Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

PEI-45 is a synthetic film-former that helps products like mascara and hair gels stay put, but it's not a hydrating or active ingredient.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, generally considered safe at low concentrations.

PEI-700 is a synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, but it has limited safety data and can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Pelargonic acid is a mild fatty acid that helps cleanse and adjust pH, but can be slightly drying for sensitive skin.

A gentle, aromatic hydrosol that can help soothe and lightly tone the skin without harshness.

A lab-grown rose geranium extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

A gentle plant-based wax that adds richness and a subtle floral scent to skincare formulas without common irritation.

A gentle, aromatic botanical extract that may help balance oily skin and provide mild soothing benefits.

A gentle botanical extract with astringent and soothing properties, often used for its pleasant rose-like scent and potential to balance oily skin.

A gentle, naturally derived wax that helps thicken and stabilize balms and creams while adding a light floral scent.

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

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

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but research is still early.

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

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, best for sensitive or stressed skin.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare research is limited.

A skin-identical lipid blend that helps restore the moisture barrier and reduce water loss.

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skincare benefits is still emerging.

A gentle brown algae extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research on its benefits is still emerging.

A lab-grown marine algae extract that may help calm and protect skin, but research is still early.

Pennyroyal extract is a traditional herb with a strong scent, but it carries notable safety risks and is rarely recommended in modern skincare.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps soften hair and skin without heavy buildup, though research is limited.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-based conditioning ingredient that helps detangle hair and soften skin without heavy buildup.

Pentadecalactone is a synthetic musk that adds a pleasant, long-lasting scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those avoiding synthetic fragrances.

Pentadecane is a lightweight, natural emollient that gives skincare products a silky feel without clogging pores, making it a great choice for oily and sensitive skin types.

Pentadecyl alcohol is a gentle, non-drying fatty alcohol that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

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

A gentle synthetic solubilizer that helps blend oils and water in cleansers and makeup removers, with a low irritation profile.

Pentaerythritol is a gentle humectant that helps hydrate the skin and improve product texture without common irritation concerns.

A well-tolerated, non-greasy emollient that gives products a silky feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and stability without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that hydrates and softens skin with a lightweight, non-greasy finish.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturize and improve product feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky on skin, with a very low risk of irritation or clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

A sticky resin that helps makeup stay put, but may clog pores for some skin types.

A pine-derived resin that helps makeup and sunscreens stay put, but may feel tacky on some skin types.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oil-free or lightweight formulas.

A synthetic crosslinker that strengthens nail and hair formulas, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic antioxidant that helps keep your skincare products fresh and effective by preventing ingredient breakdown.

A synthetic film-forming polymer that helps skincare products spread smoothly and feel lightweight, with low irritation risk.

A gentle, plant-derived resin that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer without feeling heavy or sticky.

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without common irritation.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps nail polish and lip products last longer and resist chipping.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without greasiness, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and spreadability without clogging pores.

A lightweight, synthetic emollient that makes products feel silky and spread easily, with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A dual-action ingredient that softens skin while helping to absorb UV rays, but its sun protection role is limited and usually paired with other filters.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and helps products spread smoothly.