Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle antioxidant extract from beech seeds that may help calm and protect skin, but research is still early.

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

Beer extract may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

Beeswax is a gentle, natural ingredient that helps lock in moisture and create a protective film on the skin without clogging pores.

A mild, effective emulsifier that creates stable, creamy textures without common irritation concerns.

Beet leaf powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Beet root juice is a gentle, hydrating ingredient with antioxidant benefits, but its bright red color can stain fabrics and skin temporarily.

Beet sprout extract is a gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, but research is still early.

Beetroot extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a healthy glow.

Beetroot powder adds a natural pink-red tint and provides mild antioxidant benefits, but its color can be unstable and may stain fabrics or skin temporarily.

Behenalkonium chloride is a gentle conditioning agent that helps reduce static and soften hair, but it can be irritating to sensitive skin or eyes in high concentrations.

Behenamide is a safe, synthetic thickener that helps create a smooth, creamy texture in skincare and haircare products.

Behenamide DEA helps create rich lather and thick texture in cleansers, but it has moderate irritation potential and environmental concerns.

Behenamide MEA is a mild thickening and foaming agent that helps create a rich lather in cleansers, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

A gentle conditioning agent that helps soften hair and skin without heavy buildup, but may not suit very sensitive scalps.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that helps create rich foam and a silky feel in cleansers and conditioners, with low irritation potential.

A gentle, effective conditioning ingredient that softens hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps soften hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A gentle, effective hair conditioner that mimics natural lipids, offering slip and softness without the weight of silicones.

A gentle, effective conditioning ingredient that reduces static and improves manageability without heavy buildup.

A gentle, effective conditioning ingredient that smooths hair without heavy buildup, ideal for fine or oily hair types.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps soften hair and reduce static without heavy buildup.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve softness in hair and skin products.

A mild, effective hair conditioner that detangles and softens without the heavy buildup of traditional silicones or quats.

Behenamine Oxide is a gentle surfactant that helps create rich lather and stabilize formulas, but it's less common in modern 'clean' beauty due to its synthetic origin.

Beheneth-10 is a gentle, synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in products, making it a safe choice for most skin types, including sensitive skin.

Beheneth-15 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps oil and water mix in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Beheneth-2 is a gentle emulsifier that helps creamy products stay smooth and stable, with a very low risk of irritation.

A gentle, non-drying emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas without stripping the skin.

Beheneth-25 is a gentle, non-irritating emulsifier that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, making it a solid choice for sensitive skin formulas.

Beheneth-30 is a mild, low-irritation emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and creams, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

Beheneth-30 Phosphate is a gentle, synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses and helps mix oil and water without stripping the skin.

Beheneth-5 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps oil and water mix, making creams and lotions feel smooth without heavy irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived fatty acid that helps thicken formulas and soften skin without clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic conditioning agent that helps soften hair and stabilize emulsions without heavy buildup.

A gentle silicone that smooths and softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive types.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable formulas without heavy residue.

A gentle, effective conditioning ingredient that smooths hair without heavy buildup.

Behenoyl Stearic Acid is a gentle synthetic ingredient that helps condition skin and stabilize emulsions, but it is not a standout active.

A gentle, effective conditioning ingredient that detangles hair and reduces static without heavy buildup.

A silicone-based conditioning ingredient that smooths hair and skin, but its phthalate component raises some safety questions.

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning ingredient that softens hair and skin without the heavy buildup or irritation of older quaternary ammonium compounds.

Behenyl alcohol is a gentle, plant-derived fatty alcohol that thickens and stabilizes formulas without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Behenyl Beeswax is a gentle, plant-derived wax that helps thicken and stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

Behenyl behenate is a gentle, plant-based wax that gives products a smooth, creamy texture without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and spreadability without clogging pores.

A mild, conditioning surfactant that cleans without stripping, making it ideal for sensitive skin and dry hair.

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

A gentle silicone that improves product feel and spreadability, suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin.

A gentle silicone polymer that creates a smooth, velvety feel on skin and helps products spread evenly without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps lock in moisture and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps detangle and soften hair without heavy buildup.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and gives a silky feel to creams and lip products without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put longer, especially in water-resistant sunscreens and long-wear makeup.

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

Behenyl PCA is a gentle, moisturizing ingredient that helps improve skin hydration and softness without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-friendly wax alternative that helps create smooth, stable textures in balms and creams.

A gentle film-forming polymer that improves product texture and wear without common irritation concerns.

A gentle emulsifier and conditioner that helps blend water and oil in formulas while leaving skin and hair feeling soft.

A silicone polymer that creates a flexible, water-resistant film on skin for smoother texture and longer wear.