ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Ingredients of cosmetics

When we talk about ingredients of cosmetics, we are talking about all the different things that go into making things that make us look and feel pretty. We put these things on our faces, bodies, and even in our hair, so it's really important that we know what we are putting on ourselves.

One important group of ingredients are called "emollients." This is a big word, but all it means is that these are things that help make our skin soft and smooth. They can come from natural things like oils from plants, or be made in a lab to mimic natural substances.

Another group of ingredients are called "humectants," which means they are things that help our skin hold onto moisture. This can be important, especially if we live in a dry or cold climate where our skin can easily get dried out.

There are also other things that cosmetics can have, like "preservatives" which help keep the product fresh and safe to use, and "fragrances" which give cosmetics their nice smells.

It's really important to read the ingredients list on cosmetics before using them, especially if you have any allergies or sensitivities. Being aware of what we are putting on ourselves can help us stay healthy and happy!