Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Methenamine is a synthetic preservative that works by slowly releasing formaldehyde, which can be effective but raises concerns for skin sensitivity and long-term safety.

Methenammonium Chloride is a synthetic preservative that helps keep products fresh but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

A gentle silicone powder that gives a silky feel and helps control shine without clogging pores.

Methionine is a gentle antioxidant amino acid that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports natural repair processes.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but research is still emerging.

A lab-made peptide duo that may help smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness, but results vary and more human studies are needed.

A novel peptide blend that may support skin firmness and hydration, but human research is very limited.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help support collagen and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and repair, but research is still emerging.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still early.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but human studies are limited.

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging and results vary.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still early.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but human research is still limited.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human research is still limited.

A lab-made peptide blend that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human research is still limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and smooth fine lines, but research is still early and results vary.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still early.

A lab-made peptide blend that may help signal skin to look firmer and smoother, but long-term human data is still limited.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but research is still early.

A synthetic peptide complex that may help signal skin to appear firmer and smoother, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic peptide blend that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still emerging and results vary.

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but human data is still limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help signal skin to look firmer and smoother, but human studies are limited.

A lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and firm skin, but human studies are still limited.

A lab-made peptide blend that mimics spider silk to help skin feel firmer, but research is still early and benefits are not guaranteed.

Methotrexate is a potent prescription drug, not a cosmetic ingredient, and should never be used in skincare products.

A lab-made peptide that may help smooth wrinkles and firm skin, but research is still early and it's not a replacement for proven anti-aging ingredients.

A silicone polymer that forms a flexible, breathable film for long-lasting wear and water resistance without heavy buildup.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh note but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that provides a fresh scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh note but offers no skincare benefit; safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with antioxidant properties, generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a nutty, earthy scent to products but offers no skincare benefits.

Methoxy PEG-10 is a gentle, water-attracting polymer that helps keep skin hydrated and improves product texture, but it is synthetic and may be a concern for those avoiding PEGs.

A silicone polymer that forms a breathable, water-resistant film for smoother skin and longer wear.

A synthetic silicone polymer that improves product feel and spreadability without heavy residue.

A synthetic humectant that helps dissolve other ingredients and retain moisture, but offers no unique benefits over gentler alternatives.

A gentle, stabilized vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals with minimal irritation.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a flexible, non-sticky film on skin or hair.

A gentle, PEG-modified retinoid that may support smoother skin with less irritation than traditional retinol, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic silicone polymer that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A gentle, water-binding ingredient that helps keep products stable and skin hydrated, but its synthetic origin may not appeal to everyone.

A gentle, water-attracting polymer that helps keep skin hydrated without clogging pores, but may not suit those avoiding all PEGs.

A gentle synthetic polymer that helps products feel silky, spread evenly, and stay put without clogging pores.

A gentle, water-soluble derivative of birch bark betulin that helps condition skin and form a light protective film, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle film-forming ingredient derived from birch bark that helps skin feel smooth and protected, but research on its benefits is still limited.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly, feel silky, and stay put without clogging pores.

A synthetic humectant that helps keep skin hydrated and improves product texture, but may be less eco-friendly due to its PEG origin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in cleansers, but may not suit those avoiding PEGs.

A synthetic film-former that may help other ingredients stick to skin, but its large molecule size limits penetration and its safety data is still emerging.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and form a light, flexible film on skin or hair, but its high molecular weight limits skin penetration and its safety data is still emerging.

A gentle, stabilized vitamin C derivative that brightens and protects skin without the sting of pure L-ascorbic acid.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that mimics natural skin lipids to soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone that improves product texture and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.

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