Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic fragrance compound with limited safety data; best for those who tolerate added scents well.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a unique woody note but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

An unusual animal-derived ingredient with limited research; may offer hydration but raises ethical and safety questions.

A gentle silicone that helps products glide on smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A gentle, lipid-like ingredient that supports the skin's natural barrier and helps lock in moisture.

A synthetic ingredient that may help reduce hair shedding and support thicker-looking hair, but evidence is still building.

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

Tetrabromophenol Blue is a synthetic dye with no proven skincare benefits; its use in cosmetics is rare and primarily as a colorant.

A lightweight silicone that smooths skin and reduces tackiness without clogging pores.

Tetrabutyl Ethylidenebisphenol is a synthetic antioxidant that helps keep skincare products stable, but it is less studied than common alternatives like vitamin E.

A synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage and stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients.

A synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging and results vary.

A synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce wrinkle depth, but human studies are limited.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

A gentle antioxidant derived from citrus flavonoids that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage.

A lab-made peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with consistent use.

Tetradecane is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

Tetradecene is a lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without a greasy feel, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

A synthetic peptide that mimics the effects of certain neuropeptides to soften expression lines, but results are subtle and temporary.

A gentle, non-irritating fatty acid that helps soften and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturize and improve the feel of skincare products without clogging pores.

A gentle, synthetic fatty acid that softens and smooths skin with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Tetradecylpropionates are gentle emollients that help soften skin without feeling greasy, making them a good choice for lightweight moisturizers.

A gentle algae extract that helps hydrate and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still developing.

A gentle, stable vitamin C that penetrates skin well and brightens without the sting of L-ascorbic acid.

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

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a warm, woody aroma but offers no skin benefit and may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic scent molecule that adds a rose-like fragrance but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic cooling agent that adds a minty feel to products, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant aroma but offers no skincare benefits; safe for most when used at low levels.

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps soften and smooth skin with a lightweight feel, but research on its long-term effects is limited.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a woody, amber scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, woody note to products but offers no skin benefit and may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh note to products; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but offers no skincare benefits and may irritate sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet floral note to products; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A stable, colorless turmeric derivative that offers antioxidant and brightening benefits without staining skin.

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

A gentle, stabilized turmeric derivative that helps even skin tone and fights oxidative stress without the yellow staining of raw curcumin.

A synthetic antioxidant derived from curcumin that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

A stable, non-staining turmeric derivative that fights oxidative stress and helps even skin tone without the yellow tint of raw turmeric.

A gentle, stable antioxidant derived from turmeric that helps protect skin from environmental stress without the staining or irritation of raw curcumin.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a sweet, warm note to products; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a warm, woody note to products but offers no skincare benefit and may be unnecessary for sensitive noses.

A synthetic solvent and fragrance ingredient that helps dissolve other ingredients but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients absorb deeper into skin, but may cause irritation for sensitive types.

A synthetic monomer used in nail products for adhesion and film formation; not a common skincare ingredient and may pose irritation risks in high concentrations.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A synthetic citrus-scented fragrance ingredient that can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Tetrahydroindeno-Dioxin is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited research; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a woody-floral note but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.