Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

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

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

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps skin retain moisture and feel smoother.

PTFE adds a silky, smooth feel to makeup but raises environmental and health concerns due to its persistence and potential contamination with PFAS.

A synthetic ingredient that creates a smooth, water-resistant film on skin, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A traditional Amazonian plant extract with promising antioxidant potential, but currently lacks robust human studies to confirm specific skincare benefits.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich Amazonian leaf extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

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

A gentle Amazonian botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but human skincare studies are limited.

A traditional Amazonian root extract with limited but promising research for antioxidant and soothing benefits in skincare.

A gentle floral oil with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skin benefits is still emerging.

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

A gentle, fermented kudzu extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

A fermented kudzu and yeast extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help soothe skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

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

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

Puerarin is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and support collagen, but human studies in cosmetics are still limited.

Pullulan is a gentle, plant-derived film former that gives skin a temporary smooth, tightened feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle, natural film-former that hydrates and gives a smooth, plumping feel without stickiness.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin while supporting a healthy moisture barrier.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, though research is limited and mostly traditional.

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use and emerging research on soothing and antioxidant benefits, but limited direct skincare studies.

A gentle plant-based surfactant with mild cleansing and soothing potential, but research is limited and it may not replace more established ingredients.

A gentle, hydrating algae extract that may help soothe and moisturize skin, but research is still limited.

Pumice is a natural volcanic abrasive that effectively smooths rough skin, but it can be harsh if overused or applied with too much pressure.

Pumice extract is a natural volcanic abrasive that physically buffs away dead skin cells, but its particle size and pressure during use can cause micro-tears if not formulated carefully.

A gentle, fermented pumpkin extract that helps exfoliate and calm skin without harsh scrubbing.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that offers mild enzymatic exfoliation and skin-soothing benefits, ideal for most skin types.

A gentle, hydrating blend that combines pumpkin's natural enzymes with beta-glucan's soothing power—great for a brighter, smoother complexion without harsh irritation.

Pumpkin fruit juice is a gentle, water-based hydrator with mild antioxidant benefits, but its effects are mostly from its water content and trace nutrients.

A gentle, plant-based extract that may support skin firmness and hydration, but lacks robust clinical evidence.

Pumpkin seed extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and moisturize skin without clogging pores.

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps smooth skin texture and provides antioxidant benefits without harsh scrubbing.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that combines the nourishing fatty acids of pumpkin seed oil with better spreadability and water compatibility.

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in formulas while adding light skin-conditioning benefits.

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions while adding a touch of skin-softening nourishment.

A natural, finely milled powder that gently exfoliates and provides antioxidant benefits without harsh microbeads.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract from pumpkin sprouts that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

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

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

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant oil that may help soothe and moisturize skin, but research is very limited.

A gentle, plant-derived alternative to salicylic acid that helps soothe and mildly exfoliate the skin without harshness.

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

Purslane juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm irritated skin and supports a healthy moisture barrier.

A synthetic polymer that helps skincare and makeup stay put by forming a flexible, breathable film on the skin.

PVP is a safe, synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and feel smooth, but it can feel stiff or tacky in high concentrations.

A gentle oil-absorbing clay-polymer hybrid that helps mattify skin without stripping it.

A stabilized hydrogen peroxide that can help with acne and brightening, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put longer, but it may feel slightly tacky on some skin types.

A reliable synthetic polymer that gives hair hold and flexibility without heavy buildup.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, but offers no skincare benefit and may feel stiff on some hair types.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, though research on its unique benefits is still limited.

A gentle seaweed extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

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

Pyrethrins are effective insecticides but are not recommended for routine skincare due to high irritation potential and lack of skin benefits.

Pyrethrum flower extract is a potent natural insecticide that is rarely used in skincare due to a high risk of skin irritation and allergy.