Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A mushroom-derived extract with early research suggesting antioxidant and soothing benefits, but human skincare studies are limited.

A promising natural UV filter and antioxidant from marine sources, but still emerging in human skincare research.

Myrcene is a plant-derived terpene with antioxidant potential, but its primary role in skincare is often as a fragrance component, and it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but offers no skincare benefits; best for those who enjoy a light, citrusy aroma.

Myrcenol is a fragrant terpene that adds a pleasant scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Myrcenyl acetate is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, citrusy note but offers no skincare benefits.

A fragrant plant oil with limited research; may offer antioxidant benefits but poses a moderate risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Myreth-10 is a gentle cleansing agent that helps products foam and rinse cleanly, but it is synthetic and may be drying for very sensitive skin.

A synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily, but may clog pores for some skin types.

A gentle cleansing agent that helps products foam and rinse cleanly, with a low risk of irritation for most skin types.

A mild synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly without greasiness, generally safe for most skin types.

A gentle surfactant that cleans effectively without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without a greasy feel.

A gentle surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but it's not a star ingredient on its own.

A synthetic emollient that makes products feel silky, but may clog pores for some skin types.

Myreth-3 Palmitate is a synthetic emollient that helps products feel smooth and spread easily, but it may be moderately comedogenic for acne-prone skin.

Myreth-5 is a gentle synthetic cleanser that helps products foam and rinse cleanly, but it may not suit those avoiding ethoxylated ingredients.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses without the harshness of traditional soaps, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, though research in cosmetics is still emerging.

A gentle, naturally derived leaf water that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited.

A gentle, plant-derived wax that adds richness and stability to formulas without common irritation concerns.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit juice that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild soothing benefits.

Myricetin is a plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental damage and support a more even complexion, though human studies are still limited.

A plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

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

Myristaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral, citrusy scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

An effective preservative and antistatic agent, but can be irritating to sensitive skin or eyes at higher concentrations.

An effective preservative but can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Myristamide DEA is a synthetic foam booster that can make cleansers feel richer, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin and has raised some environmental concerns.

Myristamide DIPA is a synthetic foam booster that helps create a rich lather, but it may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin types.

A mild foam booster that helps cleansers feel richer, but offers no direct skin benefit beyond texture.

Myristamide MIPA helps create rich lather in cleansers but may be slightly drying for sensitive skin.

A synthetic hair conditioner that helps detangle and soften hair, but has limited published safety data.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin barrier — ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps hair feel soft and skin feel smooth without heavy buildup.

A gentle synthetic conditioning agent that helps soften hair and reduce static without heavy buildup.

A gentle, effective surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a popular choice for sensitive skin formulas.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps hair feel soft and skin feel smooth without heavy buildup.

A synthetic conditioning agent that reduces static and softens hair, but may cause irritation or clog pores in sensitive individuals.

A mild, effective surfactant that helps create rich foam and improve product texture without stripping the skin.

A gentle surfactant that helps create rich lather and improve product texture without stripping the skin.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Myristic acid is a natural fatty acid that helps create a foamy lather in cleansers, but it can be drying or clog pores for some skin types.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

A gentle, sugar-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair without heavy buildup.

A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness by signaling collagen production.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

A synthetic peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with consistent use.

A well-studied peptide that may help soften fine lines by signaling skin to produce more collagen, but results are gradual and subtle.

A synthetic peptide that may help soften the look of expression lines and improve skin firmness with consistent use.

A gentle, fatty-acid-modified collagen that helps cleanse without stripping and leaves skin feeling soft.

A mild, skin-friendly cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin barrier.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A well-studied synthetic peptide that supports collagen production and helps reduce fine lines with low irritation risk.