Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds floral scent but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that adds a pleasant cyclamen fragrance but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that adds a pleasant fragrance but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.

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

A cell-signaling molecule that may help strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration, but research is still early.

A processed lemon eucalyptus oil used mainly for scent; may offer mild skin conditioning but poses a moderate risk of irritation for sensitive skin.

A gentle synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product texture, but offers no unique benefits over more common alternatives.

A synthetic lipid that mimics natural skin fats to support the moisture barrier, with early research suggesting it may help reduce water loss and improve skin comfort.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early and mostly lab-based.

Cyclodextrin is a gentle, sugar-based molecule that helps stabilize and deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin without irritation.

A gentle, starch-derived powder that helps stabilize and slowly release active ingredients, making formulas more effective and less irritating.

A gentle, modified starch that wraps up active ingredients to make them more stable and less irritating on skin.

A gentle, starch-based ingredient that helps stabilize and deliver active ingredients without irritation.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant note to products but offers no skincare benefit and may be unnecessary for sensitive skin.

A synthetic scent ingredient that provides a fresh, woody aroma but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Cyclododecyl Formate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle silicone that improves product feel and spreadability with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle synthetic emollient that improves product feel and spreadability without common irritation.

A synthetic musk-like fragrance that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits.

Cyclohexane is a fast-evaporating solvent that helps dissolve oils and makeup, but it can be drying and potentially irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic solvent that helps products spread and dry evenly, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A mild synthetic acid that helps balance product pH and gently exfoliates, but research on its long-term skin benefits is limited.

A synthetic helper that keeps your products fresh and effective by neutralizing troublesome metal ions.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that gives a silky, non-greasy feel to skincare products with low irritation potential.

A synthetic soothing ingredient that helps reduce visible redness and stinging, making it a good option for sensitive skin.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily or combination skin types.

Cyclohexanol is a synthetic solvent used in small amounts; it has moderate irritation potential and is not a beneficial skincare ingredient.

Cyclohexanone is a strong solvent with significant irritation and safety concerns; it is rarely used in leave-on skincare and is best avoided in daily products.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but offers no skincare benefits and may trigger sensitivity in some people.

A lightweight silicone that creates a smooth, silky feel on skin and hair without clogging pores.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant aroma but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.

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

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant aroma but offers no skincare benefits; safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skincare benefits; may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, floral scent but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Cyclohexyl Butyrate 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.

Cyclohexyl Crotonate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a pleasant floral note, but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic soothing ingredient that helps calm redness and irritation without being greasy or heavy.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits; generally safe at low concentrations.

Cyclohexyl Methacrylate is a synthetic film-forming ingredient used mainly in nail products to create a hard, glossy finish, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

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

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant floral scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic film-former that helps products feel smooth and last longer, but with limited published safety data.

Cyclohexyl Toluate is a synthetic ester that helps dissolve other ingredients and leaves a light, non-greasy feel on skin.

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

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral, woody scent; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral note to products; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant aroma but offers no skincare benefit; safe for most but may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, floral scent to products; generally considered safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

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

A gentle, synthetic humectant that hydrates skin and helps preserve formulas, making it a popular alternative to parabens.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a warm, woody note but offers no skincare benefit and may be unnecessary for sensitive noses.

A synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but its use is limited to certain regions due to regulatory differences.

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

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral note but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with low irritation risk.

A lightweight, volatile silicone that provides a silky feel and helps other ingredients spread evenly, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those sensitive to fragrance.