Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, hydrating plant juice that adds moisture and soothing benefits, but research on its efficacy is still limited.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from New Zealand flax that helps polish skin without harsh microbeads.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, best for soothing sensitive or irritated skin, though research is still emerging.

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

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

A gentle, plant-based oil that helps soften and smooth skin without feeling heavy, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle pH buffer and saline base that helps keep other ingredients stable and comfortable on skin.

A gentle, naturally derived phospholipid that helps reinforce the skin barrier and improve moisture retention.

A skin-friendly phospholipid that hydrates and helps other ingredients penetrate more effectively.

A gentle, skin-identical phospholipid that supports barrier function and hydration without irritation.

A gentle, skin-identical lipid that supports barrier function and hydration without clogging pores.

Phosphatidylserine is a gentle, skin-identical lipid that helps strengthen the moisture barrier and soothe dryness, but its anti-aging benefits are still being studied.

A gentle chelating agent that helps your products stay fresh and effective by neutralizing problematic metal ions.

Phosphoric acid is a pH adjuster that helps keep products stable and effective, but it can be irritating at high concentrations.

An experimental, cholesterol-linked RNA ingredient with potential for targeted skin delivery, but lacks broad safety and efficacy data for cosmetic use.

Phosphorus pentoxide is a strong chemical used in tiny amounts to adjust pH, but it is not a direct skincare active and can be irritating if not properly diluted.

A gentle, biomimetic polymer that forms a protective film to lock in moisture and improve skin feel without irritation.

A gentle, biomimetic film-former that helps lock in moisture and improve skin feel without clogging pores.

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

A safe, synthetic film former that helps products stay put without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Phthalates are controversial synthetic chemicals linked to endocrine disruption; most are banned or restricted in cosmetics in many regions, but consumers should still check labels for hidden sources.

This is an industrial resin complex rarely used in modern skincare; it may appear in nail products but is not recommended for leave-on facial care due to potential sensitization and lack of skin benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and hair products last longer, but offers no skincare benefit and may feel heavy on some skin types.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic film former that gives nail polish and hair products a tough, glossy finish, but its long-term safety data is limited.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic peroxide exfoliant that gently dissolves dead skin cells and helps fade dark spots, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

A gentle marine extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

Physalis Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm minor irritation, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing mild soothing benefits.

A gentle, plant-based extract from moss that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is still early.

Phytantriol is a gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, making it a solid choice for most skin types.

A mild, plant-derived exfoliant that brightens skin and boosts the effectiveness of other ingredients without the irritation of stronger acids.

Phytin is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps stabilize formulas and boost antioxidant protection without irritating skin.

Phytoglobin is a plant-based protein that may help boost skin oxygenation and radiance, but research is still emerging and it's not a proven substitute for clinical treatments.

Phytol is a gentle antioxidant from chlorophyll that may help calm skin and fight signs of aging, but research is still early.

A skin-friendly lipid that strengthens the barrier and helps calm redness without clogging pores.

A gentle, ceramide-like ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier and soothes sensitivity.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that pairs barrier-strengthening lipids with stable vitamin C for antioxidant and brightening benefits.

A gentle, skin-identical lipid that helps strengthen the moisture barrier and calm sensitivity without clogging pores.

A skin-friendly lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and calms sensitivity without clogging pores.

A skin-friendly lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and soothes sensitivity without clogging pores.

Phytosphingosine lactate is a skin-friendly lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and gently helps calm blemishes without harshness.

A skin-friendly lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and helps calm irritation without clogging pores.

A skin-friendly lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and soothes sensitivity.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to support barrier function and improve moisture retention.

Phytosterols are plant-based lipids that mimic your skin's natural fats, helping to repair and reinforce the moisture barrier.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that supports the skin barrier and soothes dryness without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to improve moisture and comfort without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to support moisture retention and barrier function.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to soften and support the barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based lipid duo that mimics your skin's natural fats to strengthen the moisture barrier and soothe dryness.

A gentle, multi-functional ester that helps soften skin and support the moisture barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention without clogging pores.

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