Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle silicone that creates a silky, smooth finish on skin and hair without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Bis-Vinyldimethicone is a silicone polymer that creates a smooth, breathable film on skin and hair, improving product feel and wear without clogging pores.

A safe, non-comedogenic silicone that gives products a silky, smooth feel without clogging pores.

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

A silicone polymer that gives products a velvety, smooth feel without clogging pores.

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

A gentle silicone derivative that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.

A gentle silicone derivative that smooths hair and skin without the heavy feel of traditional silicones.

A synthetic UV stabilizer that helps protect both your skin and the product formula from UV damage, but it's not a primary sunscreen active.

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

Bisabolol is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps calm redness and irritation, making it a great choice for sensitive or reactive skin.

A gentle silicone that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.

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

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

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability without heavy buildup.

Bismaleate is a synthetic stabilizer that helps keep skincare products consistent and pleasant to use, but it has limited direct skin benefits.

Bismuth Citrate is a safe synthetic colorant that adds opacity and a subtle shimmer to makeup, but it offers no skincare benefits.

A safe, widely used mineral pigment that adds shimmer and coverage, but can cause irritation in sensitive skin or when used in high concentrations.

Bismuth Subgallate is a synthetic colorant and mild skin protectant, generally safe in low concentrations but with limited cosmetic research.

Bismuth subnitrate gives a silky feel and opacity to powders, but can cause skin irritation in some people, especially those with sensitive skin.

A synthetic resin for nail products, not a hydrating or skin-friendly ingredient; potential allergen and not recommended for everyday skincare.

A lightweight silicone that improves product texture and leaves a smooth finish without clogging pores.

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

Bistort root extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human studies are limited.

A rich, nourishing oil that softens skin but may clog pores for some — best for dry or normal skin types.

A rich emollient oil that softens skin but may be moderately comedogenic for acne-prone types.

A plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but it requires careful processing to remove potentially irritating compounds.

Bitter Apple Powder may help calm skin and reduce excess oil, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and lacks strong research support.

A gentle, water-dispersible emollient that softens skin without a greasy feel, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

A gentle, plant-based sap that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still early.

A fragrant essential oil with mild skin-soothing potential, best used at low concentrations and avoided by those with sensitive skin.

A gentle, aromatic floral water that can refresh and soothe the skin, but its benefits are largely due to its mild hydrating and calming properties rather than potent active compounds.

A gentle, natural wax that softens skin and adds a subtle floral scent, but its benefits are mainly textural and aromatic rather than active.

A natural antioxidant extract that may help brighten skin and tighten pores, but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its citrus content.

A natural antioxidant and astringent from bitter orange juice, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin due to natural fruit acids.

A fragrant essential oil that can add a fresh scent and mild tightening feel, but may irritate sensitive skin due to its aromatic compounds.

A gentle antioxidant extract from bitter orange leaves and twigs, but limited research and potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A fragrant essential oil with mild astringent properties, best suited for those who enjoy botanical scents and have non-sensitive skin.

Bitter orange peel offers gentle astringent and antioxidant benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially in high concentrations or with sun exposure.

A natural antioxidant extract that can help brighten and tighten skin, but may cause irritation for sensitive types due to natural acids and essential oil components.

Bitter orange peel oil adds a fresh scent to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin and increases sun sensitivity.

A gentle physical exfoliant with antioxidant benefits, but can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin due to its citrus origin.

A gentle plant extract that may help tighten pores and fight free radicals, but research on its benefits is still limited.

Bittern is a mineral-rich byproduct of sea salt production that may offer trace minerals to the skin, but evidence for specific benefits is limited.

A plant extract with potential soothing benefits, but limited research and a cautionary note due to the plant's toxicity in raw form.

A safe and widely used black pigment for coloring cosmetics, but may cause irritation in sensitive eyes or if inhaled as loose powder.

A gentle, water-like ingredient that adds light hydration and antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or dehydrated skin.

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

A fragrant botanical oil with mild astringent and soothing qualities, best used in low concentrations to avoid skin irritation.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps soothe skin and fight free radical damage.

Black Cherry Juice is a gentle, hydrating ingredient that also provides antioxidant benefits, making it a nice addition to soothing and moisturizing formulas.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on topical benefits is still limited.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited research supports its specific benefits in skincare.

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant from black crowberry cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm irritation.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit juice that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle, stable emollient that combines the fatty acid benefits of black currant seed oil and olive oil in a non-greasy ester form.