Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A mild, sugar-based humectant that pulls water into the skin without stickiness, making it a great alternative to glycerin for lightweight hydration.

Maltose is a gentle, natural humectant that helps attract and hold moisture in the skin without irritation or clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based oil that helps soften and hydrate skin without clogging pores, though research is still limited.

A protein hydrolysate that may temporarily smooth and plump skin, but its source and limited research mean it's not a standout ingredient for most routines.

Mamushi oil is a traditional emollient with anecdotal benefits, but it lacks modern scientific backing and may pose ethical and allergy concerns.

A mild, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still emerging.

A natural, biodegradable physical exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells, but its irregular particle shape can be too harsh for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A gentle antioxidant-rich botanical blend that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

A gentle plant extract that provides antioxidant protection and a subtle botanical scent, but research on its specific skin benefits is still limited.

Mandarin Leaf Oil adds a fresh citrus scent to products but may irritate sensitive skin; its skincare benefits are not well-studied.

Mandarin Orange Fruit Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may brighten the complexion.

Mandarin orange juice offers gentle antioxidant and exfoliating benefits, but its natural acidity and potential for phototoxicity require careful formulation.

Mandarin Orange Peel Oil adds a fresh citrus scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially in sunlight.

A gentle, aromatic water from mandarin oranges that offers mild skin conditioning and a refreshing feel, but lacks strong scientific backing for major skin benefits.

Mandarin Peel Extract offers antioxidant protection and a gentle citrus scent, but its benefits are best supported by general citrus research rather than mandarin-specific studies.

Mandarin Peel Oil adds a fresh citrus scent and mild astringent action, but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to natural limonene content.

Mandarin Peel Powder offers gentle physical exfoliation with antioxidant benefits, but its gritty texture and potential for irritation mean it's best suited for occasional use in rinse-off products.

A gentle AHA that exfoliates and brightens skin with less irritation than glycolic acid, making it ideal for sensitive or darker skin tones.

Mandrake root extract is a botanical ingredient with a long history in folklore but very limited modern scientific support for skincare benefits.

Manganese Acetylmethionine is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

Manganese aspartate is a trace mineral antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Manganese chloride is a trace mineral that may support antioxidant defenses in skin, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Manganese Citrate is a gentle mineral antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

A novel synthetic manganese complex with theoretical antioxidant benefits, but very limited research and no established safety or efficacy data in cosmetics.

Manganese dioxide is a safe mineral colorant used in makeup, but it has no proven skincare benefits beyond color and a slight absorbent effect.

Manganese glycerophosphate is a gentle mineral salt that may support antioxidant activity in skincare, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Manganese glycinate is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Manganese oxide is a safe mineral pigment that adds color to makeup and may offer mild antioxidant benefits, but it's not a star skincare active.

Manganese sulfate is a trace mineral that helps your skin's natural antioxidant system, but it's used in tiny amounts and is not a standout ingredient on its own.

A gentle peptide that may help firm skin and calm irritation, but human research is still limited.

Manganese Violet is a safe, non-irritating colorant that adds a muted purple hue to makeup, but it offers no skincare benefits.

Mangiferin is a gentle plant antioxidant that may help calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress, but human studies are still limited.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that helps makeup and skincare products last longer without feeling heavy or greasy.

Mango pulp extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and hydrate skin, but its benefits are mostly from its nutrient content rather than any unique active.

A nourishing, non-greasy butter that softens skin and helps protect the moisture barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A nourishing, non-greasy plant oil that softens skin and helps maintain moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle, water-friendly emollient that adds slip and softness without greasiness, ideal for rinse-off and leave-on products.

A gentle, plant-based amino acid blend that helps hydrate and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Mangosteen bark extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Mangosteen peel powder is a natural antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

A gentle antioxidant-rich powder from mangosteen rind that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

A gentle antioxidant blend from mangosteen rind that helps shield skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores.

Mangostin is a plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation, though more human studies are needed.

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

A mineral-rich clay from a unique geological site, Manicouagan Clay helps absorb excess oil and impurities without over-drying, making it a gentle option for most skin types.

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

Manketti oil is a gentle, non-greasy plant oil that deeply hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, making it a great choice for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, water-soluble emollient derived from manketti oil that helps soften and condition skin without a greasy feel.

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water while leaving skin soft and smooth.

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm and hydrate the skin, though research is still emerging.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Mannan is a gentle, plant-derived sugar that helps hydrate and soothe skin by forming a protective film.

A gentle, sugar-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without stripping the skin.

Mannitan Oleate is a gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare without common irritation.

Mannitol is a gentle, water-binding sugar alcohol that helps hydrate skin and offers mild antioxidant protection without irritation.

Mannose is a gentle sugar humectant that helps hydrate skin by attracting moisture, with some research suggesting it may support collagen production.

Mantis extract is a novel, insect-derived ingredient with potential antioxidant benefits, but current evidence is very limited and it is not widely used or studied in skincare.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps calm and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.