Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, stabilized vitamin C derivative that pairs with zinc to support antioxidant protection and even skin tone with low irritation potential.

Zinc Aspartate is a gentle, antioxidant form of zinc that helps calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress without the drying effect of some other zinc forms.

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that combines the benefits of zinc and azelaic acid to calm skin and reduce shine.

A gentle zinc complex that helps control oil and soothe skin without drying it out.

Zinc borate is a synthetic preservative with antimicrobial properties, but its use in skincare is limited and may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Zinc carbonate is a gentle mineral that soothes irritation and absorbs excess oil, making it a safe choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

A synthetic silicone ingredient that forms a light, breathable film on skin, often used to improve texture and wear of products.

Zinc chloride is an effective astringent and deodorant ingredient, but its potential for irritation makes it less suitable for sensitive skin or daily leave-on use.

Zinc Citrate is a gentle, non-irritating ingredient that helps calm skin, reduce oiliness, and provide antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively with low irritation potential, suitable for sensitive skin.

A gentler sulfate cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin, but may still be too drying for very sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle antioxidant complex that pairs zinc with the amino acid cysteine to help calm and protect skin.

A silicone hybrid that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but its phthalate component raises unnecessary concern despite being chemically different from controversial phthalates.

A silicone-based ingredient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a soft, matte finish on skin.

A novel zinc–omega-3 complex that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, but research is still limited.

A gentle, zinc-based omega-3 derivative that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Zinc ethylhexanoate is a gentle, synthetic zinc salt that helps control odor and condition skin without common irritation.

Zinc Fructose Diphosphate is a gentle, zinc-based ingredient that may help calm skin and support barrier repair, but research is still limited.

Zinc gluconate is a well-tolerated form of zinc that helps calm irritation and balance oil production without drying out the skin.

Zinc Glutamate is a gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that helps calm skin, regulate oil, and support barrier health without common zinc irritation.

Zinc glycinate is a well-tolerated, chelated zinc that offers antioxidant protection and soothing benefits without the irritation of other zinc forms.

A milder, less irritating form of salicylic acid that still exfoliates and helps calm redness.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that combines licorice root's anti-inflammatory power with zinc's protective benefits to calm redness and support skin recovery.

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, with low irritation risk but limited independent research.

A hybrid ingredient that pairs collagen peptides with zinc, offering potential skin support and antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, hydrating ingredient that pairs hyaluronic acid's moisture-binding power with zinc's calming benefits.

Zinc hydroxide is a gentle mineral ingredient that helps balance pH and offers mild soothing and protective benefits for sensitive or irritated skin.

A gentle zinc compound that may help calm irritation and balance oil production, though research is still limited.

A gentle zinc-based ingredient that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Zinc lactate is a gentle, effective deodorant ingredient that helps neutralize odor without blocking sweat glands, making it a popular alternative to aluminum-based antiperspirants.

A gentle thickening and opacifying agent that also helps skin feel smooth, but it's not a star active ingredient.

A mild, non-drying zinc compound that helps balance oil production and soothe skin, making it a good choice for oily or combination skin types.

A gentle zinc-based ingredient that helps condition skin and provide mild oil control without drying.

A gentle zinc-based ingredient that helps condition skin and may offer mild oil-control benefits without common irritation.

A gentle mineral complex that may help calm irritation and support skin barrier function, though research is still emerging.

Zinc Myristate is a safe, synthetic powder ingredient that improves the feel and application of makeup, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Zinc Neodecanoate is a gentle, multifunctional ingredient that helps condition skin and may offer mild antimicrobial benefits, making it a good choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Zinc nitrate is a synthetic preservative and astringent that can help control bacteria and reduce oil, but it may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A safe, effective mineral sunscreen that sits on top of skin to reflect UV rays, ideal for sensitive skin.

Zinc Palmitate is a safe, non-irritating ingredient that helps give makeup and creams a smooth, silky feel without clogging pores.

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

A gentle zinc derivative that helps calm redness and reduce shine without drying out the skin.

Zinc peroxide offers mild antimicrobial and drying benefits for acne-prone skin, but it can be irritating and is less common than alternatives like benzoyl peroxide.

Zinc Phenolsulfonate helps tighten pores and reduce sweat odor, but it can be drying for sensitive or dry skin types.

Zinc Phosphate is a safe, non-irritating mineral powder used to add bulk and opacity to makeup, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Zinc Picolinate is a gentle, oil-regulating ingredient that helps calm inflammation and may reduce breakouts without drying the skin.

A gentle, multitasking ingredient that combines vitamin B6 and zinc to help calm skin and balance oil production.

Zinc pyrithione is a well-studied antimicrobial that helps control dandruff and scalp flaking, but it may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.

A gentler retinoid that aims to give you the anti-aging perks of retinoic acid with less redness and peeling.

Zinc Ricinoleate is a gentle, effective odor absorber that traps odor molecules without blocking sweat glands, making it a popular alternative to aluminum-based deodorants.

Zinc Rosinate is a safe, non-irritating film former that helps makeup and hair products stay put without clogging pores.

Zinc Salicylate combines zinc's soothing properties with salicylic acid's exfoliating action, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Zinc Silicate is a safe, non-irritating mineral powder that helps absorb oil and gives a smooth finish, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Zinc Stearate is a safe, widely used thickener and binder in powders, but may be moderately comedogenic for acne-prone skin.

A mineral compound that helps strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity, but its cosmetic skincare benefits are less established.

Zinc sulfate is a gentle astringent that can help calm skin and reduce excess oil, but it's not a primary treatment for acne or inflammation.

Zinc sulfide is a safe, low-irritation mineral pigment used to add opacity or a slight white tint to cosmetics, but it offers no skincare benefits.

Zinc Thiosalicylate is a synthetic zinc compound that may help control dandruff and surface bacteria, but research is limited and it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle antifungal ingredient that helps manage yeast and bacteria on skin, often used in deodorants and foot care.

A mild, zinc-infused wheat protein that helps soothe and protect the skin without clogging pores.