Search 30+ common skincare ingredients. Know what's safe, what to avoid, and what needs context.
Water-soluble exfoliants that dissolve dead skin cells for a brighter complexion. Effective but increase sun sensitivity...
A drying alcohol used to create lightweight, fast-drying textures. At high concentrations, disrupts the skin barrier and...
A soothing plant extract with anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties. Calms sunburns, irritation, and minor wounds. ...
A gentle yet effective acid that treats acne, reduces redness, fades hyperpigmentation, and is safe during pregnancy. On...
A powerful antibacterial that kills acne-causing bacteria on contact. Effective but extremely drying and can bleach fabr...
An ancient medicinal herb that calms inflammation, speeds wound healing, and strengthens the skin barrier. A K-beauty st...
Lipids that naturally make up 50% of your skin barrier. Topical ceramides repair and reinforce the barrier, locking in m...
A silicone that creates a smooth, protective barrier on skin and hair. Non-toxic but can trap debris under the barrier a...
Concentrated plant extracts used for scent and purported benefits. Despite being "natural," many are potent skin sensiti...
A known carcinogen used as a preservative. Often hidden behind formaldehyde-releasing preservatives that slowly release ...
An umbrella term that can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. "Fragrance" is a trade secret loophole — companies do ...
One of the most effective and time-tested humectants in skincare. Draws water to the skin surface and helps maintain hyd...
A powerful antioxidant that protects against UV damage, reduces inflammation, and fights premature aging. One of the mos...
A naturally-occurring molecule that holds 1000x its weight in water. The gold standard for hydration — plumps skin, redu...
A skin-bleaching agent that inhibits melanin production. Banned or restricted in many countries due to serious side effe...
A highly refined petroleum derivative that forms an occlusive barrier. Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is well-studied and no...
A versatile vitamin that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, minimizes pores, and fades hyperpigmentatio...
A chemical sunscreen filter that penetrates skin easily and has been detected in blood after single use. Harmful to cora...
A family of synthetic preservatives widely used to prevent bacterial growth. Linked to hormone disruption as they mimic ...
Short chains of amino acids that signal skin to produce more collagen and elastin. Gentle anti-aging workhorses with vir...
A widely-used preservative considered safer than parabens. Generally well-tolerated at standard concentrations (1% or le...
Plasticizing chemicals used to make products flexible and help fragrance stick to skin. Major endocrine disruptors that ...
A powerful anti-aging ingredient that boosts cell turnover. Highly effective but requires careful use — causes sensitivi...
An oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pores to fight acne. Effective but can cause dryness and irritation if overused...
A rich plant fat from the African shea tree. Deeply nourishing, anti-inflammatory, and excellent for dry skin and hair. ...
A harsh foaming agent that strips skin of natural oils and disrupts the skin barrier. One of the most common irritants i...
A lightweight oil identical to human sebum. Deeply moisturizing without clogging pores. Works for all skin types includi...
A volatile solvent derived from petroleum. Exposure causes nervous system damage and is particularly dangerous during pr...
An antibacterial agent banned from hand soaps by the FDA in 2016 but still found in other cosmetics. Contributes to anti...
A potent antioxidant that brightens skin, boosts collagen, and protects against environmental damage. Essential in any a...
A mineral UV filter that sits on top of skin and physically blocks UV rays. Broad-spectrum protection without chemical a...