Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Pandan leaf oil adds a pleasant natural fragrance and mild antioxidant benefits, but its strong aroma and limited research mean it's best for those who enjoy botanical scents and have no fragrance sensitivities.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

A gentle, aromatic plant extract with antioxidant potential, but limited research on its specific benefits for skin.

A plant-derived compound with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but human skincare research is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin, but scientific research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle, vitamin B5-derived ingredient that helps calm irritation and support the skin barrier — a good option for sensitive or reactive skin.

Pantethine is a gentle, moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5 that helps support the skin barrier and calm irritation.

Panthenol is a well-tolerated humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin while supporting the skin barrier.

Panthenyl Ethyl Ether is a gentle, modified form of vitamin B5 that helps hydrate and condition skin without the stickiness of traditional humectants.

A gentle, advanced version of panthenol that helps hydrate and soothe skin with better absorption than standard pro-vitamin B5.

A gentle, modified form of vitamin B5 that helps condition skin and hair with a silky feel, but research on this specific derivative is limited.

A gentle, panthenol-derived conditioning ingredient that improves hair softness and manageability without heavy buildup.

A gentle, microbiome-friendly ingredient that may help calm sensitive skin and strengthen the skin barrier, though research is still early.

A gentle, probiotic-based ingredient that may help calm skin and support a balanced microbiome, though research is still early.

Pantolactone is a gentle humectant that helps skin retain moisture and improves product texture, but it's less studied than its parent compound, panthenol.

Pantothenamide MEA is a gentle, vitamin B5-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin without common irritation.

Pantothenic acid is a gentle, water-soluble vitamin that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a solid choice for most skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, hydrating blend of vitamin B5 and yeast peptides that helps calm and moisturize the skin.

A synthetic peptide that pairs vitamin B5 with amino acids to help strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration, though research is still emerging.

Papain is a gentle enzyme exfoliant from papaya that helps soften and smooth skin by dissolving dead cells, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin if overused.

A dual-action ingredient that gently exfoliates dead skin cells while helping to calm and hydrate the skin.

A gentle enzyme exfoliant that helps smooth skin without harsh scrubbing, but may not be suitable for very sensitive or compromised skin.

A gentle, probiotic-based exfoliant that brightens and hydrates without harsh chemicals.

Papaya Fruit Water offers gentle hydration and mild enzymatic exfoliation, but its benefits are less concentrated than papaya extract or pure enzymes.

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

A gentle plant extract that may help even out skin tone and protect against environmental damage, but more human studies are needed to confirm its brightening effects.

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but human research is still limited.

A gentle plant extract that may help even skin tone and protect against environmental damage, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still early.

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

A gentle, plant-based extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Parabens are effective, low-irritation preservatives, but consumer concerns about potential endocrine disruption have led many brands to seek alternatives.

Parabens are effective preservatives with a long safety record, but concerns about hormone disruption have led many to seek paraben-free alternatives.

A gentle, algae-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin while forming a light protective film.

A gentle microalgae extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Paraffin is a highly effective moisturizer that seals in hydration, but it can feel heavy and may clog pores for some skin types.

A novel marine microalgae extract with potential antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still emerging.

Paraxanthine is a caffeine relative that may help firm skin and improve microcirculation, but research in topical cosmetics is still limited.

A gentle, water-dispersible emollient that softens skin without a greasy feel, suitable for most skin types.

A mild, plant-based emulsifier and emollient that helps create stable, creamy formulas while softening the skin.

A traditional herbal extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but human skin research is very limited.

A gentle, plant-derived prebiotic that helps hydrate skin and support a healthy microbiome without irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Parsley extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that can help calm skin and provide a subtle brightening effect, but its benefits are modest compared to more potent actives.

Parsley Herb Extract offers antioxidant benefits and mild soothing effects, but its concentration in formulas is typically low, limiting its standalone impact.

Parsley Leaf Oil adds a fresh herbal scent and antioxidant benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Parsley Leaf Powder brings antioxidant and soothing benefits to skincare, but its effectiveness in finished products depends heavily on formulation and concentration.

A gentle plant stem cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human research is still limited.

Parsley Seed Extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from pollution and UV damage, but it's not a substitute for sunscreen.

Parsley Seed Oil is a gentle antioxidant-rich oil that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Parsnip root extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Parsnip Root Juice is a mild, water-based ingredient that adds light hydration and soothing benefits, but it lacks strong clinical backing compared to more established humectants.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that helps calm skin and protect against environmental stressors.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients spread evenly, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle conditioning agent that helps soften hair and skin without heavy buildup, but its palm oil source raises sustainability questions.

A gentle, lab-grown passion fruit ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps soothe skin and protect against environmental damage, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though research is still early.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.