Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

MEA-Biotinate is a gentle, water-soluble form of biotin that may help strengthen hair and improve skin barrier function, but research is limited.

MEA-Borate is a mild pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and gentle, but it is not a star active ingredient.

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

A gentle coconut-derived surfactant that helps create a rich lather while being less harsh than traditional sulfates.

A gentle emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions without common irritation.

A modified collagen that helps hair and skin feel smoother and more hydrated, but its large molecule size limits deep penetration.

A silk protein derivative that helps hair and skin feel smooth and hydrated, but evidence is mostly anecdotal.

A gentle chelating agent that helps your skincare products stay effective longer by neutralizing troublesome metal ions.

A milder alternative to SLS that still provides good foam, but may still be drying for very sensitive skin.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A mild sulfate-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil but may still be drying for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, often used in sulfate-free and sensitive-skin formulas.

MEA-Sulfite is a synthetic reducing agent used in hair treatments and some skincare, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A strong reducing agent for permanent hair restructuring, but can be irritating and requires careful formulation and use.

A mild cleansing agent with antimicrobial properties, best for rinse-off products and acne-prone skin.

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

A mild, plant-based exfoliant derived from meadowfoam seed oil that gently resurfaces skin without the sting of stronger acids.

A silky, non-greasy emollient from meadowfoam seeds that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A non-greasy, stable plant oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning ingredient that softens hair and skin without heavy buildup or irritation.

A gentle botanical extract with soothing and antioxidant benefits, ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.

A mild botanical water that can help calm and refresh skin, but its astringent properties may be too drying for very sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle botanical extract from meadowsweet root that may help calm skin and tighten pores, but research is limited compared to more studied soothing ingredients.

Mealworm larva extract is an emerging, sustainable ingredient with potential moisturizing and antioxidant benefits, but research in human skincare is very limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from the Himalayas that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

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

MEL is an ambiguous label that likely refers to a melanin derivative or a typo; its benefits and safety are not well-documented.

A botanical extract with antimicrobial potential, but limited human studies and a risk of skin irritation at higher concentrations.

A fragrant essential oil with mild antimicrobial potential, best used in low concentrations to avoid skin irritation.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited compared to more common Melaleuca species.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited compared to more studied plant extracts.

A botanical essential oil with antimicrobial potential, but limited research and a risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

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

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and feel smooth, but offers no active skin benefits.

Melanin is a promising antioxidant and UV-protective ingredient, but its use in cosmetics is still emerging and not yet widely proven in human studies.

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

Melatonin is a potent antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental damage and support overnight repair, but more human studies are needed.

Melibiose is a gentle sugar humectant that helps hydrate the skin and may support a healthy skin microbiome, making it a promising alternative to traditional humectants.

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

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

Melilot Oil offers gentle soothing benefits and a pleasant herbal scent, but research on its cosmetic efficacy is still emerging.

Melissa Leaf Oil offers a calming, herbal scent and antioxidant benefits, but its potency means it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A mild, aromatic botanical water that can soothe the skin and provide antioxidant benefits, but its effects are gentle and not a substitute for targeted treatments.

Melissa oil offers a pleasant lemony scent and potential soothing benefits, but its high concentration of volatile compounds can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-based oil that softens skin and may offer mild antioxidant benefits, though research is still limited compared to more common seed oils.

Melittin is a bee venom peptide with promising lab research, but it's a strong irritant and not well-studied in cosmetic use—caution is advised.

Mellisic acid is a gentle wax-derived fatty acid that helps smooth and condition skin, but it's rarely used as a standalone active.

A gentle, fermented melon extract that provides antioxidant benefits and supports skin hydration without irritation.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract with limited but promising research; best as a supporting ingredient in antioxidant-rich formulas.

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

A gentle plant-root extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is still early.

Melozol Acetate is a synthetic emollient that helps soften and smooth skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores, though research on its long-term effects is limited.

Melozol Formate is a gentle synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily, but research on its long-term effects is still limited.

Melozone is a gentle peptide-based brightener that may help fade dark spots over time, but clinical evidence is still limited compared to more established ingredients.

Menadione is a synthetic vitamin K3 with limited skincare benefits and notable safety concerns, making it a less common and cautious choice in modern formulations.

Menaquinone-7 is a vitamin K2 form that may help firm skin and fade dark circles, but research in cosmetics is still early.

A refreshing mint extract that can provide a cooling sensation, but may irritate sensitive skin due to its menthol content.

A refreshing mint oil that can add a cooling feel to products but may irritate sensitive skin.

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