Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from Australian desert lime that offers mild antioxidant benefits and a touch of fruit-derived texture.

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil from Australian desert lime seeds that hydrates and softens skin without feeling greasy.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help soothe skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still early.

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

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

A gentle plant extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

A gentle Ayurvedic root powder with antioxidant potential, but clinical evidence in skincare is still limited.

A gentle botanical extract with emerging research suggesting antioxidant and soothing benefits, but human skincare studies are limited.

A gentle marine extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited—consider it a nice-to-have rather than a must-have ingredient.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich seaweed extract that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Dextran is a gentle, sugar-derived polymer that helps products feel smooth and hydrated without clogging pores.

A gentle conditioning polymer that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, making it a good choice for fine hair or sensitive skin.

Dextran sulfate is a gentle film-forming ingredient that helps soothe and protect the skin, but its benefits are mostly surface-level.

Dextrin is a gentle, starch-derived ingredient that helps thicken formulas and improve product feel without common irritation.

A gentle, starch-based ingredient that gives products a silky, non-greasy feel and helps stabilize formulas.

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that improves product texture and stability with a low risk of irritation.

A mild, effective emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without common irritation.

A mild, starch-derived emulsifier that improves product feel and stability without common irritation concerns.

A gentle, starch-derived ingredient that improves product feel and stability without common irritation concerns.

A gentle texture enhancer that improves product feel and stability without common irritation concerns.

A gentle, starch-derived ingredient that improves product feel and stability without common irritants.

A gentle, starch-based ingredient that improves the feel and stability of products without common irritation concerns.

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that gives creams a silky feel without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A nourishing blend of omega fatty acids that helps soften skin and strengthen the moisture barrier without feeling greasy.

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

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

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

A synthetic conditioning agent that reduces static and softens hair, but may cause irritation for sensitive scalps at high concentrations.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture with a low risk of irritation.

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

A gentle, phosphate-based surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps lift dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but may be slightly drying for very sensitive skin.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin at high concentrations.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps rinse away dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

A synthetic conditioner that reduces static and softens hair, but may cause irritation or clog pores in sensitive individuals.

A gentle, cellulose-based conditioning agent that helps detangle and soften hair without heavy buildup.

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

A synthetic conditioning agent that reduces static and softens hair, but may be too heavy for fine or oily hair and can cause irritation in sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that makes skin feel smooth and soft without clogging pores—great for sensitive or oily skin types.

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

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that improves product feel and skin softness without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps sunscreen and makeup stay put longer, especially in water or sweat.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist smudging, but may be drying for some users.

A synthetic polymer that helps hair feel smooth and reduces frizz, but it's not a moisturizer or repair ingredient.

A synthetic emollient that helps skincare products feel silky and spread easily, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

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

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without greasiness, suitable for most skin types.

A synthetic UV filter that protects skin from sun damage, but its use is limited by regional regulations and potential environmental concerns.

A highly effective, photostable sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection without common irritation.

A mild coconut-derived cleansing agent that helps create a rich lather without stripping the skin.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, often used in milder formulas.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but it's not a standout ingredient on its own.

Diacetin is a gentle humectant that helps keep skin hydrated and can improve the feel of skincare products.

Diacetone alcohol is a synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients, but it can be drying and may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Diacetyl adds a buttery scent to cosmetics but is controversial due to respiratory risks from inhalation, especially in aerosolized products.

An emerging semi-synthetic ingredient that may help support skin barrier function, but research is still limited.

A gentle antioxidant derived from boldo tree extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage.

A hybrid antioxidant that pairs resveratrol with alpha-lipoic acid for enhanced stability and skin penetration, but clinical research is still limited.