Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A high-tech film former that helps products resist water and feel silky, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-tech film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic fluorosilicone that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A specialized silicone-fluorocarbon hybrid that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-performance film former that helps products resist water and sweat, but its synthetic nature and potential environmental persistence raise some concerns.

A high-tech film former that provides a silky, water-resistant finish, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-tech film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-tech silicone-fluorocarbon hybrid that helps products glide on smoothly and resist water, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic film-former that helps products resist water, sweat, and oil, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic film-former that helps products resist water and wear longer, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic film-former that helps products resist water and sweat, but its perfluoroalkyl chemistry raises environmental persistence concerns.

A lightweight silicone that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A high-performance film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic fluorinated ingredient that forms a protective film on skin, but its safety data is limited and environmental persistence is a concern.

A synthetic fluorinated ingredient that forms a breathable film on skin to lock in moisture and protect against environmental stressors.

A synthetic fluorinated film-former that creates a breathable, water-resistant barrier on the skin without feeling heavy.

Perfluoropropane is a safe, inert gas that can create a temporary cooling or plumping sensation on skin, but its cosmetic benefits are short-lived and not backed by strong evidence.

Perfluorotetralin is a synthetic fluorinated liquid that may help deliver oxygen to the skin, but its benefits are still being studied and it is not a mainstream ingredient.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract with limited but promising research; best for those seeking natural, low-irritation skincare ingredients.

A plant extract with promising antioxidant and soothing potential, but currently lacks robust human studies to confirm its effectiveness in skincare.

A lesser-known botanical extract with potential antioxidant benefits, but research is very limited.

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are still limited.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from perilla flowers that helps soften skin and may calm irritation, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress.

Perilla leaf extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe skin and defend against environmental stress.

A gentle fermented ingredient that may calm irritation and provide antioxidant benefits, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder that may help calm and protect the skin, though more human studies are needed.

Perilla leaf water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich hydrosol that can help soothe and protect the skin, though research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps soothe and nourish skin without clogging pores.

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

A nourishing, non-greasy oil that hydrates and calms skin, with a good safety profile for most skin types.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from perilla seed cake that may help soothe and nourish the skin.

Perillaldehyde is a natural fragrant compound with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, but its use in skincare is limited and may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

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

Perillyl alcohol is a natural aromatic compound with some antioxidant promise, but it's used in tiny amounts mainly for scent and may irritate sensitive skin.

Perlite is a natural volcanic mineral that helps absorb excess oil and gently exfoliate without being harsh on the skin.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

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

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that may help brighten and soothe skin with minimal irritation risk.

A gentle fermented fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still developing.

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

Persimmon fruit powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe skin and provide mild exfoliation, but it is not a potent active like vitamin C or retinol.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

A gentle botanical powder that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it is rarely used as a standalone active.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical water that hydrates and soothes skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited compared to more studied ingredients.

A synthetic polymer that creates a flexible, water-resistant film on skin or lashes to help makeup last longer.

Petrolatum is a time-tested, highly effective occlusive that locks in moisture and protects the skin barrier, with a strong safety record when properly refined.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are limited.

Pfaffia Glomerata Root Juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

A gentle silicone that coats hair strands for slip, shine, and manageability, with less buildup than traditional dimethicone.

A modified collagen that helps hydrate and temporarily plump the skin, but its large molecule size limits deep penetration.

A gentle protein ingredient that can temporarily strengthen hair and help skin feel smoother, but effects are not permanent.

A gentle protein derivative that helps strengthen hair and lightly condition skin without heavy buildup.

A gentle silk-derived humectant that helps skin feel smooth and hydrated without being heavy or greasy.

A gentle, water-binding protein derivative that adds moisture and softness to hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A gentle, water-soluble wheat protein that helps hair and skin retain moisture and feel smoother.

A gentle conditioning polymer that smooths hair and reduces static without heavy buildup.