Let's face it. Some words are there to impress you; others mean more. But you don't need a decoder ring to understand the labels on skin, hair, and face products. Here, find an explanation of 13 confusing beauty terms.

Clinically Proven

What It Means: The manufacturer has conducted some testing of the product in a clinical setting, like a lab.
What It Doesn’t Mean: That anything significant has been "proven."
Best For: Someone willing to do her own digging, like researching independent data about ingredients.

Hypoallergenic

What It Means: The product has a low chance of causing allergies.
What It Doesn’t Mean: It has been tested for all allergies. "There's no way to prove it won't cause a reaction in some people," says Howard Murad, a Los Angeles dermatologist.
Best For: People with sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions.

Long-Wearing

What It Means: Generally found on makeup packaging, this term refers to the product's staying power.
What It Doesn’t Mean: Waterproof. "Long-wearing" means it lasts longer under normal circumstances but still may not survive swimming or crying.
Best For: Times when you don't want to touch up your makeup.

Broad-Spectrum

What It Means: Found on sunscreens, it tells you the product protects against both ultraviolet A and B rays.
What It Doesn’t Mean: That you're fully covered. No matter what the label says, no sunscreen blocks out 100 percent of harmful rays.
Best For: Everyone. Broad-spectrum is the best protection available.

Brightening

What It Means: The product contains temporary brighteners, like mica, or ingredients that help even out skin tone.
What It Doesn’t Mean: Lightening, a term regulated by the FDA. A cream can't claim it will "lighten" the skin or dark spots unless it contains the chemical hydroquinone.
Best For: People with mildly uneven skin tone.