Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A potent antioxidant form of CoQ10 that helps protect skin from environmental damage and supports natural repair processes.

Ubiquinone (CoQ10) is a gentle antioxidant that may help reduce fine lines and support skin repair, but its large molecule size limits how deeply it can penetrate.

A lab-grown algae extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

Ufiprazole is a little-known synthetic ingredient with limited research; its benefits and safety are not well documented, so approach with caution.

A nourishing marine oil that helps soften and support the skin barrier without feeling greasy.

Ultramarines are safe, vivid mineral pigments widely used in color cosmetics, but they can cause irritation in rare cases for sensitive skin.

A gentle seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, with early research suggesting antioxidant benefits.

A lab-grown seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research on its benefits is still limited.

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

Umber is a safe, natural mineral pigment that gives warm brown tones to makeup without common irritation concerns.

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

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

A gentle, lab-grown seaweed extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

A gentle seaweed powder that hydrates and protects skin with antioxidants, but its benefits are best supported by lab studies rather than large human trials.

A gentle seaweed-derived powder that helps hydrate and protect the skin with antioxidants, suitable for most skin types.

Undecanal is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh citrus note but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

A gentle fatty acid that helps control acne-causing bacteria and fungi without harsh side effects.

A gentle silicone derivative that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but may not suit those avoiding all silicones.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps products spread and rinse cleanly, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Undeceth-3 is a gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin at high concentrations.

Undeceth-5 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but it may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin types.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Undeceth-7 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Undeceth-8 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Undeceth-9 is a workhorse emulsifier that helps products feel smooth and spread evenly, but it can be slightly drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle fatty alcohol that softens skin and improves product texture without common irritation.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping, often used in mild formulations.

A gentle, biodegradable surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A mild, sugar-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while respecting the skin barrier.

A silicone film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

Undecylenal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Undecylenamide DEA is a synthetic foaming agent that helps cleansers lather and thicken, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Undecylenamide MEA is a synthetic surfactant and antimicrobial that helps cleanse and control microbes, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, often used in sensitive-skin and baby formulas.

A gentle conditioning ingredient with mild antimicrobial properties, best suited for rinse-off cleansers and hair products.

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that helps create a rich lather and improve product texture without stripping the skin.

A gentle antistatic ingredient that smooths hair without heavy buildup, ideal for fine or oily hair types.

Undecyleneth-6 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but it may be mildly irritating for sensitive skin.

Undecylenic acid is a gentle antifungal and antimicrobial ingredient that can help manage acne and dandruff, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

A mild, plant-based ingredient that fights odor-causing bacteria while being kind to sensitive skin.

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

A gentle, amino-acid-based ingredient that helps control oil and support a balanced skin microbiome without stripping the skin.

A semi-synthetic ingredient that combines grape seed's antioxidant power with a fatty acid to potentially boost antimicrobial activity, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, semi-synthetic collagen derivative that forms a light film on skin to help retain moisture and improve texture.

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable lotions and creams without common irritation.

A mild, oat-derived cleansing agent that cleans without stripping and may help calm sensitive skin.

A gentle, non-irritating brightener that targets dark spots by calming the signal that triggers excess pigment production.

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

A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that conditions skin and hair while offering mild antimicrobial support, making it a good choice for sensitive formulas.

A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while leaving skin feeling soft and balanced.

A gentle, dual-purpose ingredient that thickens formulas and offers mild antimicrobial support without irritation.

A gentle, castor-oil-derived alcohol that helps control odor-causing bacteria and fungi without drying out the skin.

A gentle, synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product spreadability without clogging pores.

Uracil is a gentle, naturally derived skin conditioner with early research suggesting soothing benefits, but it is not yet a well-studied or widely used ingredient.

A plant-based biotech ingredient with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in humans.

Urea is a gentle, effective humectant and exfoliant that hydrates and smooths skin, but higher concentrations can cause stinging on sensitive or broken skin.

Urea peroxide offers mild exfoliation and whitening effects but can be irritating, especially at higher concentrations.