Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

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

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and protects skin without clogging pores.

Buriti pulp powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps nourish and hydrate skin without irritation.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient derived from buriti seed oil that helps soften and condition skin without clogging pores.

A skin-friendly, plant-based emulsifier that hydrates and stabilizes formulas without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

A gentle botanical root extract with soothing and antioxidant potential, best for sensitive or irritated skin.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and mostly traditional.

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

A traditional botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but limited modern research and a moderate risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

A gentle, plant-based resin extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, aromatic oil from the Palo Santo tree that may offer antioxidant benefits and a pleasant scent, but research is limited.

A fragrant wood oil with potential soothing benefits, but limited research and a risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

A gentle bark extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Bursera Wood Oil adds a woody, balsamic scent to products but has limited research on skincare benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

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

A synthetic rubber that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but offers no skin benefit.

Butane is a safe and widely used propellant that helps deliver products like sprays and foams, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A synthetic crosslinking agent that strengthens nail coatings but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A safe synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefits.

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

A gentle botanical extract that helps reduce puffiness and support skin firmness, especially around the eyes.

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

A botanical extract with antioxidant potential and traditional use, but modern skincare evidence is still limited.

A plant root extract with traditional use and early research suggesting antioxidant benefits, but clinical skincare evidence is still limited.

A traditional botanical root powder with emerging antioxidant potential, but human skincare studies are limited.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put longer, but may feel tight or heavy on sensitive or dry skin.

A synthetic polymer that gives cosmetics a smooth, water-resistant finish, but may feel heavy or clog pores for some skin types.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but offers no skincare benefit.

A synthetic amino acid derivative that may help support skin renewal, but research is still early and it is not a proven active.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefits; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; best for those who tolerate synthetic fragrances well.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a warm, woody scent; generally considered safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefit.

A mild synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Buteth-3 is a synthetic helper ingredient that blends oil and water, but it may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.

A mild synthetic cleanser that helps remove impurities but may cause slight dryness for sensitive skin.

Butoxy Chitosan is a gentle film-forming ingredient that helps lock in moisture and gives a smooth, plumping feel, but research on its long-term benefits is still limited.

A gentle silicone that coats hair to reduce tangles and add shine, but may build up over time with infrequent washing.

Butoxydiglycol is a synthetic solvent that helps ingredients blend together, but it can be a mild irritant for sensitive skin.

Butoxyethanol is a synthetic solvent that can help dissolve other ingredients, but it carries moderate irritation and toxicity concerns, making it less common in modern skincare.

Butoxyethyl Nicotinate is a synthetic ingredient that temporarily increases blood flow to the skin, often used in anti-cellulite and warming products, but it can cause irritation and redness in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic emollient that makes products feel silky, but may clog pores for some skin types.

A gentle, semi-synthetic thickener that helps create a smooth, non-greasy texture in skincare products.

An effective synthetic cleanser that can be drying for sensitive skin, but is generally safe in well-formulated products.

A synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A classic natural moisturizer that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

A lightweight, plant-based emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A gentle milk-derived powder that softens and conditions skin without heavy oils.

Butterbur leaf extract may help calm irritated skin and fight free radicals, but research on topical use is still limited.

Butterbur root extract is a gentle botanical with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research in topical skincare is still emerging.

Butterbur root powder is a gentle botanical with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still early.

A mild, milk-based exfoliant that gently sloughs dead skin cells and supports a smoother, more even complexion.

A gentle, stable vitamin C alternative that brightens skin without the irritation or instability of pure ascorbic acid.

A synthetic ester that adds a fruity, apple-like scent to products; generally considered safe at low levels used in cosmetics.

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the irritation of pure ascorbic acid.

Butyl acetate helps nail polish glide on and dry quickly, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin or frequent use.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from castor oil that helps products glide on smoothly and keeps skin feeling soft.