Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Beta-Pinene is a plant-derived antioxidant and scent ingredient that can help protect skin from environmental stress, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Beta-santalene is a fragrant compound from sandalwood with early evidence of soothing benefits, but its primary role in skincare is as a scent ingredient.

Beta-santalol is a gentle, naturally derived fragrance component with mild soothing potential, but its benefits are largely aromatic rather than transformative for skin.

A gentle, sandalwood-derived ester that adds a subtle, calming scent and may offer mild soothing benefits, but its effects are not well-studied.

Beta-sitosterol is a gentle plant sterol that helps calm irritation and supports a healthy skin barrier.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps reinforce the skin barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, with low irritation risk.

Betaine is a gentle, naturally sourced humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin without irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

A gentler cousin of salicylic acid that exfoliates and unclogs pores with less irritation, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Betel leaf powder offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits for oily or blemish-prone skin, but its potency and potential for irritation require careful formulation and patch testing.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, hydrating sap from Korean birch trees that helps soothe and refresh the skin without clogging pores.

Betulin is a gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, but it's not a heavy-duty anti-ager.

Betulinic acid is a gentle plant-based antioxidant that may help calm irritation and support skin barrier function, but human research is still limited.

A semi-synthetic derivative of betulinic acid with potential skin-soothing and conditioning properties, but research is still limited.

A gentle, PEG-modified birch-derived ingredient that helps condition skin and stabilize formulas, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

BHT is a well-studied synthetic preservative that keeps your products fresh, but some prefer to avoid it due to potential skin sensitivity at high levels.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh note but offers no skincare benefit and may be unnecessary for sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skin benefit; safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

A fermented probiotic-antioxidant hybrid that may help calm sensitive skin and reinforce the skin barrier over time.

A fermented probiotic and deer antler blend that may help calm and strengthen the skin barrier, but human research is limited.

A gentle probiotic ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve resilience, popular in K-beauty and sensitive-skin formulas.

A probiotic ferment that may help calm irritation and support a healthy skin barrier, but research is still emerging.

A fermented probiotic-like ingredient that may help support skin barrier function and provide antioxidant benefits, but more human studies are needed.

A fermented probiotic ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve resilience against environmental stressors.

A gentle, fermented blend that may help strengthen the skin barrier and calm sensitivity, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention, popular in K-beauty and probiotic skincare.

A fermented probiotic-soy blend that may help calm skin and support a healthy skin barrier, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve resilience against environmental stressors.

A probiotic ingredient that may help calm irritation and reinforce the skin barrier by supporting beneficial bacteria on the skin.

Bifonazole is a proven antifungal ingredient for treating fungal skin infections, but it is not a routine cosmetic ingredient and should only be used under medical guidance.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Bilberry fruit water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and protect skin from environmental stress.

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

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps shield skin from pollution and UV damage without irritation.

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that helps moisturize and protect the skin without clogging pores.

A natural, gentle exfoliating powder rich in antioxidants that helps smooth skin without harsh microbeads.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild soothing benefits.

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

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

Bioresmethrin is a synthetic insecticide rarely used in skincare; it may be found in anti-lice or insect repellent products but is not a typical cosmetic ingredient.

A gentle, biotech-derived sugar that hydrates and calms skin without stickiness, ideal for sensitive or dehydrated skin.

A gentle, sugar-based humectant that hydrates and soothes without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive or dehydrated skin.

A gentle, biotech-derived humectant that hydrates and soothes skin while supporting a healthy barrier.

A gentle, fermented sugar derivative that hydrates and calms skin without clogging pores—great for sensitive and dry types.

A gentle, sugar-based humectant that hydrates and calms skin without clogging pores.

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

Biotin is a gentle B vitamin that supports skin barrier health and may help hair and nails, but topical benefits are modest compared to oral intake.

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce hair thinning and improve skin firmness by supporting collagen and keratin production.

A synthetic peptide that may help support hair thickness and scalp vitality, but results vary and more human studies are needed.

A lab-made peptide that may help strengthen hair and improve skin firmness, but human studies are still limited.

A synthetic peptide that may help strengthen hair and support skin firmness, but research is still early.

A lab-made peptide that encourages hair and nail growth by mimicking natural signaling molecules.

A lab-made peptide that may help strengthen hair and support skin firmness, but human studies are limited.

Biotite is a natural mineral that adds shimmer and color to makeup, but its iron content may cause discoloration in some formulations.

A modern synthetic UV filter that offers broad-spectrum protection with a low irritation profile, but its use is still limited compared to older filters.