Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

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

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

A silky, non-greasy emollient that spreads easily and helps other ingredients absorb better — great for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone.

A lightweight synthetic emollient that improves product feel and helps other ingredients absorb without clogging pores.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a warm, woody scent but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral-musky note, but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

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

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

A synthetic pine-scented fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh note but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that improves the feel and spreadability of products without clogging pores.

A resin-derived film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but may feel stiff or heavy on some skin types.

Dihydroanethole is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a sweet, licorice-like note but offers no skin benefit and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic relative of chamomile-derived azulene, this ingredient is used to calm redness and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Dihydrocarveol adds a minty, herbal scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

Dihydrocarvone is a natural fragrance compound that adds a minty scent to products but offers no direct skincare benefits.

A gentle, skin-friendly lipid that reinforces the moisture barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that helps reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that helps reinforce the skin barrier without clogging pores, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that supports the skin barrier and helps lock in moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that helps reinforce the skin barrier and provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.

A gentle, cholesterol-based emollient that helps restore the skin barrier and improve moisture retention without clogging pores.

A gentle emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulas, with mild skin-conditioning benefits.

A gentle, cholesterol-derived ingredient that helps soften skin and improve product feel without clogging pores.

A gentle emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in formulas, with a structure similar to skin-friendly cholesterol.

A synthetic scent ingredient that makes products smell pleasant but offers no skincare benefit and may trigger sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits; safe at low concentrations for most people.

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

Dihydroeugenol is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild conditioning benefits.

Dihydrofarnesol is a gentle, naturally derived fragrance ingredient that also offers mild skin-conditioning benefits, making it a safer alternative to synthetic perfumes.

A mild, plant-derived conditioning agent that softens hair without heavy buildup.

A mild, palm-derived conditioning ingredient that smooths hair without heavy buildup.

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

A safe, effective thickener and stabilizer that improves product texture and feel, but is not a functional skincare active.

A gentle conditioning ingredient derived from tallow that reduces static and softens hair without heavy buildup.

An effective conditioning agent for dry or damaged hair, but may be too heavy for fine hair or oily skin.

A synthetic emollient that helps products feel smooth and stay put, but may be too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin.

A synthetic film-forming ingredient that helps products spread smoothly and hold their shape, but its safety data is limited and it may not suit sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair, but its tallow origin may not suit all preferences.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair without heavy buildup.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair without heavy buildup.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair without heavy buildup.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a long-lasting scent to products; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some 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.

Dihydrogeranyl Tiglate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, green scent; generally safe at low levels but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic compound with early research suggesting antioxidant and soothing benefits, but more studies are needed to confirm its efficacy in skincare.

Dihydrojasmone is a synthetic jasmine-like fragrance that adds a pleasant scent to products but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

A gentle, lanolin-derived emollient that helps maintain skin softness without clogging pores.

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

Dihydromyrcene is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, citrus-like aroma but offers no skincare benefits.

A common synthetic fragrance that adds a pleasant scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, with emerging research for anti-aging benefits.

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores, making it suitable for most skin types.

Dihydropseudoionone is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral note, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in those allergic to fragrance.

A powerful plant-based antioxidant that helps defend skin against pollution and UV damage, with a good safety profile.

A novel antioxidant that combines two well-known skin protectors, but research is still early and it may not be widely available in consumer products yet.

A potent, oil-soluble antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental damage and support a more even tone.

A potent, oil-friendly antioxidant that helps defend skin against pollution and UV damage without the stability issues of pure dihydroquercetin.

Dihydroterpinyl Acetate is a synthetic scent ingredient that gives a fresh, woodsy aroma but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.