Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer without feeling heavy.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky without greasiness.

A synthetic emollient that spreads easily, feels silky, and helps dissolve UV filters in sunscreens.

A silky, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A synthetic UV filter that effectively absorbs UV rays, but its use is limited to certain regions due to regulatory differences.

A synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, generally considered safe and effective in approved concentrations.

A synthetic ester that helps dissolve and stabilize UV filters in sunscreens, generally considered safe and non-irritating.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

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

A powerful preservative that is a common contact allergen; best avoided by those with sensitive skin.

Methylcinnamonitrile is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a cinnamon-like scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Methylcinnamyl alcohol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that provides a floral scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Methylcyclohexanedione is a synthetic antioxidant that helps protect products from oxidation, but its benefits for skin are not well-studied.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a floral note but offers no skincare benefit and may be a concern for those avoiding fragrance.

A lightweight silicone that gives a silky, smooth feel without heavy residue, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral note but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant floral note but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a pleasant floral note but offers no skincare benefit and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a warm, sweet note to cosmetics but offers no skin benefit.

A synthetic musk used for scent; generally safe at low levels but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A widely used synthetic fragrance that adds a pleasant jasmine-like scent to products, with a low risk of irritation for most people.

A highly effective, photostable broad-spectrum UV filter that is gentle on skin and leaves minimal white cast.

A reliable synthetic antioxidant that protects product freshness but offers minimal direct skin benefit.

Methylene glycol is a controversial preservative that releases formaldehyde; it is effective but can cause irritation and is best avoided by sensitive individuals.

A synthetic hair dye intermediate that helps create long-lasting color but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic hair dye intermediate that helps create long-lasting color but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A classic conditioning ingredient that smooths hair and reduces static, but its animal-derived source and limited eco-profile may not suit everyone.

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

A synthetic antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV-related damage, though human studies are still limited.

A common synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral-spicy note but can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

A promising synthetic antioxidant that helps defend skin from pollution and UV damage, though research is still emerging.

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines and support firmer-looking skin, but research is limited to lab and small human studies.

Methylethanolamine is a synthetic pH adjuster that helps balance product acidity, but it can be a skin irritant at higher concentrations.

A gentle silicone derivative that smooths skin and hair without heavy buildup, but its methyleugenol component warrants caution for sensitive individuals.

Methylfurfural is a natural antioxidant compound with limited research in skincare; it may offer some protective benefits but can be irritating at high levels.

A gentle pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and comfortable on the skin.

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without common irritation.

Methylheptadienone is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Methylheptanone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, banana-like scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Methylheptenone Isomers are synthetic scent ingredients that add a fresh note to products but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated and non-comedogenic.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily or combination skin types.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a pleasant floral-green note, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic humectant that helps skin retain moisture, but research on its long-term effects is still limited.

A synthetic hair dye ingredient that can deliver deep color but carries a high risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions.

A powerful but controversial preservative that is a common allergen; many prefer to avoid it.

Methylmethionine is a gentle, soothing amino acid derivative that may help calm irritation and support skin barrier function, though research is still emerging.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited research; generally considered safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps soften skin without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated.

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

Methyloctenyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, fruity 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 antioxidant that helps stabilize formulas, but research on its skin benefits is limited.

Methylparaben is an effective, low-irritation preservative, but some consumers avoid it due to concerns about endocrine disruption.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

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

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefits and may irritate sensitive skin.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant fragrance but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.