Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Dimethiconol is a gentle silicone that smooths skin and hair without clogging pores, making it a safe choice for most skin types.

A gentle silicone-arginine hybrid that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, but may not suit those avoiding silicones entirely.

A silicone-infused wax that gives products a silky, smooth feel without the heavy greasiness of traditional waxes.

A gentle silicone ester that smooths skin and locks in moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.

A gentle silicone-oil hybrid that smooths skin and hair without heavy greasiness, with added fatty acid benefits from borage oil.

A gentle silicone-wax hybrid that gives products a silky, non-greasy feel and helps them stay put.

A gentle silicone wax that helps makeup and skincare last longer without feeling heavy or greasy.

A silicone-cysteine hybrid that helps smooth hair and reduce frizz with a lighter feel than traditional silicones.

A gentle silicone-butter hybrid that softens skin without greasiness, but research is limited.

A high-performance silicone that creates a durable, water-repelling shield without feeling heavy or greasy.

A gentle silicone derivative that improves product feel and spreadability, suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin.

A hybrid silicone-butter ingredient that provides rich, non-greasy moisture and a silky finish.

A gentle silicone ester that smooths skin and hair without heavy greasiness, but offers limited active benefits beyond surface feel.

A gentle, silicone-like emollient that softens skin without greasiness, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A hybrid silicone-lactic acid ingredient that smooths skin and provides light moisture without heavy residue.

A gentle, silicone-based emollient that softens skin and hair without greasiness, ideal for dry or sensitive types.

A gentle silicone-amino acid hybrid that smooths hair and softens skin without heavy buildup.

A gentle, silicone-enhanced butter that provides a silky, non-greasy feel on skin and hair.

A gentle silicone-panthenol hybrid that smooths hair and skin while adding a touch of moisture, but may feel heavy for fine hair or oily skin.

A lightweight silicone ester that provides a silky, smooth feel without heavy greasiness, making it a popular choice for modern formulations.

A gentle silicone-based emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores, making it a good option for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A silicone polymer that forms a flexible, breathable film for long-lasting wear and water resistance.

A gentle silicone polymer that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a soft, velvety finish without clogging pores.

A silicone powder that soaks up excess oil and gives a silky, non-greasy feel—great for shine control and blurring pores.

A gentle silicone film-former that improves wear time and water resistance without feeling heavy or greasy.

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

A gentle silicone derivative that helps detangle hair and reduce frizz without heavy buildup.

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental damage, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

A synthetic soothing ingredient that helps calm reactive skin and reduce visible redness without irritation.

A mild synthetic fragrance ingredient that also helps preserve formulas, generally considered safe at low concentrations.

A potent synthetic brightener that targets dark spots by blocking melanin production, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

A synthetic UV filter that effectively absorbs UVA and UVB rays, offering broad-spectrum protection with a low irritation profile.

A synthetic dye ingredient used in hair color; can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is not used in leave-on skincare.

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

A well-researched synthetic ingredient that effectively reduces dark spots and uneven skin tone with minimal irritation.

An industrial plasticizer rarely used in leave-on skincare; best avoided for daily facial care due to limited safety data and potential irritation.

A synthetic ingredient that improves the sensory feel of products without adding heavy oils or silicones.

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps other ingredients spread smoothly and evaporates quickly, leaving a silky feel.

A gentle, lab-made amino acid derivative that may help skin retain moisture and feel smoother, though research is still early.

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps detangle hair and soften skin without heavy buildup.

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

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.

A gentle synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, with low irritation potential.

A mild solvent that helps products spread and dry quickly, but its role is purely functional — it doesn't actively improve skin.

A coconut-derived surfactant that helps cleanse and condition, but may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance component that provides a pleasant scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; best for those who tolerate synthetic scents.

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

A gentle, science-backed ingredient that helps rebuild damaged hair from the inside out by delivering cysteine, a key building block of hair proteins.

A gentle amino-acid derivative that helps condition hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, green note to products; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some.

Dimethyl ether is a common aerosol propellant that helps dispense products like dry shampoos and setting sprays, but it offers no direct skin benefit and may cause mild irritation if inhaled excessively.

A gentle, water-attracting ingredient that helps keep skin hydrated and smooth without irritation.

Dimethyl Glutarate is a gentle synthetic solvent that helps products spread and feel smooth, but it offers no direct skin benefits beyond formulation.

A synthetic scent ingredient that gives a warm, woody aroma but offers no skincare benefit and may be unnecessary for sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skincare benefits; safe at low levels but may irritate sensitive skin.

A conditioning agent that can soften hair and skin but may be too heavy for oily or acne-prone types.