Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A film-forming ester that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but may feel heavy on oily skin.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

Dimer Rosin is a modified tree resin that helps makeup and hair products stay put, but it may feel sticky or heavy on some skin types.

A lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but human studies are limited.

A well-studied silicone that provides a silky feel and temporary barrier without clogging pores for most people.

A gentle silicone that gives a smooth, matte finish without clogging pores — great for oily or combination skin.

A gentle silicone powder that gives a silky finish and helps makeup stay put without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone powder that gives a silky, matte finish and helps control shine without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves product texture and stability without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone-based conditioner that smooths hair and fights frizz without heavy buildup.

A silicone polymer that helps products feel silky and last longer, but it's purely synthetic and not a treatment ingredient.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps create stable, smooth formulas without heavy residue.

A gentle silicone derivative that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, but may not suit those avoiding all silicones or PEG compounds.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves texture and stability, but may not suit those avoiding silicones or ethoxylated ingredients.

A gentle silicone emollient that combines the smoothing power of dimethicone with the nourishing properties of avocado oil, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle silicone-coconut hybrid that helps mix oil and water, leaving skin and hair feeling soft without heavy residue.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps create smooth, spreadable products without heavy residue.

A gentle silicone derivative that improves product feel and skin softness, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable formulas without heavy residue.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable formulas while adding a light, non-greasy feel.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, making formulas feel smooth without heavy residue.

A silicone-based emulsifier that helps formulas feel smooth and spread easily, but its phthalate component raises unnecessary concern despite being chemically different from controversial phthalates.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps create smooth, spreadable products without heavy residue.

A gentle silicone-based cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil while leaving hair and skin feeling soft, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky, with very low irritation potential.

A gentle silicone emollient that helps products glide on smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

A hybrid silicone-and-avocado emollient that smooths skin and improves product feel without heavy greasiness.

A silicone-wax hybrid that gives products a smooth, silky feel and helps them stay put, but may feel heavy on oily skin.

A gentle silicone derivative that improves product texture and feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle silicone emollient that adds a silky feel and light hydration, generally safe for most skin types.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable formulas without heavy residue.

A gentle silicone-lanolin hybrid that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky, but may not suit those avoiding silicones or lanolin derivatives.

A silicone emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may not suit everyone due to its synthetic nature and potential for buildup.

A gentle silicone-based emollient that spreads easily and leaves skin feeling silky without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable formulas without heavy residue.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight formulas without clogging pores.

A silicone derivative that helps products spread smoothly and form a film, but its phthalate component raises some safety questions.

A gentle silicone film-former that helps products feel silky and stay put, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable formulas without heavy residue.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in formulas, offering a smooth feel without heavy residue.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps create smooth, spreadable products without heavy residue.

A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in products, but may not suit those avoiding silicones or PEG compounds.

A silicone-based conditioning ingredient that smooths hair and reduces static, but may build up on fine or low-porosity hair over time.

A gentle silicone derivative that conditions hair and skin without the heavy feel of traditional silicones.

A gentle silicone derivative that coats hair to reduce frizz and improve manageability without heavy buildup.

A gentle silicone that gives a silky, smooth feel to products without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A gentle silicone polymer that helps makeup and hair products last longer without feeling heavy or greasy.

A silicone polymer that helps products glide on smoothly, feel silky, and stay put without clogging pores.

A silicone film former that helps products resist water and last longer, but may feel heavy on fine hair or oily skin.

A gentle silicone that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky, but offers no active skincare benefits.

A gentle silicone polymer that creates a smooth, breathable film on skin, improving product feel and wear without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone that helps products glide on smoothly and feel lightweight, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.

A silicone polymer that helps products feel silky and spread evenly without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone polymer that improves product feel and wear without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A silicone polymer that creates a smooth, velvety feel on skin and helps other ingredients spread evenly without clogging pores.

A gentle silicone gel that smooths skin and adds a touch of hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.

A silicone polymer that creates a smooth, breathable film on skin, improving product feel and longevity without clogging pores.

A silicone polymer that helps makeup and skincare last longer by forming a flexible, breathable film that resists water and sweat.

A silicone powder that helps products feel silky and stay put without clogging pores.

A silicone powder that blurs pores and controls shine without feeling heavy or greasy.