Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle silicone that makes skin feel silky and smooth without clogging pores, ideal for improving product texture and wear.

A gentle silicone blend that makes products feel silky and spread smoothly, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Phenyl salicylate offers mild UV protection but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle silicone that gives a silky, non-greasy finish and helps other ingredients spread evenly.

A gentle, synthetic molecule designed to reduce visible skin reactivity and support a calmer complexion.

Phenyl Timonacic is a synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

A lightweight silicone that gives skin and hair a silky feel without clogging pores, but may not suit everyone who avoids silicones.

Phenylacetaldehyde adds a floral, hyacinth-like scent to products but can be a skin sensitizer for some individuals.

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that can be a skin sensitizer for some people, especially at higher concentrations.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral scent; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant floral scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds pleasant floral notes but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that adds a pleasant hyacinth note but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, but is generally safe at low concentrations.

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that is generally safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefit beyond fragrance.

A synthetic floral fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral, green scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that adds fragrance to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Phenylacetic acid is a gentle exfoliant that may help brighten skin and improve texture, but research is still emerging compared to more established AHAs.

A gentle amino acid that helps skin hold onto moisture and supports a healthy barrier, but it's not a standout active on its own.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with a good safety profile for most skin types.

A gentle silicone polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put without clogging pores.

A widely used, water-soluble UVB filter that offers effective sunburn protection without a heavy feel.

A widely used, water-soluble UVB filter that is generally gentle on skin but offers no UVA protection on its own.

A synthetic stabilizer that protects your skincare products from breaking down in light, but it's not a primary sunscreen agent.

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that adds fragrance but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A well-researched brightening ingredient that can be effective but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Phenylethylpyridine is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that is generally well-tolerated but offers no skincare benefits.

A lightweight silicone that smooths skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

Phenylmethylpentanal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic enzyme blocker that helps preserve active ingredients but may cause irritation at higher concentrations.

Phenylparaben is a synthetic preservative that is effective but controversial due to potential endocrine-disrupting concerns; it is now rarely used in modern skincare.

Phenylpentanol is a gentle synthetic ingredient that helps preserve products and lightly conditions skin, making it a safer alternative to harsher preservatives.

Phenylpropane is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefits; it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Phenylpropanol is a mild fragrance ingredient that also helps preserve formulas, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

Phenylpropionaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a floral scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a sweet, floral scent to products but offers no skincare benefits.

A lightweight silicone that smooths skin and helps products glide on without clogging pores.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral note but offers no skincare benefit and may be a concern for those sensitive to fragrance.

A gentle silicone that forms a breathable, water-resistant film to lock in moisture and improve product wear.

Phenylthioglycolic acid is a synthetic depilatory ingredient that breaks down hair keratin, but it can be irritating and is not intended for leave-on skincare.

A light-activated chlorophyll derivative that may boost collagen and reduce pigmentation, but requires professional handling due to potential irritation.

A gentle plant-root extract with early research suggesting antioxidant and soothing benefits, but human studies are limited.

A gentle apple-derived antioxidant that helps even skin tone and defends against pollution and UV stress.

A gentle apple-derived antioxidant that helps even skin tone and fights early signs of aging without irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help brighten skin and reduce the look of dark spots without irritation.

Phloroglucinol Trimethyl Ether is a synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its specific benefits in cosmetics is still limited.

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

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

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

A fragrant wood oil with mild antimicrobial potential, best suited for those who enjoy botanical scents and have resilient skin.

A gentle, hydrating mushroom extract that helps skin hold moisture and feel smooth, but research is still early.

Phonolite is a natural volcanic mineral powder that gently exfoliates and absorbs excess oil without harsh chemicals.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment from blue-green algae that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

A gentle, biotech-derived microalgae ferment that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, though research is still emerging.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich algae extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.