Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic molecule that may help calm skin and support collagen, but research is still early.

A synthetic compound that mimics natural peptides to help firm and smooth skin, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic ingredient that aims to relax facial muscles and soften expression lines, offering a non-invasive alternative to injectables.

A modern synthetic UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection with low irritation potential, but its safety data is still emerging compared to older filters.

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

A synthetic cooling agent that creates a refreshing sensation on skin, commonly used in products for a 'cooling' feel without actual temperature change.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a sweet floral note but offers no skincare benefits.

A silicone-based film former that improves wear time and water resistance without feeling heavy or sticky.

A high-tech silicone that creates a flexible, breathable film on skin to improve product wear and water resistance without feeling heavy.

A gentle, sugar-derived conditioning ingredient that reduces static and improves softness without heavy buildup.

A gentle, sugar-based surfactant that cleans without stripping and leaves skin or hair feeling soft.

Butylene carbonate is a synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and adjust product feel, but it offers no direct skin benefit and is rarely used in leave-on skincare.

A widely used, low-irritation humectant that helps products feel smooth and hydrating without being sticky.

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps creams feel silky and spread easily without clogging pores.

A gentle, coconut-derived emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oil-free and non-greasy formulas.

A synthetic emollient that softens skin and helps products spread smoothly, but may clog pores for some people.

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

A gentle wax ester that helps thicken and stabilize creams and lip products without common irritation.

A synthetic emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without common irritation or clogging concerns.

A gentle synthetic ester that helps other ingredients spread smoothly, but offers little direct skin benefit.

A gentle, synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and stabilize formulas without heavy greasiness.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and stay put without clogging pores.

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

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture with low irritation potential.

A gentle, biodegradable surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.

A mild, plant-based conditioner that smooths hair and fights frizz without weighing it down.

Butylglycerin is a gentle, synthetic humectant that pulls moisture into the skin and improves product feel without common irritation.

A plant-derived compound with promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential, but research in topical cosmetics is still emerging.

A synthetic UV filter that helps stabilize sunscreen formulas and absorb UVA/UVB rays, but its use is limited by regulatory approval in some regions.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin without clogging pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy fatty alcohol that helps dissolve other ingredients and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.

A gentle, semi-synthetic wax that improves product texture and stability without common beeswax drawbacks.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that makes products feel silky and spread smoothly, with a very low risk of irritation or clogging pores.

A lightweight, synthetic emollient that improves product texture and spreadability without clogging pores or feeling heavy.

A gentle, plant-based wax ester that gives products a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps stabilize formulas.

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

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and skin softness with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that spreads easily and is generally well-tolerated, making it a common choice for moisturizers and sunscreens.

A safe, lightweight emollient that helps sunscreens feel silky and spread easily, but it's not an active sunscreen ingredient itself.

Butyloxepanone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefits; it's generally safe at low levels but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Butylparaben is an effective preservative but has raised some safety concerns, leading to restricted use in certain regions.

A synthetic ingredient that helps products feel silky and spread smoothly, with a good safety profile for most skin types.

A synthetic ingredient that helps products feel smooth and silky, but it's not a star performer and is best understood as a texture helper.

A synthetic brightener that works by blocking a key enzyme in melanin production, but it's less common than alternatives like vitamin C or niacinamide.

Butylphthalide is a natural antioxidant from celery seed that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Butylphthalimide is a synthetic plasticizer that helps nail products stay flexible and resist chipping, but it has limited safety data and is best used in well-ventilated spaces.

Butylquinoline is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a distinctive leathery scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A potent synthetic brightener that can fade dark spots but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Butyraldehyde is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a distinctive scent but can be a skin irritant for sensitive individuals.

Butyric acid is an emerging skincare ingredient that may support a healthy skin microbiome, but research is still early and it can be irritating at higher concentrations.

Butyrolactone is a synthetic solvent used mainly in nail products, but it has limited skincare benefits and may cause irritation at higher levels.

Butyrolactone Thiol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Butyrophenone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is best avoided in leave-on products for reactive skin.

A lab-made peptide that encourages collagen production, making it a gentle anti-aging option for most skin types.

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

Butyrum is a natural butter that softens and protects skin, but its comedogenic potential depends on the specific plant source.

A synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin, but research on its long-term effects is still limited.