The ingredient library.

Helps long-wear formulas dry down fast, but it's genuinely drying and can strip the skin's barrier with repeated use.

An effective UVA filter, but it breaks down in sunlight unless stabilised; reapplication matters more than with mineral filters.

Calms redness and fades dark spots. One of the best-tolerated actives, safe even during pregnancy at cosmetic strengths.

Fats naturally found in skin that rebuild the barrier and lock in moisture. About as low-risk as skincare ingredients get.

A silicone that smooths texture and locks in long-wear formulas. Considered non-irritating, though it can feel heavy if overused.

Preservatives that slowly release formaldehyde. A common cause of contact allergy; easy to swap out.

A humectant that pulls water into the skin. One of the most studied, least irritating moisturising ingredients there is.

Holds water in the skin so it looks plumper. Very low irritation risk at any usual level.

Naturally derived colour pigments used in foundations, blushes and lipsticks. Considered one of the safest colorant classes.

A mild absorbent clay used to mattify and bulk out powders. Very low irritation risk, gentle enough for most skin types.

A mineral that gives makeup its shimmer and light-reflecting finish. Low irritation risk on skin; the real concerns around mica are ethical mining practices, not health.

Calms redness and evens out tone. Well studied, gentle for most skin, and stable in most formulas.

A chemical UV filter linked to hormone-disruption concerns and coral reef damage; several places have banned it outright.

Soothes and softens skin and hair. Extremely well tolerated, rarely a cause of any reaction.

Widely used preservatives with a long safety record, but still debated for weak hormone-mimicking activity at high exposure.

Emulsifiers and thickeners. Generally low risk themselves, but can carry trace 1,4-dioxane contamination depending on manufacturing.

Speeds up cell turnover and softens fine lines. Very effective, but the main cause of dryness, peeling and sun sensitivity in a routine.

Clears pores and helps with breakouts. Safe in small amounts, but drying if layered with other acids.

A lightweight oil that mimics skin's own lipids. Non-comedogenic for almost everyone and rarely causes reactions.

One word that can hide dozens of scent chemicals. Fine for many people, a top trigger for sensitive skin.

A bulking powder used in setting powders and bronzers. Cosmetic-grade talc is asbestos-tested, but loose powder can still be an inhalation irritant.

A physical sunscreen and whitening pigment. Safe on skin; only inhalable loose powder form is a concern.

Brightens tone and supports collagen, but it's unstable: it oxidises quickly and can sting on reactive skin.

A physical sunscreen filter that sits on the skin's surface. One of the best-tolerated UV filters, including for sensitive and acne-prone skin.