Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic hair dye colorant that is generally safe when used as directed, but may cause irritation for sensitive individuals.

5-Hexen-2-One is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

5-Melozol is a synthetic peptide that may help firm and smooth skin, but research is limited and it is not widely studied in peer-reviewed human trials.

5-Melozol Acetate is a synthetic compound that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging and it is not as widely studied as more established anti-aging ingredients.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fruity note but offers no skincare benefit and may be a concern for fragrance-sensitive individuals.

A synthetic floral scent that can cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals, but is generally safe at low levels.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a floral note but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a caramel-like aroma but offers no skincare benefits and may trigger sensitivity in some individuals.

5-Nonen-2-One is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic preservative helper that boosts formula stability but offers no direct skin benefit.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral note but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.

A strong synthetic preservative that effectively fights microbes but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic dye intermediate used in permanent hair color; it can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and requires careful formulation to minimize risks.

A lab-made antioxidant with early promise for evening skin tone, but human studies are still scarce.

A synthetic fragrance that adds a sweet scent but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.

6-Methylquinoline is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a warm, woody scent to products, but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefits; may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral note but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral note but offers no skincare benefit.

A skin-friendly cholesterol derivative that helps reinforce the skin barrier and acts as a building block for vitamin D3 when exposed to UV light.

A gentle, oil-soluble derivative of provitamin D3 that may help support skin barrier function, though human evidence is still limited.

A woody fragrance ingredient that is generally safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefit beyond scent.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but offers no skincare benefits and may irritate sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit; may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

9-Decenal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, citrusy note to products but offers no direct skincare benefit.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, fruity scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a pleasant scent to products; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A natural exfoliant from abalone shells that gently polishes skin but has limited research and may be too abrasive for sensitive skin.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Abietic acid is a pine-derived compound with promising anti-acne and anti-inflammatory benefits, but it may cause irritation or clog pores in sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-based fatty alcohol that softens skin and may help active ingredients absorb better, but it's less common and less studied than alternatives like cetyl alcohol.

A gentle, plant-based extract with early evidence of soothing and antioxidant benefits, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in skincare.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

A plant stem cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still emerging and it's not a proven anti-aging powerhouse.

A traditional botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but safety concerns around the plant's seeds limit its use in modern cosmetics.

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

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder that helps remove dead skin cells and absorb excess oil, but research on its specific skincare benefits is limited.

A gentle botanical extract with astringent and soothing potential, best for oily or combination skin types.

A gentle botanical powder with traditional astringent benefits, but limited modern research to support strong skincare claims.

A gentle, plant-based astringent that can help tighten pores and calm irritation, but may be drying for very sensitive skin.

A natural gum that helps create a light, temporary film on skin, often used to improve texture or hold ingredients together.

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm irritation and tighten pores, but research is limited and it can be drying for some skin types.

A gentle, natural absorbent powder from tree seeds that can help mattify skin and add texture to products, but research on its skincare benefits is limited.

A gentle botanical extract that helps tighten pores and fight free radicals, but research is mostly lab-based.

A gentle, plant-derived cleanser and conditioner that can be a mild alternative to sulfates, especially for those with sensitive scalps or hair.

A gentle, plant-based cleanser rich in saponins that can help clean hair and skin without stripping natural oils.

A gentle, plant-based wax that adds richness and staying power to balms and creams without common irritation.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps shield skin from environmental stress without irritation.

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

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

A gentle, plant-derived wax that helps lock in moisture and gives a smooth, velvety feel to skincare products.

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A gentle, plant-based wax ester that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based wax blend that helps create smooth, creamy textures while moisturizing the skin.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

A gentle, fragrant flower extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based wax that adds smoothness and structure to skincare products without clogging pores.

A gentle natural gum that helps thicken formulas and leaves a light, non-sticky film on skin.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in human skin.