Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but offers no active skincare benefits.

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

A gentle botanical extract with traditional astringent and soothing uses, but limited modern research to confirm efficacy in skincare.

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

Piracetam is a synthetic compound with limited but promising research for skin hydration and barrier support; it is not a proven anti-aging ingredient.

A well-studied, gentle anti-dandruff ingredient that helps control scalp flaking and yeast overgrowth without the harshness of older alternatives.

Pisces Extract is a fish-derived ingredient that may offer moisturizing benefits, but scientific evidence is limited and it may not be suitable for vegans or those with fish allergies.

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

Pistachio seed oil is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A natural, biodegradable exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells, but may be too harsh for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A gentle botanical powder from pitanga leaves that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its cosmetic use is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived extract with soothing and antioxidant potential, but research is still emerging.

A gentle wood extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited — best used as a supporting ingredient in soothing formulas.

A gentle natural wood powder that can absorb oil and provide mild physical exfoliation, but research on its specific benefits is limited.

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

A gentle botanical extract from a New Zealand tree that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

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

Placental protein is a traditional ingredient with anecdotal benefits for skin hydration and firmness, but modern research is limited and ethical concerns may steer you toward plant-based alternatives.

A gentle marine extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Plant ash is a natural absorbent and texture agent, but its high alkalinity and variable composition require careful formulation to avoid skin irritation.

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

A lab-grown plant cell extract that may help calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

A gentle, plant-based water that may help calm irritated skin and provide light hydration, but scientific evidence is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm irritated skin and provides antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Plastics in cosmetics are effective for texture and film-forming but are controversial due to environmental persistence and potential microplastic pollution.

Platinum is a rare, high-end antioxidant ingredient that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but scientific evidence is still limited.

A novel fermented ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

A novel hybrid ingredient that combines the moisture-binding power of hyaluronic acid with platinum's antioxidant potential, but research is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived oil that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores.

A nourishing plant butter that softens and protects skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Platonin is a synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help calm irritation and support skin resilience, but research is still emerging.

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

A plant-based antioxidant extract with traditional use but limited modern research for skincare.

A gentle plant saponin from balloon flower root that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but human studies are limited.

A fragrant essential oil with some antimicrobial potential, but limited research on skin benefits and a moderate risk of irritation.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

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

A gentle, omega-rich seed extract that helps nourish and protect the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from Sacha Inchi seeds that also provides antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing soothing benefits.

A fermented plum extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but more human studies are needed.

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

Plum Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

A gentle, hydrating fruit juice that offers light antioxidant benefits, but its effects are mild compared to more concentrated extracts.

Plum seed extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

A gentle, non-greasy plant oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, natural exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells without harsh microplastics, but may feel too gritty for sensitive skin.

Plum seedcake extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

A natural absorbent and gentle exfoliant from burned plum wood, best for oily or combination skin in rinse-off products.

A gentle botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and mostly based on traditional use.

A traditional botanical extract with promising antimicrobial properties, but limited modern research and potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited human studies and possible skin sensitivity concerns.

Plumeria flower oil adds a sweet floral scent and mild skin-soothing benefits, but research on its skincare effects is limited.

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

PNA is a next-generation humectant that can hold up to 4,000 times its weight in water, making it a standout hydrator for dry or dehydrated skin.

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

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

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and elasticity, but research is still emerging.

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