Every cosmetic ingredient, in plain English

Potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and may improve skin texture and radiance.

Lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals and supports cellular energy production.

Stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin, protects from oxidative stress, and supports collagen production.

Plant-derived antioxidant that stabilizes vitamin C and E while protecting skin from free radical damage.

A tripeptide antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and may support skin brightening and detoxification.

Polyphenol-rich plant extract that protects skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage.

Resinous bee-derived substance rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that soothes and protects skin.

Polyphenol antioxidant from grapes and berries that protects skin from free radical damage and supports collagen.

Fat-soluble vitamin that neutralizes free radicals and protects skin from oxidative stress.

Fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from free-radical damage and supports barrier function.

Potent antioxidant that brightens skin, boosts collagen, and provides photoprotection against UV damage.

Pure vitamin C that brightens skin, boosts collagen, and neutralizes free radical damage.

A plant-derived tyrosinase inhibitor that gradually fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Plant-derived hydroquinone precursor that gradually converts to hydroquinone to reduce dark spots and even skin tone.

Potent tyrosinase inhibitor that reduces melanin production to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

A fungal-derived ingredient that inhibits tyrosinase to reduce dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Plant extract that soothes irritation, reduces redness, and evens skin tone with anti-inflammatory compounds.

Synthetic amino acid that reduces melanin production and inflammation to even skin tone and fade hyperpigmentation.

Lipid molecules that strengthen skin barrier and lock in moisture for hydrated, resilient skin.

Lipid that strengthens skin barrier and improves hydration retention in formulas.

Long-chain organic molecules that nourish, soften skin and strengthen the natural moisture barrier.

Lightweight plant oil that moisturizes and softens skin without heavy residue.

A naturally occurring lipid that mimics skin's own oils, providing deep hydration and barrier support.

A waxy fatty alcohol that thickens, emulsifies, and softens skin while reducing water loss.

Fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes emulsions, and softens skin without clogging pores.

Waxy sheep's wool byproduct that deeply moisturizes and forms a protective barrier on skin.

Rich plant butter that softens skin and locks in moisture with fatty acids and vitamins.

Synthetic polymer that smooths skin/hair, creates a breathable barrier, and improves texture without greasy feel.

Lightweight, non-greasy hydrocarbon oil that mimics skin's natural sebum to soften and protect.

A waxy fatty alcohol that softens skin and thickens formulas into creams and balms.

Plant oil that softens skin and hair while forming a moisture-barrier; comedogenic for some.

Plant oil that closely mimics skin sebum, providing lightweight hydration and barrier support.

Water-soluble exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin.

A dicarboxylic acid that exfoliates, reduces redness, and targets acne and rosacea.

Oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pores to dissolve dead skin and reduce congestion.

Weak organic acid that gently exfoliates and adjusts pH in skincare formulas.

A gentle polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that exfoliates and hydrates without high irritation risk.

Water-soluble AHA that exfoliates dead skin cells to improve texture and radiance.

A gentle alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates dead skin and improves texture via chemical peeling.

A gentle polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that exfoliates and hydrates without excessive irritation.

Gentle AHA exfoliant derived from almonds that dissolves dead skin without harsh irritation.

Gentle chemical exfoliants with larger molecular size that exfoliate while reducing irritation compared to AHAs.

Oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pores to remove dead skin and unclog sebaceous buildup.

Concentrated plant extracts that provide fragrance and varying cosmetic benefits depending on source.

Aromatic compounds that provide scent to cosmetic products.

Natural amino acid derivative that draws moisture into skin and supports hydration.

A humectant that draws moisture into skin, improving hydration and barrier function.

Humectant that binds water to skin, plumping and hydrating for a smoother appearance.

Provitamin B5 that hydrates skin and supports barrier repair with soothing properties.

A fermented amino acid polymer that holds moisture in skin, delivering hydration similar to hyaluronic acid.

Snail secretion extract that hydrates and supports skin barrier repair with glycoproteins and hyaluronic acid.

A salt form of hyaluronic acid that draws moisture into skin and holds up to 1000x its weight in water.

Natural amino acid derivative that draws moisture into skin and supports its natural hydration barrier.

A natural disaccharide sugar that hydrates skin and protects proteins from stress damage.

A humectant that draws moisture into skin and gently exfoliates via keratin breakdown.

Silicone polymer that creates a smooth, water-resistant barrier on skin and hair.

Refined petroleum byproduct that forms a protective barrier to seal in moisture and soften skin.

Refined petroleum byproduct that seals moisture into skin with a protective barrier.

Lightweight oil rich in fatty acids and vitamin E that nourishes and softens skin without heavy residue.

Fast-absorbing African oil rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that softens skin without heaviness.

Cold-pressed seed oil rich in vitamins A, C, and essential fatty acids that nourishes and supports skin renewal.

Building blocks of proteins that hydrate, strengthen skin barrier, and support collagen structure.

Absorbent clay mineral that draws out impurities and oil from skin.

Antimicrobial and keratolytic agent that kills acne-causing bacteria and promotes skin cell turnover.

Stimulating alkaloid that reduces puffiness, improves circulation, and provides antioxidant benefits to skin.

Porous carbon that absorbs oils, impurities, and toxins from skin surface.

Protein-derived ingredient that hydrates and provides film-forming properties to skin.

A skin-firming ingredient claimed to support collagen and reduce fine lines through membrane stabilization.

Lipids with attached sugar molecules that support skin barrier integrity and cellular communication.

Broken-down collagen protein that hydrates and may support skin firmness and elasticity.

Mineral colorants derived from iron that provide stable, long-lasting color to cosmetics.

Absorbent clay mineral that removes excess oil and impurities from skin surface.

Natural mineral that adds shimmer, light-diffusing properties, and texture to color cosmetics and skincare.

A ceramide precursor that strengthens skin barrier function and improves moisture retention.

Antimicrobial mineral that reduces bacteria and sebum production, traditionally used for acne and rosacea.

Finely milled mineral powder that absorbs moisture and provides smoothness and mattifying finish.

Synthetic peptide that mimics botulinum toxin's mechanism to reduce dynamic wrinkles and expression lines.

Copper-binding peptides that support collagen production and skin repair processes.

Synthetic peptide that signals skin to boost collagen and elastin production for firmer appearance.

Short chains of amino acids that support skin firmness, elasticity, and collagen production.

Organic solvent and mild preservative that dissolves fragrance & actives while inhibiting microbial growth.

Lightweight humectant-preservative hybrid that draws moisture to skin while providing mild antimicrobial benefits.

Antimicrobial compounds that prevent bacterial and fungal growth in cosmetics and skincare products.

Broad-spectrum preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal growth in cosmetic formulas.

Synthetic retinoid that normalizes skin cell turnover and reduces acne and signs of aging.

Plant-derived retinol alternative that supports skin renewal without retinoid irritation or sun sensitivity.

A bioactive form of vitamin A that converts to retinoic acid, promoting cell turnover and collagen production.

Vitamin A derivative that promotes cell turnover and collagen production for firmer, clearer skin.

A stable, plant-derived form of vitamin A that converts to retinol to support skin cell turnover and collagen production.

Prescription vitamin A metabolite that increases cell turnover and collagen production for anti-aging and acne.

Fat-soluble vitamin that boosts cell turnover and collagen production for smoother, firmer skin.

A naturally-derived compound that soothes irritation and promotes skin healing and cell turnover.

Succulent plant extract with hydrating and calming properties for irritated or inflamed skin.

Polysaccharide from yeast or fungi that hydrates, soothes inflammation, and supports skin barrier function.

Traditional plant extract known for soothing irritation, supporting skin barrier function, and promoting healing.

Finely ground oat particles that soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and provide gentle exfoliation.

Naturally derived amino acid that stabilizes skin proteins and reduces irritation and redness.

A triterpene compound from centella asiatica that reduces inflammation and supports skin barrier repair.

A triterpenoid compound from Centella asiatica that reduces inflammation and strengthens skin barrier function.

Essential oil from Australian tea tree with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties for acne-prone skin.

Plant extract from witch hazel shrub with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties used to tone and calm skin.

Broad-spectrum UVA sunscreen filter that absorbs UV rays across the entire UVA spectrum.

UVB sunscreen filter that absorbs ultraviolet radiation to protect skin from sun damage.

Broad-spectrum UVA sunscreen filter that absorbs long-wave UVA rays to prevent sun damage.

UVB-absorbing chemical sunscreen filter that converts sun rays into heat.

UV-absorbing sunscreen ingredient that protects against UVB and short-wave UVA rays.

Chemical UVA/UVB sunscreen filter that absorbs UV radiation and converts it to heat.

Photostable broad-spectrum UV filter that absorbs and scatters UVA/UVB rays without degrading in sunlight.

Mineral UV blocker that reflects/scatters UVA and UVB rays to protect skin from sun damage.

Physical sunscreen that reflects and scatters UV rays; provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Mild coconut-derived cleanser that removes oils and dirt while being gentler than sulfates.

Mild cleansing agent that removes oil and dirt; gentler than SLS due to ethoxylation.

Strong anionic surfactant that cleanses by removing oils and dirt from skin and hair.

Stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative that converts to active ascorbic acid in skin.

Stabilized vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and supports collagen without the instability of pure ascorbic acid.

Water-soluble B vitamin that strengthens skin barrier, reduces pore appearance, and calms inflammation.

Stable vitamin C derivative that converts to ascorbic acid on skin; brightens, antioxidant, supports collagen.

Oil-soluble vitamin C derivative that brightens and protects skin with improved stability versus L-ascorbic acid.

Hydrating humectant that draws water into skin and supports moisture barrier function.