Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Nylon-12 is a safe, non-irritating synthetic powder that gives makeup a silky feel and blurs imperfections without clogging pores.

A synthetic optical brightener that makes products appear whiter or brighter, but with limited safety data and no proven skincare benefit.

A synthetic powder that helps makeup and skincare glide on smoothly and stay put, with a low risk of irritation.

Nylon-6 is a safe synthetic ingredient that improves the feel and wear of makeup and skincare, but it has no active skin benefits.

Nylon-611 is a safe, non-irritating synthetic powder that gives makeup and skincare a silky, smooth finish while absorbing excess oil.

A synthetic film-forming polymer that gives a silky, smooth feel and helps makeup last longer without clogging pores.

Nylon-66 is a safe, non-irritating synthetic powder that improves the feel and wear of makeup, but it is not biodegradable.

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

A gentle, biotech-derived antioxidant from water lily cells that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

O-Allyloxyanisole is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited public safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

O-Aminophenol is a synthetic hair dye intermediate that helps create specific colors but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

O-Anisaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, floral scent to products but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

O-Cresyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle synthetic preservative that helps keep your skincare products fresh and safe without common irritation.

o-Tolualdehyde is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a cherry-like scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

O-Tolyl Biguanide is an effective preservative but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Oak bark extract is a natural astringent and antioxidant that can help tighten pores and protect skin from environmental damage, but it may be drying for some skin types.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits for skin is still limited.

Oak Gall Extract is a natural astringent that may help tighten pores and control oil, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin types.

Oak Root Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle, natural wood distillate that may help calm and clarify skin, but research is still emerging.

Oakmoss extract is a classic natural fragrance ingredient with a rich, earthy scent, but it is also a common allergen that can cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

Oat bran is a gentle, natural ingredient that soothes and moisturizes the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin types.

Oat bran extract is a gentle, natural ingredient that helps calm irritation and support the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

A gentle, probiotic-based ingredient that helps calm irritation and strengthen the skin barrier, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

A gentle, plant-based juice that helps calm irritation and hydrate the skin, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from oat hulls that polishes skin without harsh microbeads, ideal for sensitive skin types.

Oat kernel extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that soothes and hydrates sensitive or irritated skin without clogging pores.

Oat kernel flour is a gentle, soothing ingredient ideal for sensitive or irritated skin, offering mild exfoliation and moisture retention.

A gentle, natural exfoliant and skin soother that's especially kind to sensitive and dry skin types.

Oat kernel oil is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens and soothes dry or sensitive skin without clogging pores.

Oat kernel protein is a gentle, hydrating ingredient that supports the skin barrier and soothes dryness without irritation.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps calm irritated skin and supports the skin barrier.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from oat leaves and stalks that helps calm and protect sensitive or irritated skin.

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm irritated skin and provides antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

Oat meal extract is a gentle, natural ingredient that calms irritation and supports the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Oat meristem cell extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and support a youthful appearance, though human studies are limited.

Oat protein extract is a gentle, moisturizing ingredient that helps soothe and protect the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Oat seed water is a gentle, hydrating ingredient that helps calm sensitive or irritated skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from oat sprouts that helps soften and protect the skin without clogging pores.

Oat straw extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and protect against environmental stress.

Oatamide MEA is a mild, oat-based ingredient that helps cleansers foam gently while leaving skin and hair feeling soft and conditioned.

A gentle, plant-based surfactant that cleans without stripping, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A mild, plant-derived conditioning ingredient that smooths hair and reduces static without heavy buildup.

A marine-inspired peptide that may help firm skin and reduce fine lines, but research is still limited compared to more established peptides.

Ocimene is a natural fragrant terpene that adds a fresh, herbal scent to products, but it may cause skin sensitivity in some people, especially at higher concentrations.

Ocotea Quixos Leaf Oil adds a warm, spicy scent and offers antimicrobial benefits, but its moderate irritation risk means it's best for those without sensitive skin.

A gentle plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

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

A gentle, waxy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin while supporting the moisture barrier.

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores, making it a safe choice for most skin types.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability in hair products, with a low risk of irritation.

Octadecane is a safe, lightweight emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

A synthetic emollient that makes products feel silky and spread easily, but offers no active skincare benefits.

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

A gentle film-forming polymer that improves product feel and wear, with very low irritation potential.

A gentle, plant-derived alternative to hydroquinone that helps fade dark spots and even out skin tone without the irritation.

A synthetic fluoride compound used in toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities, but not typically found in skincare.