Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Methyl alcohol is a harsh solvent that can be drying and irritating; it is generally avoided in leave-on skincare and is more common in industrial or nail products.

A novel synthetic ingredient with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that is generally safe at low levels but may cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic soothing ingredient that helps calm reactive skin and reduce visible redness without irritation.

Methyl amyl ketone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, banana-like scent, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

Methyl anthranilate is a grape-like scent ingredient that is generally safe at low levels but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.

A gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle, synthetic amino acid derivative that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, but research is still emerging.

A gentle emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

Methyl benzoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits; safe for most but may cause sensitivity in some.

A synthetic UVA filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but its use is limited to certain regions and may not be as widely studied as other filters.

Methyl Benzoylformate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited research on skin benefits; it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic UVB filter that protects skin from sunburn, but its use is restricted in some countries due to safety concerns.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent; generally considered safe at low levels but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that provides a pleasant scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.

Methyl butyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity scent to products; it is generally safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefits.

Methyl Canolate is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, synthetic brightener that works by slowing pigment production, making it a good option for those who find stronger brighteners irritating.

A gentle, synthetic brightener that targets uneven skin tone and dark spots without the irritation of stronger alternatives.

Methyl Caprylate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut or palm oil that improves product texture and skin feel.

A synthetic ingredient that helps stabilize formulas and may offer mild antioxidant benefits, but research is still emerging.

Methyl Cinnamate is a gentle, plant-derived fragrance ingredient with some soothing potential, but it may cause sensitivity in very rare cases.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that effectively cleanses while respecting the skin barrier.

A mild, plant-derived emollient that helps moisturize and soften skin without clogging pores.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, fruity scent; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ester with limited public data; generally considered safe at low concentrations used in cosmetics.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits and may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Methyl Decenol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh floral note, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but is less common in modern formulations due to availability of newer alternatives.

A gentle, plant-derived ester that helps condition skin and dissolve other ingredients, but it's not a star performer on its own.

A synthetic antioxidant that helps keep your skincare products fresh and effective by preventing ingredient breakdown.

A coconut-derived surfactant that helps cleanse and condition, but may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.

Methyl Diethanolamine is a synthetic pH adjuster that helps keep formulas stable, but it can be a mild irritant for sensitive skin.

A pine-derived ester that helps dissolve other ingredients and leaves a smooth feel, but is not a standout active for skin benefits.

A widely used synthetic fragrance that adds a pleasant jasmine-like scent to products, but offers no direct skin benefit and may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

A synthetic preservative helper that keeps products fresh and stable, but it's not a star active ingredient for your skin.

A gentle silicone that smooths hair and skin without the heavy feel of traditional silicones.

A synthetic cooling agent that provides a refreshing sensation without the volatility of menthol, making it a gentler alternative for sensitive skin.

A synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but its use is limited to certain regions and may not be as widely studied as other filters.

A synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but its use is limited to certain regions due to regulatory differences.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, minty note to products but offers no skincare benefits and may be unnecessary for sensitive skin.

A synthetic cooling fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, minty feel but offers no skincare benefits and may irritate sensitive skin.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh floral note but offers no skincare benefit and may trigger sensitivity in some.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, citrus-like scent to products; generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no active skincare benefits.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits; generally safe at low concentrations.

A synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but its use is less common than newer alternatives.

A mild synthetic conditioner that helps detangle and soften hair without heavy buildup.

A plant-derived emollient blend that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a fruity or sweet scent; generally safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefit.

A gentle, plant-derived thickener that improves product texture and stability without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but its use is limited to certain regions and formulations.

Methyl Furoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A mild, non-sticky humectant that pulls water into the skin, making it a great alternative to glycerin for those who dislike tackiness.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, making it a great choice for oily and acne-prone skin types.

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas while also softening the skin.

A mild, effective cleanser that’s great for sensitive and dry skin types.

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that creates stable, non-greasy formulas without clogging pores.

A mild, sugar-derived emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight formulas without stripping or clogging pores.