Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic bonding agent that helps nail products stick better, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but may feel tight or dry on sensitive skin.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and form a light, non-greasy film on skin.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky without clogging pores.

A synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients dissolve and improves product feel, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A gentle synthetic ingredient that helps products feel silky and stay put without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A synthetic film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A gentle film-forming polymer that improves product feel and wear without common irritation concerns.

A gentle synthetic conditioner that helps soften hair and skin without heavy buildup, but offers limited additional benefits.

A lab-enhanced version of a natural algae sunscreen compound that shows promise for UV protection, but human research is still limited.

A gentle emulsifier that helps blend oil and water, improving product texture and stability without common irritation concerns.

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps skin feel smooth and soft, but it's not a powerhouse active.

A gentle silicone that hydrates and smooths skin without a heavy or greasy feel.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable formulas without heavy or greasy feel.

A silicone polymer that creates a flexible, water-resistant film on skin for longer-lasting wear and a smooth feel.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves product texture and spreadability without clogging pores.

A silicone copolymer that helps products spread smoothly, feel silky, and stay put longer without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves product texture and feel without common silicone downsides.

A gentle silicone-modified wax that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone-wax hybrid that smooths skin, reduces water loss, and improves product texture without heavy greasiness.

A synthetic silicone polymer that helps products stay put longer, especially in sunscreens and long-wear makeup.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps create smooth, spreadable formulas without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps create smooth, lightweight textures without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone humectant that hydrates and smooths skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves product texture and helps ingredients mix together without clogging pores.

A gentle, PEG-based emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight formulas without heavy residue.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves product texture and spreadability without common silicone downsides.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves product texture and spreadability without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps products feel silky and spread easily without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves texture and spreadability without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that creates smooth, spreadable textures without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that creates smooth, spreadable textures and helps formulas feel lightweight.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves texture and spreadability without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves texture and spreadability without clogging pores.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, especially in water or sweat.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but may feel tight or heavy on very dry skin.

A high-performance silicone that creates a smooth, silky feel on skin without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle silicone that gives products a silky feel and helps them glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that creates silky, spreadable textures without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that creates silky, stable formulas without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A synthetic silicone polymer that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A synthetic silicone polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without feeling heavy or greasy.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves product texture and stability without clogging pores.

A gentle, next-generation retinoid alternative that targets fine lines and uneven texture with less irritation than retinol.

A gentle retinoid alternative that aims to smooth wrinkles and improve skin texture with less irritation than traditional retinol.

A novel peptide-algae hybrid that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A novel peptide-marine extract hybrid that may help protect skin from UV-related damage, but human studies are limited.

A novel peptide-algae hybrid that may help protect skin from UV damage and support collagen, but clinical evidence is still limited.

A gentle silicone ingredient that leaves skin feeling silky smooth without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that creates smooth, stable formulas without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A gentle silicone that gives a silky, smooth feel to products without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A synthetic UV stabilizer that protects product formulas from light damage, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A gentle silicone that helps products glide on smoothly and leaves a silky, non-greasy finish.

A gentle, non-comedogenic silicone that improves product feel and wear without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A synthetic photoinitiator that makes UV-cured nail products harden quickly, but may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people.

A silicone polymer that gives products a silky, smooth feel and helps them stay put without clogging pores.

A silicone polymer that creates a smooth, flexible film on skin or hair, improving product feel and wear without clogging pores.