Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent to products but offers no skincare benefit; safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skincare benefits; safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a woody, musky note but offers no skincare benefit and may be unnecessary for sensitive skin.

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

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, woody note but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some people.

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

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh, woody scent but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those avoiding synthetic fragrances.

A next-generation retinoid that aims to smooth wrinkles and even skin tone with a gentler touch than traditional retinol.

A synthetic solvent and fragrance ingredient that is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no direct skin benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but it's not a star ingredient for skin health.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but may cause irritation in sensitive skin, especially at higher concentrations.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skin benefit and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit and may irritate sensitive skin.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skin benefit and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds fragrance but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

A synthetic cooling ingredient that provides a gentle, refreshing sensation without the strong minty smell of menthol.

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

A synthetic emollient that helps soften and smooth skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

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

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, maple-like scent; generally safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefits.

A synthetic gelling agent that gives oil-based products a smooth, non-greasy texture, but is rarely used in water-based formulas.

A synthetic thickener and stabilizer that gives a smooth, non-greasy feel to creams and lip products, with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and comfortable, with a low risk of irritation.

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

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh floral note but offers no skincare benefits; safe for most but may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Dimethylhexyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a low irritation risk, but it offers no direct skincare benefits beyond scent.

A synthetic antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage, but research on its topical benefits is still limited compared to more studied antioxidants like vitamin C or E.

A synthetic flavonoid that may help brighten skin and fight oxidative stress, but research is still early.

A synthetic scent ingredient with mild antioxidant potential, but its main role is fragrance, not active skincare.

A gentle, oil-absorbing starch that gives a smooth, matte feel without clogging pores.

A gentle, modified starch that helps control shine and improve product feel without clogging pores.

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

A stable synthetic antioxidant that mimics natural vitamin E to protect skin from pollution and UV damage without irritation.

A potent, stable antioxidant that helps defend skin against environmental damage without common irritation.

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

An effective but controversial preservative that may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Dimethylol Glycol is an effective preservative booster, but it may cause irritation in sensitive skin and is best avoided in leave-on products for those prone to reactions.

A synthetic polymer that helps products form a film and may boost preservative power, but its safety data is limited and it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product feel, generally well-tolerated but less studied than glycerin.

A synthetic plasticizer that helps nail polish and lip products stay flexible and durable, but its safety data is limited compared to older alternatives.

A mild synthetic pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and gentle on skin.

A synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve hair manageability, but offers no long-term repair.

A common synthetic fragrance ingredient that is generally well-tolerated but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skin benefit and may cause irritation for sensitive individuals.

A synthetic colorant used in hair dyes; limited public safety data and potential for skin irritation.

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a nutty, roasted scent to products; generally safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefit.

A synthetic fragrance compound with limited cosmetic safety data; best avoided by sensitive skin.

A hybrid of hyaluronic acid and silicon that aims to hydrate and support skin firmness, though research is still emerging.

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a warm, woody note to products, but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral note but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.

A synthetic fragrance compound with limited safety data; best avoided by those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.

Dimethyltolylamine is a synthetic accelerator for acrylic hardening, not a skincare ingredient; it may cause skin irritation and is best avoided in leave-on products.

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

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild soothing benefits.

A synthetic UV filter that provides broad-spectrum sun protection with low irritation potential, but its use is limited to certain regions.

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the irritation of pure L-ascorbic acid.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

A gentle emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, commonly used to improve the feel of creams and lotions.

A gentle synthetic antioxidant that helps keep oils and butters in your skincare products fresh and stable.