Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

2-Octanol is a mild fatty alcohol that helps dissolve other ingredients and can boost preservative effectiveness, but it's not a primary active ingredient.

2-Octenal is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh, green scent but can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

2-P-Cresylethanol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with mild preservative-boosting properties, generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

2-Pentanol is a solvent alcohol that can help dissolve other ingredients but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; generally considered low risk at typical use levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

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

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant fruity-woody note but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic cooling agent that adds a refreshing feel but may irritate sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

A synthetic cooling and minty fragrance ingredient that can add a pleasant sensation but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

A synthetic cooling agent that adds a fresh, minty scent to products; generally well-tolerated but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at high levels.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh, minty scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, woody note but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A gold-standard prescription retinoid for acne and aging, but requires careful introduction due to irritation.

2-Undecenenitrile is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, citrus-like scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

2-Undecenol is a synthetic fragrance and antimicrobial ingredient used in tiny amounts, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic floral fragrance aldehyde that adds a pleasant hyacinth note but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A lightweight humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product feel, with a low risk of irritation.

A synthetic scent molecule that adds a fresh note but offers no skincare benefit; safe at low levels but unnecessary for most routines.

A synthetic preservative that helps prevent microbial growth, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

A synthetic hair dye intermediate that helps create certain shades but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic hair dye ingredient that creates red tones but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits and may trigger sensitivities in some people.

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

2,4-Xylenol is an effective preservative but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

A gentle, plant-based exfoliant that may help brighten skin without the irritation of stronger acids.

An effective preservative that helps keep products fresh, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin at higher levels.

A synthetic dye ingredient that helps create cool, ashy hair colors but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, floral scent but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic hair dye intermediate that can effectively color hair but may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic hair dye intermediate that can effectively color hair but carries a significant risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions.

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

A synthetic fragrance alcohol that adds a fresh floral note but offers no skincare benefit and may be unnecessary for sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a warm, nutty aroma; generally safe at low levels but offers no skin benefit.

2,6-Xylenol is a synthetic preservative that helps keep products fresh, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin at higher levels.

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

A synthetic antioxidant that helps stabilize color in hair dyes, but with limited research on long-term skin safety.

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

A synthetic hair dye intermediate that helps create certain shades but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic hair dye intermediate that helps create specific shades but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic hair dye intermediate that helps create certain shades but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle, less-studied exfoliant that may help smooth skin texture with minimal irritation, but lacks the extensive research of AHAs or BHAs.

A synthetic UV filter that is effective but controversial due to potential endocrine concerns and regulatory restrictions.

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the irritation of pure L-ascorbic acid.

3-Carene is a natural antioxidant found in essential oils, but its strong scent and potential for skin irritation mean it's best used in low concentrations and may not suit sensitive skin.

3-Decenol is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits; it is generally safe at low levels but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

3-Ethylphenol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a phenolic, medicinal scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

3-Ethylpyridine is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a distinct note to products, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle, stable vitamin C option that brightens skin and fights free radicals with less irritation than pure ascorbic acid.

3-Heptanol is a synthetic fragrance alcohol that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit; it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, green note to products but offers no skincare benefit.

3-Hexenal is a natural green-leaf scent used in fragrances; it can be a skin sensitizer at higher levels, so it's used in tiny amounts.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a green, fruity scent; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A naturally derived scent ingredient that gives products a fresh, green aroma with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle exfoliating acid that may help smooth skin texture with minimal irritation, but research is still limited.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity or floral note; generally considered safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefit.

A synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at high concentrations.

A synthetic scent ingredient that can make products smell pleasant but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a fruity or floral note; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.