Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A refreshing essential oil that adds a minty scent to products, but may irritate sensitive skin if used at high concentrations.

A gentle mint extract that can provide a cooling sensation and mild soothing benefits, but is used more for sensory appeal than potent skincare action.

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

A synthetic cooling agent that creates a refreshing, minty sensation without actual temperature change, ideal for post-exercise or warm-weather products.

A synthetic cooling agent that provides a refreshing, non-minty cooling sensation, ideal for soothing or invigorating skincare products.

A synthetic cooling ingredient that delivers a refreshing, non-minty sensation without the strong odor or volatility of menthol.

Menthol provides a cooling, tingling sensation but can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Menthone provides a cooling, minty feel in skincare but can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

A gentle, long-lasting cooling ingredient that adds a refreshing sensation without the strong odor or irritation of menthol.

Menthyl acetate provides a mild cooling sensation without the strong minty odor of menthol, making it a gentle option for refreshing skincare products.

Menthyl Anthranilate is a gentle UVA sunscreen ingredient, but it is less common and not as broad-spectrum as newer alternatives.

A synthetic cooling agent that provides a long-lasting, non-minty cooling feel, ideal for after-sun or refreshing skincare products.

A gentle synthetic cooling ingredient that provides a refreshing sensation without the strong minty smell or potential irritation of menthol.

Menthyl isovalerate is a gentle synthetic cooling ingredient that provides a refreshing sensation without the strong minty smell or potential irritation of menthol.

Menthyl lactate is a gentle cooling ingredient that provides a refreshing sensation without the strong minty smell, making it ideal for sensitive skin or products where fragrance is minimized.

Menthyl nicotinate creates a temporary warm or tingly feeling by increasing blood flow to the skin, but it offers no lasting cosmetic benefit and can irritate sensitive skin.

Menthyl PCA offers a gentle, long-lasting cooling sensation without the strong minty odor of menthol, while also helping to hydrate the skin.

A gentle synthetic cooling ingredient that adds a refreshing feel to skincare without the strong mint scent or irritation potential of menthol.

A gentle, cooling emollient that hydrates and soothes without greasiness, ideal for sensitive or overheated skin.

Menthyl salicylate creates a cooling tingle on skin, but can be irritating for sensitive types and is not a proven treatment for pain or inflammation.

Menthyl Succinate is a gentle, synthetic cooling ingredient that provides a refreshing sensation without the strong minty smell or irritation potential of menthol.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; best for those who tolerate fragrance well.

Mercaptopropionic acid is a potent chemical used in professional hair treatments and depilatories, but it carries a high risk of skin and eye irritation and is not recommended for regular at-home use.

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited compared to more established antioxidants.

A gentle red algae extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, though research is still emerging.

Meroxapol 105 is a synthetic ingredient that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify without stripping the skin, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A mild synthetic ingredient that helps mix oil and water in cleansers, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Meroxapol 172 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in cleansers and lotions, with low irritation potential.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps blend oil and water in cleansers, generally well-tolerated but not a standout active ingredient.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps blend oil and water in cleansers, generally well-tolerated but not a standout active ingredient.

Meroxapol 252 is a gentle synthetic surfactant that helps blend oil and water in cleansers, but it offers no direct skin benefit beyond cleansing.

Meroxapol 254 is a gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and stabilize formulas, but it's not a star active ingredient.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps blend oil and water in cleansers, generally considered gentle and low-irritation.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps blend oil and water in cleansers, with low irritation potential.

Meroxapol 311 is a gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but it offers no direct skin benefit beyond cleansing.

Meroxapol 312 is a gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but it offers no direct skin benefit beyond cleansing.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps blend oil and water in cleansers, with low irritation potential.

Mesitylene is a synthetic solvent with limited cosmetic use; it may pose irritation risks and is not a common skincare ingredient.

A gentle botanical oil with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Mesua Ferrea Oil is a natural essential oil with antioxidant and soothing potential, but its strong aroma and limited research mean it's best used in low concentrations and patch-tested first.

A synthetic plasticizer found in some nail products; its safety data is limited and it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic preservative with limited public research; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Metaphosphoric acid is a gentle pH adjuster that helps keep skincare formulas stable and skin-friendly, but it is not a primary active ingredient.

Meteorite powder adds a subtle shimmer and trace minerals to cosmetics, but its benefits are largely aesthetic and not backed by strong skincare research.

Methacrylamide is a synthetic monomer used to create durable films in nail and hair products, but it can be a skin sensitizer and is best avoided in leave-on facial skincare.

A synthetic conditioning polymer that helps detangle and soften hair without heavy buildup.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen last longer and feel smoother, with a low risk of irritation.

Methacrylic acid is a strong synthetic monomer used in nail products and adhesives; it can be irritating and is not a typical skincare ingredient.

A synthetic polymer that helps create a smooth, spreadable texture and can leave a light, flexible film on skin or hair.

A synthetic polymer that helps create a smooth, silky feel on skin and improves product texture without known irritation.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare last longer, but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A gentle synthetic polymer that creates a smooth, breathable film on skin for better product feel and wear.

A synthetic ingredient that helps nail and hair products stick better and last longer, but may cause irritation for sensitive users.

A synthetic ingredient that helps nail polish and hair products stick better and last longer, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic ingredient that helps nail and hair products stick better and last longer, but with limited safety data.

A silicone polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A biotech peptide inspired by deep-sea microbes that may help support skin firmness and reduce signs of aging, though human research is still limited.