Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit water that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a balanced complexion.

A highly photostable, broad-spectrum sunscreen filter that offers excellent UVA and UVB protection with minimal irritation risk.

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Bentonite clay is a gentle, natural absorbent that helps draw out oil and dirt from the skin without harsh stripping.

Benzaldehyde adds a pleasant almond-like scent to products but can be a skin sensitizer for some people, especially at higher concentrations.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, almond-like scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a mild almond note; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, almond-like scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and stabilize formulas without stripping the skin.

Effective preservative but can be irritating for sensitive skin or eyes; better suited for rinse-off products.

Benzalkonium Saccharinate is an effective preservative, but it may cause irritation for some, especially those with sensitive skin.

A modified clay that thickens and stabilizes formulas, generally safe but not a skin-active ingredient.

Benzalphthalide is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is best avoided in leave-on products for reactive skin.

A synthetic pH adjuster with limited research on skin benefits; generally considered safe at low levels but not a star ingredient.

An effective preservative for rinse-off products, but can be irritating for sensitive skin or in leave-on formulas.

Benzhydrol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a mild floral scent, considered safe at low concentrations but best avoided by those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.

Benzilic acid is a lesser-known AHA that may offer gentle exfoliation and brightening, but research is limited compared to glycolic or lactic acid.

Benzimidazole is not a typical skincare ingredient and has limited safety data for cosmetic use; it is best avoided in leave-on products until more research is available.

A novel silicone-diamond hybrid that adds a soft-focus, silky finish to makeup and skincare, but research on its long-term effects is limited.

A synthetic UVA filter that helps protect skin from deeper sun damage, but it's less common in the US and more often found in international sunscreens.

An effective preservative but a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is limited and it's not widely used.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, but its formaldehyde content raises safety concerns for some users.

Benzoic acid is a well-studied preservative that helps keep products fresh and stable, but it can be a mild irritant for very sensitive skin.

Benzoin resin extract adds a warm, vanilla-like scent to products and may offer mild soothing benefits, but its fragrance components can irritate sensitive skin.

Benzoin resin oil adds a warm, vanilla-like scent to products and may offer mild soothing benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Benzonitrile is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, almond-like scent; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.

Benzophenone is an effective UV filter, but concerns about skin penetration and potential hormone disruption have led to stricter regulations and a shift toward safer alternatives.

Benzophenone-1 is an effective UV filter, but its potential for skin sensitization and environmental concerns make it a less preferred choice in modern formulations.

Benzophenone-2 is a UV filter with potential endocrine-disrupting effects; many regions restrict its use in cosmetics.

Benzophenone-3 is an effective UV filter but has raised concerns about skin absorption and potential hormonal effects, making it a controversial ingredient in modern skincare.

Benzophenone-4 is an effective UV filter, but concerns about skin penetration and potential endocrine disruption mean it's best for occasional use in rinse-off products.

Benzophenone-5 is a synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but it has raised some safety concerns regarding skin sensitivity and potential hormone disruption.

Benzophenone-6 is a synthetic UV filter that protects products and skin from UV rays, but it has raised some safety concerns regarding potential hormone disruption and environmental persistence.

Benzophenone-7 is a synthetic UV filter that protects product stability, but it is less common today due to potential skin sensitivity and environmental concerns.

Benzophenone-8 is an effective UV absorber, but its use has declined due to concerns about skin penetration and potential endocrine disruption.

Benzophenone-9 is a synthetic UV filter that helps protect your skin and product from sun damage, but it's less common and less studied than newer alternatives.

Benzothiazole is a synthetic fragrance compound with limited safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is best avoided in fragrance-free routines.

A synthetic prostaglandin analog that may promote eyelash growth but carries risks of irritation and potential side effects.

Benzotriazole is a synthetic UV stabilizer that helps protect product integrity but has limited direct skin benefits.

A reliable, photostable sunscreen ingredient that offers broad-spectrum protection without the white cast of some mineral filters.

A synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Benzoxiquine is a synthetic preservative with limited cosmetic use and safety data; it may be an alternative to more common preservatives but is not widely recommended for sensitive skin.

Benzoxonium chloride is an effective preservative but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially in leave-on products.

Benzoyl Isopropanol is a synthetic solvent and fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benzoyl peroxide is a proven acne treatment that kills acne-causing bacteria and helps unclog pores, but it can be drying and irritating.

Benzyl acetate is a widely used fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent to products; it is generally safe at low concentrations but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benzyl Acetoacetate is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant aroma to products, but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Benzyl alcohol is a widely used preservative that helps prevent microbial growth, but it can be a mild irritant for very sensitive skin.

Benzyl benzoate is a common fragrance ingredient that can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.

A synthetic ester that helps dissolve other ingredients and stabilize UV filters, but with limited public safety data.

Benzyl Butyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, floral scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Benzyl Cinnamate is a common fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, balsamic scent but can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

A synthetic UVA filter that helps protect skin from deeper sun damage, but it's not as widely studied as some older filters.

Benzyl Formate adds a pleasant floral-fruity scent but can be a skin sensitizer for some people, especially at higher concentrations.

A gentle, modified hyaluronic acid that hydrates and plumps skin with low irritation risk.

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral note but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some people.