Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A mushroom extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited—promising but not proven.

Rutin is a gentle plant antioxidant that helps defend skin against environmental damage and may support a more even skin tone.

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

A gentle, plant-based oil from microalgae that hydrates and supports the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm and protect the skin, though research is still emerging.

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

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help strengthen the skin barrier and support a balanced microbiome.

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm and condition the skin, but research is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based ferment that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still emerging.

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

A gentle, natural absorbent powder that helps control oil and add texture without common irritants found in some clay or synthetic powders.

S-Allylcysteine is a gentle antioxidant from aged garlic that may help protect skin from oxidative stress and soothe inflammation, but research in topical cosmetics is still early.

A fatty-acid-enhanced glutathione that aims to brighten skin and fight oxidative stress, but human research is still limited.

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but research is limited and mostly from ingredient suppliers.

A promising but under-researched antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

An experimental peptide with uncertain cosmetic benefits and no established safety profile for topical use.

S-Lactoylglutathione is a gentle antioxidant that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still early.

A synthetic peptide that may help firm and smooth skin, but research is still early and results vary.

A marine-inspired peptide that may help firm skin and reduce fine lines, but research is still early.

A synthetic peptide that may help firm and smooth skin, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

A stabilized, oil-friendly form of glutathione that may help brighten skin and fight oxidative stress, though human studies are still limited.

A fat-soluble form of glutathione that may help brighten skin and fight oxidative stress, but human evidence is still limited.

A gentle peptide that may support collagen and skin firmness, but research is still early and benefits are not guaranteed.

A promising antioxidant that may help brighten skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited compared to more established ingredients.

A gentle, synthetic amino acid derivative that may help calm skin and support barrier repair, though research is still emerging.

A synthetic peptide that mimics snake venom to temporarily relax expression lines, but evidence is still emerging and results are subtle.

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, though research is limited and it is not a standout ingredient on its own.

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that provides deep, lasting hydration by binding to the skin's surface.

Saccharin is a non-nutritive sweetener used in cosmetics to improve taste, but it offers no skincare benefits and is unnecessary for most products.

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps soothe and moisturize the skin without irritation.

A gentle, nourishing ferment that helps hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier without irritation.

A gentle, fermented yeast extract that hydrates and supports skin barrier health, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle fermented rice ingredient that helps soften skin and improve texture without harsh exfoliation.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that delivers calcium to help strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration.

A biotech ferment that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and mostly based on lab studies.

A trendy fermented gold ingredient that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and its high cost doesn't guarantee superior results over simpler antioxidants.

A gentle, biotech-derived ferment that pairs yeast metabolites with magnesium to support hydration and a healthy-looking skin barrier.

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, biotech-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human research is still limited.

A gentle fermented yeast ingredient that helps hydrate and support the skin barrier, especially beneficial for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that combines yeast ferment with silicon to support skin comfort and a healthy-looking barrier.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps soothe and protect the skin from environmental stress.

A unique, jelly-like polysaccharide from a rare algae that helps hydrate and soothe skin while forming a protective film.

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions with a pleasant feel.

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

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help soothe skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps calm irritation and supports a healthy skin barrier, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower water that can help calm skin, but it's not a powerhouse ingredient on its own.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from safflower petals that also adds a warm hue and antioxidant benefits to skincare products.

A mild, floral water that can add light hydration and a soothing touch to skincare, but its benefits are subtle and not as well-researched as other ingredients.

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

Safflower oleosomes are a gentle, plant-based moisturizing ingredient that mimics the skin's own lipid structure, offering lightweight hydration without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning ingredient that softens skin and detangles hair without heavy greasiness.

A silky, non-greasy emollient made from safflower oil that hydrates and smooths skin with a lightweight feel.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps moisturize and stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products while leaving skin feeling soft.

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare formulas while leaving skin feeling soft.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from safflower seed byproducts that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still emerging.