Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic polymer that helps hair feel soft and smooth while reducing frizz and static, but may cause buildup with frequent use.

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

A safe synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, resist water, and feel smooth on skin.

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

A synthetic film former that helps makeup stay put, but offers no skincare benefit and may feel tight on dry skin.

A safe, effective thickener that gives skincare products a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A synthetic film former that helps products stay put, but its phthalate-related name may cause confusion — it is not a phthalate of concern.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and hair products stay put, but may feel stiff or heavy on some.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and feel smoother without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put without feeling heavy.

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

A safe, synthetic thickener and stabilizer that gives water-based products a silky, lightweight feel without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A silicone-based film former that improves water resistance and wear time, generally safe but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A safe, synthetic ingredient that helps products feel smooth and spread evenly without clogging pores.

A safe, effective thickener that gives water-based products a smooth, non-sticky feel.

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives gels and creams a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture and stability without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives skincare products a silky, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and stay put without clogging pores.

A safe synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and feel smooth, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread evenly, feel lightweight, and resist water or sweat.

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives products a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps keep ingredients evenly mixed.

A synthetic polymer that helps products feel smooth, spread evenly, and stay put without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic thickener and stabilizer that helps create a smooth, pleasant texture in many skincare products.

A safe, silicone-based ingredient that improves product texture and spreadability without clogging pores.

A safe, widely used synthetic thickener that improves product texture and stability without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic film-former that improves product feel and wear without common irritation concerns.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without common irritation.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without clogging pores.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no direct skin benefit.

A reliable synthetic thickener that gives gels and creams a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic thickener and film-former that helps products feel smooth and spread evenly without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic film-former that improves product feel and wear without common irritation concerns.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread evenly and stay put without clogging pores.

A reliable film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but it's purely synthetic and may feel tight on some skin types.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and stay put without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that boosts water resistance and wear time in makeup and sunscreen without common irritation.

A safe, effective film-former that improves water resistance and wear time in cosmetics, but may feel heavy on some skin types.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread evenly and stay put, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A safe, synthetic thickener and stabilizer that helps create a smooth, elegant texture in skincare products.

A synthetic film-former that improves water resistance and wear time, generally safe but not a functional active.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without clogging pores.

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

A reliable film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A safe, synthetic film-former that improves product feel and longevity without common irritation concerns.

A safe, synthetic film-former that improves product feel and wear without common irritation or clogging concerns.

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

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, resist water, and feel smooth, but offers no active skin benefit.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly, resist water, and last longer without common irritation.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but may feel stiff or heavy on some skin types.

A safe, synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight on skin.

A safe, synthetic polymer that improves product feel and longevity without common irritation concerns.

A synthetic polymer that helps create a smooth, even film on skin, commonly used to improve texture and water resistance.

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen last longer without feeling heavy.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but may feel tight or heavy on some skin types.

A safe film-forming polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without clogging pores.