Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Sodium Toluenesulfonate is a synthetic helper ingredient that keeps cleansers clear and well-mixed, but it can be slightly drying for sensitive skin.

A gentle, sugar-based humectant that helps skin retain moisture and improves the feel of products without common irritation.

Sodium trichloroacetate is a synthetic pH adjuster with limited cosmetic research; it is generally safe at low concentrations but may be irritating in high amounts.

A milder alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin.

A gentle, semi-synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that effectively cleanses while being kind to sensitive skin.

A gentle, non-stripping surfactant that effectively cleanses while respecting the skin barrier.

A gentle, non-stripping surfactant that effectively cleanses while being kind to sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, effective surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin.

A gentle, semi-synthetic surfactant that cleanses effectively while being less likely to irritate or dry out the skin compared to harsher detergents.

A strong foaming cleanser that effectively removes oil and dirt but can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A strong synthetic cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle chelating agent that helps maintain product stability and effectiveness by binding metal ions.

A synthetic film-former that helps skincare and sunscreen stay put longer, especially in water-resistant formulas.

Sodium Tungstate Antimonate is a synthetic stabilizer with limited cosmetic research and potential safety concerns; it's best avoided in leave-on products until more data is available.

An effective cleanser with mild antimicrobial properties, best for oily or acne-prone skin but can be drying for sensitive types.

A gentle, amphoteric surfactant that cleans effectively without stripping the skin, often used in sensitive-skin and baby formulations.

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin barrier.

Sodium urocanate is a natural skin antioxidant that may help shield skin from UV damage, but its effectiveness in finished products is still being studied.

Sodium Ursolate is a gentle plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight signs of aging, but research is still early.

Sodium Usnate is a lichen-derived antimicrobial that can help control odor and surface bacteria, but it may cause irritation in sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A synthetic helper that improves product feel and mixing, but can be drying for sensitive skin.

A mild, zinc-enriched emulsifier that stabilizes formulas and may offer gentle skin-soothing benefits.

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that may help calm skin and support barrier repair, but research is still early.

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant ideal for sensitive skin and baby care, but it may not foam as richly as harsher cleansers.

A gentle cleansing agent that helps products foam without stripping the skin as harshly as traditional sulfates.

A moderate-strength surfactant that cleans effectively but may be drying for sensitive skin.

A gentle, collagen-derived surfactant that cleans without stripping, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin.

A mild, protein-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping and helps strengthen hair.

A mild, algae-derived cleansing agent that effectively removes dirt and oil while leaving a soft, non-stripped feel on skin.

A gentle, seaweed-based ingredient that forms a protective film on skin, helping to lock in moisture and shield against irritants.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that helps condition skin and may offer mild antimicrobial benefits, but research is limited.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich orchid extract that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging.

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

A gentle botanical extract with limited research; may offer soothing and antioxidant benefits but is not a proven powerhouse.

A gentle plant extract with soothing and antioxidant potential, though research is still emerging.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for soothing skin, but modern cosmetic evidence is still emerging.

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

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

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm and condition the skin, but scientific evidence is limited.

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritated skin and support hydration, though scientific evidence is still emerging.

A surface-level collagen that temporarily smooths and plumps the look of fine lines without penetrating the skin.

A natural clay that helps absorb excess oil and impurities, but can be drying if overused.

A common synthetic red dye approved for use in cosmetics, but best limited to rinse-off products to avoid potential staining or sensitivity.

A synthetic yellow dye that adds color to products but offers no skincare benefits; generally safe in low concentrations.

Solvent Yellow 18 is a synthetic yellow dye used for coloring cosmetics, but it has limited safety data and is not commonly found in modern skincare formulations.

Solvent Yellow 85 is a synthetic yellow dye used mainly in rinse-off products, but it has raised some safety concerns regarding skin sensitization.

A gentle botanical root extract that may help calm redness and provide antioxidant protection, though human studies are limited.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in human skin.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in human skin.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are limited.