Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, plant-derived wax that adds a smooth, velvety feel to balms and sticks without heavy greasiness.

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

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

A gentle, plant-derived gum that helps smooth and soothe skin while creating a light, non-sticky protective film.

A gentle, plant-based gum that helps form a light, soothing film on skin, but its benefits are mostly texture-related rather than deeply active.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from an Australian native plant, best for soothing and protecting normal to dry skin.

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

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin with a light feel, though research on its benefits is still emerging.

Açaí berry extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

Açaí fruit extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps defend the skin against free radicals and environmental damage, but its benefits are best supported by general antioxidant research rather than specific skin studies.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from açaí palm hearts that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still limited.

Açaí Pulp Powder is a gentle, antioxidant-packed ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

A natural, gentle physical exfoliant from açaí seeds, suitable for most skin types but with limited research on its specific benefits.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but human skin research is still limited.

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

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

A lightweight, non-greasy oil that hydrates and soothes without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

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

A science-backed firming ingredient that combines caffeine-like action with silicone and seaweed-derived acid to help tighten and smooth skin.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skin benefits is still limited.

Acerola fruit extract is a gentle, vitamin-C-rich antioxidant that can help brighten skin and defend against environmental stress, though its vitamin C content may degrade quickly in formulas.

Acerola fruit juice is a gentle, natural source of vitamin C that can help brighten skin and fight free radical damage without the irritation of pure ascorbic acid.

Acerola fruit powder is a gentle, natural source of vitamin C that can help brighten skin and fight free radicals, but its effectiveness depends on formulation and stability.

Acerola fruit water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich hydrator that can help brighten and protect skin from environmental stress.

Acerola seed extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, green scent but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a warm, spicy note but may cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant floral-fruity scent but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant floral note but offers no skincare benefit and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Acetamide MEA is a synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin and hair, but it is less common than alternatives like glycerin and may not suit those avoiding synthetic ingredients.

A gentle silicone that improves hair feel and manageability with minimal risk of buildup.

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

A gentle, synthetic humectant that helps hydrate the skin without common irritation or clogging.

A gentle synthetic conditioning ingredient that reduces frizz and static while improving the feel of hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A gentle, synthetic ingredient that helps calm redness and sensitivity while supporting a more even skin tone.

A gentle antistatic ingredient that smooths hair without heavy buildup, making it a good choice for fine or easily weighed-down hair.

Acetaminosalol is a synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

Acetic acid is a gentle exfoliant and pH adjuster, but can be irritating at high concentrations.

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

A synthetic film former that helps products stay put, but it's mostly used in specialty items like nail polish rather than everyday skincare.

A synthetic ingredient used in nail products to help coatings stick and last longer, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Acetoin is a gentle, natural humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product texture without irritation.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; best for those who tolerate added scents.

Acetone is a powerful but harsh solvent best reserved for quick, targeted removal of nail polish or stubborn adhesives, not for daily facial skincare.

Acetophenone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, almond-like scent; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits; safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

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

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

A synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but its long-term safety data is still emerging.

A gentle, water-loving amino acid derivative that helps plump skin and support its natural moisture barrier without irritation.

Acetyl Aspartic Acid is a gentle, water-soluble amino acid derivative that helps maintain skin hydration and supports a healthy skin barrier.

A synthetic hormone derivative that may help support skin firmness, but research is limited and it may not suit sensitive skin.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more independent research is needed.

A mild, coconut-derived cleansing agent that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Acetyl Carnitine is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support collagen health, but research is still emerging.