Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that effectively cleanses while being kind to sensitive skin.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.

TEA-Lauryl Ether is an effective cleansing agent but may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

A gentle, phosphate-based surfactant that effectively cleanses without over-drying, suitable for sensitive skin types.

An effective but potentially drying cleanser that may irritate sensitive skin.

A gentle surfactant that helps create a rich, creamy lather while being less stripping than many common cleansers.

TEA-Myristate helps cleansers foam and mix oil with water, but it may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle cleansing and conditioning ingredient derived from collagen, best for rinse-off products like shampoos and body washes.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that helps create a creamy lather without stripping the skin's moisture barrier.

TEA-Oleate is an effective cleanser but can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, especially in high concentrations.

A mild cleansing and conditioning ingredient that can help clean skin and hair without stripping, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

A gentle, sulfate-based cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.

TEA-Palmitate helps cleansers foam and creams feel smooth, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that helps create a rich lather without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A mild, castor-oil-derived emulsifier that helps rinse away makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps water-resistant formulas spread evenly, but its fluorinated chemistry raises environmental persistence concerns.

A widely used, water-soluble UVB filter that is generally gentle on skin but offers no UVA protection on its own.

A promising but under-researched ingredient that may support skin repair and brightness by aiding sulfur-based processes in the skin.

A synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify, but may be slightly drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

TEA-Polyphosphate is a gentle chelating agent that helps preserve product freshness and enhances the performance of other ingredients.

TEA-Rosinate helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but it may not suit those with very sensitive skin or allergies to rosin derivatives.

TEA-Sorbate is a gentle preservative that helps keep your products fresh, but it may cause mild irritation for very sensitive skin.

TEA-Stearate helps cleansers foam and creams stay smooth, but it may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

TEA-Tallate helps cleansers foam and remove oil, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin barrier, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

An effective synthetic cleanser that can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, but is generally safe in rinse-off formulas.

An effective cleansing and antimicrobial agent, but may be drying for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that helps condition skin and may offer mild antimicrobial support, but its collagen benefits are limited to surface-level hydration.

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

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but limited human studies to back its skincare claims.

Teff Seed Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support hydration, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin with a light feel, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Telmesteine is a synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help firm and smooth skin, but research is still emerging and it is not widely studied in humans.

A gentle, fragrant flower extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are mostly theoretical.

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient from marine bacteria that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, though research is still early.

Teprenone is a synthetic ingredient that may help calm skin and support the skin barrier, but research in cosmetics is still emerging.

Tepyl acetate is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, herbal note to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A highly photostable, broad-spectrum UVA filter that offers reliable sun protection with a low irritation profile.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit powder that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps hydrate and protect the skin, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while supporting a calm, even-looking complexion.

A potent natural antioxidant from Kakadu plum that helps brighten skin and fight environmental damage, but its vitamin C content can be unstable in water-based formulas.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich seed oil that moisturizes and protects skin, though research on its unique benefits is still emerging.

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

Terpene alcohol acetates are natural fragrance compounds that add pleasant scents to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A fragrant terpene blend that adds scent but may irritate sensitive skin.

Terpineol adds a pleasant floral scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive skin, especially at higher concentrations.

Terpineol Acetate is a naturally derived fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant floral scent but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Terpinolene is a natural antioxidant and fragrance ingredient, but its strong scent and moderate irritation potential mean it's best for those without sensitive skin.

Terpinyl Formate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a pleasant floral-herbal scent; it is generally considered safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefits beyond scent.

Terpinyl Isobutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a pleasant floral-herbal scent; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

Terpinyl Propionate is a synthetic fragrance ester that adds a pleasant floral-herbal scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

Terrein is a promising fungal-derived ingredient that may help brighten skin and fight oxidative stress, but research is still early.

A synthetic floral scent that can cause irritation in sensitive skin; best avoided if you react to fragrance.

A synthetic fragrance compound with limited public data; generally considered safe at low concentrations but best for those who tolerate added fragrance.