Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Butyl Acrylate is a safe film-forming ingredient in finished cosmetics, but it is not used as a standalone ingredient on skin.

A synthetic polymer that forms a flexible, breathable film on skin, improving water resistance and texture without clogging pores.

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

A safe, effective film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but may feel heavy on very oily skin.

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

A silicone-based film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer without feeling heavy or greasy.

Butyl alcohol is a solvent rarely used in leave-on skincare; it can be drying and irritating at higher concentrations.

Butyl Angelate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a low risk of irritation, but it offers no skincare benefits beyond scent.

Butyl Anthranilate is a synthetic UVA filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but it is rarely used alone and is often paired with other UV filters.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that mimics the skin's natural lipids, offering hydration without clogging pores.

A lightweight, plant-based emollient that hydrates without greasiness, suitable for most skin types.

Butyl Benzoate is a synthetic solvent and fragrance ingredient that helps dissolve other ingredients but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Butyl benzyl phthalate is a synthetic plasticizer with endocrine-disrupting potential; it is rarely used in modern skincare and is best avoided.

Butyl Butyrate is a synthetic ester that adds a fruity, sweet scent to products, but it offers no direct skin benefit and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Butyl Butyrolactate is a gentle synthetic emollient that improves product texture and skin feel without common irritation risks.

Butyl Cinnamaldehyde is a common synthetic fragrance ingredient that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Butyl Cinnamate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with mild UV-absorbing ability, generally considered safe in low concentrations but best avoided by those with fragrance sensitivities.

A gentle film-former that helps products stay put without feeling heavy or sticky.

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

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, but may feel stiff or heavy in high concentrations.

Butyl ethyl ketone is a strong solvent used mainly in nail products; it can be drying and irritating, and is not a beneficial skincare ingredient.

A lightweight synthetic ester that softens and smooths skin without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated.

Butyl Formate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, sweet scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A gentle, plant-based surfactant that effectively cleanses without over-drying, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

Butyl Glycolate is a synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients, but it has limited published safety data and may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Butyl Hexanoate is a lightweight synthetic ester that softens and smooths skin without a greasy feel, making it a popular choice in non-oily formulations.

Butyl Hydroxybutyrate is a mild synthetic ester that helps other ingredients spread and absorb, but it has limited published research on its own benefits.

A synthetic cooling agent that provides a gentle, menthol-like sensation without strong odor or irritation, often used to soothe and refresh the skin.

Butyl Isobutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity scent but offers no skincare benefits; it is generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A lightweight synthetic ester that softens skin without a greasy feel, generally well-tolerated.

Butyl Isostearate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Butyl Isovalerate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, apple-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

Butyl lactate is a mild solvent that helps blend ingredients and can temporarily soften the skin, but it's not a star active ingredient.

Butyl Laevulinate is a gentle, plant-derived ester that hydrates and lightly exfoliates, making it a good option for sensitive skin.

Butyl Methacrylate is a synthetic film-former that helps nail products last longer, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare last longer without clogging pores or causing irritation for most people.

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

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Butyl Myristate is a lightweight emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, but it may clog pores for some people.

Butyl Octanoate is a lightweight synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Butyl Oleate is a lightweight emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, but it may be moderately comedogenic for acne-prone individuals.

Butyl Phenethyl Ether is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Butyl Phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

An old-school plasticizer with phthalate-related safety concerns; most brands have phased it out.

A silicone-based helper ingredient that improves the feel and water resistance of sunscreens and foundations without adding greasiness.

Butyl Propionate is a safe, low-irritation solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and adds a mild scent, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

A promising dual-action ingredient that aims to brighten skin tone while supporting the skin barrier, but research is still emerging.

Butyl Salicylate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that can add a pleasant scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

A silicone polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

Butyl Stearate is a lightweight emollient that helps products glide on smoothly, but it may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

A potent chemical that breaks down hair proteins, but carries a high risk of skin and eye irritation — best left to professional use.

Butyl Tiglate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, fruity note to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

Butyl Undecenoate is a lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without a greasy feel.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and skincare last longer by forming a flexible film on the skin, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

A common synthetic preservative that keeps oils fresh, but has raised some safety concerns at high doses.

A synthetic polymer that helps products form a flexible film, but its safety data is limited and it may not suit those avoiding synthetic ingredients.

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

A synthetic preservative booster and antioxidant that helps keep your products fresh, but is used in tiny amounts and has limited direct skin benefit.