Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic peptide that may help soften fine lines by signaling skin to produce more collagen, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, similar to but milder than neurotoxins.

A lab-made peptide that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness, but human studies are still limited.

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce the look of fine lines and improve skin firmness, though research is still emerging.

Noneth-8 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but it may be mildly irritating for sensitive skin.

A nutrient-dense ingredient that may support skin hydration and soothing, but human skincare research is still emerging.

Nonfat dry milk extract is a gentle skin softener that provides light moisture and a soothing feel, but it offers limited active benefits compared to more concentrated dairy ingredients.

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant from noni leaves that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage.

Noni leaf juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Noni leaf powder is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still emerging.

A lab-grown noni root extract that offers antioxidant and soothing benefits with minimal irritation risk.

Noni root extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Noni seed oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich emollient that helps soften and protect the skin without clogging pores.

A gentle physical exfoliant from noni seeds, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

A synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify, but may be irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Nonoxynol-9 is a harsh synthetic surfactant and spermicide that can irritate skin and disrupt the skin barrier; it is not recommended for routine skincare.

A synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and stabilize formulas, but may be irritating for sensitive skin and is best suited for rinse-off products.

A gentle thickening agent that improves product texture and stability, generally safe for most skin types.

Nonyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ester that adds a floral, fruity scent; it is generally safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefit.

Nonyl alcohol is a gentle fatty alcohol that helps soften and smooth skin without the drying effects of short-chain alcohols.

A synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers, but may be drying for sensitive skin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps products rinse cleanly, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be irritating for sensitive skin at high concentrations.

Nonyl Nonoxynol-5 is a synthetic surfactant that can help cleanse and emulsify, but it has raised environmental and skin irritation concerns.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers work effectively, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

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

Nootka cypress wood oil adds a woody, earthy scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive skin and has limited research on skincare benefits.

A grapefruit-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress while adding a pleasant citrus scent.

Nopol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a woody, pine-like scent, but it has limited published safety data and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Nopyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant woody-floral scent, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Norbimatoprost can boost eyelash length and thickness, but it may cause irritation and darkening of the eyelid skin or iris.

A silicone polymer that helps makeup and skincare stay put without feeling heavy or greasy.

A potent plant antioxidant that helps defend skin against environmental stress and may support a brighter, more even complexion.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Nortapluprost is a synthetic ingredient that can help eyelashes appear longer and fuller, but it may cause irritation and requires careful use.

Norvaline is a synthetic amino acid that may help support skin firmness and microcirculation, but research is limited and it is not a proven anti-aging ingredient.

A gentle, biotech-derived cyanobacterium extract that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, though research is still early.

A hydrating, soothing extract from a unique cyanobacterium, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

A gentle algae extract that helps hydrate skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm and protect skin from environmental stress.

A gentle, plant-based powder that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, but more human studies are needed.

Nutmeg Fruit Extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and it may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Nutmeg Fruit Oil adds a warm, spicy scent and offers antioxidant benefits, but its strong fragrance and potential for irritation mean it's best used in low concentrations and avoided by sensitive skin.

Nutmeg Fruit Powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its coarse texture and potential for irritation mean it's best used with care in rinse-off products.

Nutmeg kernel extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its topical use is still limited.

Nutmeg Kernel Oil adds a warm, spicy scent and may help with blemishes, but it can irritate sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

A natural emollient blend that softens skin and adds a warm, spicy scent, but may irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Nutmeg powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and a warm, spicy scent, but can irritate sensitive skin if used too frequently or in high amounts.

A natural, gritty powder that buffs away dead skin cells, but may be too harsh for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Nylon-11 is a safe, non-irritating powder that gives makeup a silky feel and helps control shine without clogging pores.