Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Barley Wax is a gentle, plant-derived wax that helps lock in moisture and gives products a smooth, creamy feel without clogging pores.

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

An aromatic essential oil with limited skincare research; best used for its scent rather than proven skin benefits.

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

Basic Blue 124 is a synthetic blue dye that adds color to products but offers no skincare benefits; it is generally considered safe in low concentrations for most people.

Basic Blue 75 is a synthetic blue dye used for color in hair products, but it may cause irritation for sensitive scalps.

Basic Blue 99 is a synthetic dye that adds blue color to cosmetics, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Basic Brown 16 is a synthetic colorant that can provide a rich brown hue, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is primarily used in rinse-off products.

Basic Brown 17 is a synthetic dye that adds brown tones to hair color, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Basic Orange 31 is a synthetic hair dye colorant that can provide vibrant orange tones but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Basic Orange 69 is a synthetic hair dye that delivers vibrant orange tones but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Basic Red 1 is a vivid synthetic dye used in some cosmetics, but it has a history of safety concerns and is restricted in several regions due to potential irritation and contamination risks.

A synthetic red dye that adds color but may cause irritation for sensitive scalps in hair dyes.

Basic Red 76 is a synthetic colorant that can add vibrant red tones to cosmetics, but it may cause irritation for sensitive individuals.

A synthetic violet dye that adds color to cosmetics but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Basic Violet 2 is a synthetic dye that adds color to cosmetics, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Basic Yellow 40 is a synthetic yellow dye used mainly in hair color and rinse-off products, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Basic Yellow 57 is a synthetic yellow dye used mainly in rinse-off products; it is generally safe at low levels but may cause irritation for sensitive individuals.

Basic Yellow 87 is a synthetic yellow dye used mainly in rinse-off products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Basil extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its effects are mild and best used as part of a broader formula.

A lab-grown basil root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Basil extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research on topical use is still emerging.

Basil leaf extract brings antioxidant and soothing benefits to skincare, but research on its topical effects is still limited.

Basil leaf powder brings antioxidant and soothing potential to skincare, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Basil leaf water is a mild, aromatic botanical water that can add a subtle soothing feel and light herbal scent to skincare, but its benefits are largely from its water content and minor antioxidant traces.

A gentle, lab-grown plant stem cell ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more youthful appearance.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

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

A gentle, plant-based butter that helps lock in moisture and soften skin without feeling overly greasy.

A nourishing plant butter that softens and protects dry skin, but may clog pores for some people.

Batyl alcohol is a gentle emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle, synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without common irritation concerns.

Batyl Stearate is a gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth skin, but it's less common and less researched than traditional moisturizing ingredients.

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

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research on its topical benefits is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps soften and soothe the skin without clogging pores.

A fragrant botanical oil with antimicrobial potential, but its strong aroma and moderate irritation risk mean it's best used in low concentrations.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant benefits, but its fragrance potential may be a concern for sensitive skin.

A gentle, aromatic botanical water that may offer mild soothing and antioxidant benefits, but lacks strong clinical evidence for specific skincare claims.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

A mild botanical extract with antioxidant potential, best for soothing sensitive or irritated skin.

A gentle botanical extract with astringent and soothing potential, but human studies are limited.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research on its topical benefits is still limited.

A natural plant wax that gives lip balms and solid creams a smooth, firm texture without clogging pores.

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

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract with traditional use for soothing skin, though modern research is still limited.

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

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early — it's a nice-to-have rather than a must-have ingredient.

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

Bean Palmitate is a gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, with low irritation and comedogenic risk.

A gentle, plant-based ferment that may help calm irritation and support skin barrier function, but research is still early.

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

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

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

Bee pollen may offer antioxidant benefits, but it can also cause allergic reactions in some people.

Bee venom may offer temporary plumping effects, but it carries a high risk of irritation and allergic reactions, making it a risky choice for sensitive skin.

Beech bark extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

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

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