Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

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

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm and hydrate the skin, but research is limited.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and soothe dry skin without clogging pores.

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

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

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

CBD is a trendy hemp-derived ingredient that may help calm redness and provide antioxidant protection, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, non-comedogenic plant oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

A mild, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, canola-derived conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability without heavy buildup.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while soothing irritation.

A gentle, water-loving fruit extract that helps hydrate skin and provides a modest dose of antioxidants, but its benefits are mild compared to more concentrated active ingredients.

A gentle, hydrating extract from the Cape aloe plant that helps calm and moisturize skin with antioxidant support.

Cape chamomile oil is a gentle, aromatic oil that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant benefits, but it is primarily used for its pleasant scent and soothing reputation.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even skin tone.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Capramide DEA helps create rich lather and thicker formulas, but it may be irritating for sensitive skin and can be contaminated with potentially harmful impurities.

A gentle conditioning agent that reduces flyaways and improves manageability without heavy buildup.

Capric acid is a gentle fatty acid that helps cleanse and stabilize formulas, with mild antimicrobial benefits.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients absorb better.

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that creates stable, creamy textures without stripping the skin.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively without over-drying, making it a popular choice for sensitive skin formulations.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens and smooths skin without clogging pores.

Caproic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid used mainly for scent and mild cleansing, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher levels.

A synthetic polymer building block that helps create flexible, breathable films on skin for improved texture and wear.

A gentle, lipid-based ingredient that mimics natural skin components to strengthen the barrier and lock in moisture.

A synthetic ceramide that mimics skin's natural lipids to strengthen the barrier and lock in moisture.

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and reduce under-eye bags, but research is still emerging.

A targeted peptide that may help firm the under-eye area and reduce the appearance of dark circles and bags.

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, non-stripping surfactant ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A mild, amino-acid-based ingredient that helps condition skin and hair without irritation.

A skin-identical lipid that helps repair and strengthen the moisture barrier, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, amino-acid-derived brightener that supports even skin tone without the irritation of stronger alternatives.

A gentle silicone that makes products feel silky and spread easily without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleans effectively without stripping the skin, making it a popular choice for sensitive skin formulas.

Caprylamide MEA is a gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that helps create a rich lather without stripping the skin, making it a good alternative to harsher cleansers.

A gentle, water-soluble surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin formulations.

A gentle, synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, well-tolerated emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions without stripping the skin.

A gentle, low-irritation cleansing ingredient that effectively removes dirt and oil while being kind to sensitive skin.

A gentle, non-stripping surfactant that effectively cleanses while being kind to sensitive skin.

A mild, effective preservative booster that helps prevent microbial growth without the harshness of traditional preservatives.

Caprylic acid is a gentle, naturally derived fatty acid that helps cleanse and stabilize formulas without stripping the skin.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut oil that hydrates and softens skin with minimal risk of clogging pores.

A gentle, non-comedogenic emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens and smooths skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin without clogging pores — great for sensitive and dry skin types.

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

A gentle, lab-made ingredient that helps calm reactive skin by mimicking natural soothing signals in the body.

A synthetic brightener that targets melanin production, but research is still emerging compared to more established options.

A gentle, fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from sugar-related damage and environmental stress, making it a smart addition to anti-aging routines.

A gentle, oil-friendly amino acid derivative that helps condition and smooth skin without stripping.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.