stable and at the right pH, but it doesn't directly improve your skin.

An abrasive mineral that can help polish teeth or exfoliate skin, but may be too harsh for sensitive skin or frequent use.

Magnesium Propionate is a gentle preservative that helps keep products fresh while offering mild skin-conditioning benefits, but it is not as widely studied as some alternatives.

A milder cousin of salicylic acid that exfoliates and calms skin, making it a good option for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Magnesium silicate is a safe, gentle mineral that helps absorb oil and improve product texture, but it may be drying for very dry skin.

Magnesium Sodium Fluorosilicate is a synthetic mineral salt used mainly as an anti-caking agent in powders, but it has limited research on skin benefits and may pose irritation risks at higher concentrations.

A safe, non-irritating binder that helps pressed powders hold their shape, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A gentle mineral salt that can soothe tired muscles and calm irritated skin when used in baths or masks.

A gentle, natural cleansing ingredient derived from tallow that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin.

An effective hair-removal chemical, but can be irritating and has a strong odor.

A safe, talc-like mineral that helps absorb oil and improve product texture, but it's not a standout active ingredient.

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

A gentle botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

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