Beauty ingredient research

Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Browse the review database to understand what an ingredient is, what it does in a beauty formula, when it is useful, and when it deserves caution across skincare, haircare, bodycare, makeup, and more.

20769

Reviewed ingredients

524

Low-concern standouts

2884

Need usage caution

Showing 60 of 612
AllUV absorberUV filterabrasiveabsorbentacne treatmentactiveactive ingredientadhesivealkalizing agentamino acidanti-aginganti-androgenanti-cavityanti-cavity agentanti-inflammatoryanti-irritantanticariesanticavity agentantidandruffantifungalantimicrobialantioxidantantiperspirantantiplaqueastringentbarrier repairbarrier supportbarrier-repairbarrier-supportbinderbinding agentbiotechbiotechnologybond-builderbotanicalbotanical extractbotanical oilbotanical waterbrighteningbrightening agentbufferbuffering agentcell-communicating ingredientceramidechelating agentchemicalchemical intermediateclaycleansercleansingcleansing agentcolorantconditionerconditioningconditioning agentcooling agentcosmeticcosmetic additivecosmetic colorantcosmetic ingredientcosmetic pigmentcosmetic powdercosmetic-texturizercosmetic-waxcosmeticscrosslinking agentdelivery agentdelivery systemdenaturantdeodorantdeodorant agentdepigmenting agentdepilatorydepilatory agentdesensitizing agentdyedye intermediatedye precursordye-intermediateemollientemulsifierenzymeessential oilexfoliantexperimentaleyelashfermentfilm formerfilm-formerfilm-formingfilm-forming agentfirming agentfixativeflavoring agentformulationfragrancefragrance ingredientfunctional ingredientgashair carehair colorhair coloranthair conditionerhair dyehair removalhair-carehair-colorhaircarehumectantindustrialinsecticideintermediatelashlash carelash enhancerlash-and-browlip carelipidmakeupmarine extractmasking agentmicrobiomemicrobiome modulatormineralmoisturizernail carenail-careocclusiveoilopacifieropacifying agentoptical agentoral careotheroxidative dyeoxidative dye precursoroxidizing agentpH adjusterpain reliefpenetration enhancerpeptidepersonal careph adjusterpharmaceuticalpheromonepigmentplant oilplasticizerpolymerpolymer precursorprebioticprescription-drugpreservativepreservative boosterprobioticprocessing agentprocessing aidpropellantproteinpurifyingreducing agentretinoidscalp caresebum regulatorsebum-regulatorself-tannerself-tanningsensory additivesensory agentsensory modifiersiliconeskin barrierskin barrier supportskin conditionerskin conditioningskin conditioning agentskin lighteningskin protectantskin-conditioningskin-conditioning agentskin-identicalskin-identical ingredientskin-lighteningskin-lightening agentskincaresolventsoothingsoothing agentstabilizerstimulantsunscreensurfactantsyntheticsynthetic colorantsynthetic dyesynthetic resinsynthetic-coloranttexture enhancertexturizerthickenertoneruv-absorberuv-filtervasoactivevasodilatorviscosity controlviscosity controllingviscosity controlling agentvitaminwax

Skin conditioning agent

5-Melozol Acetate

5-Melozol Acetate

3.5

5-Melozol Acetate is a synthetic compound that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging and it is not as widely studied as more established anti-aging ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Acetyl Benzoyloxy Prasterone

ACETYL BENZOYLOXY PRASTERONE

3.5

A synthetic hormone derivative that may help support skin firmness, but research is limited and it may not suit sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Acetyl Cyclohexapeptide-34

Acetyl Cyclohexapeptide-34

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help smooth fine lines and improve skin firmness, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Acetyl Decapeptide-3

Acetyl Decapeptide-3

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin firmness with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Acetyl Dipeptide-3 Aminohexanoate

Acetyl Dipeptide-3 Aminohexanoate

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, similar to a milder, topical alternative to injectables.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Acetyl Dipeptide-31 Amide

ACETYL DIPEPTIDE-31 AMIDE

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Acetyl Farnesylcysteine

Acetyl Farnesylcysteine

3.5

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help support skin firmness, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Acetyl Heptapeptide-9

ACETYL HEPTAPEPTIDE-9

4.0

A synthetic peptide that mimics natural signals to encourage firmer, smoother skin with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Acetyl Octapeptide-2

ACETYL OCTAPEPTIDE-2

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help soften fine lines by signaling skin to support collagen, but results are subtle and require consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

Acetyl Octapeptide-3

Acetyl Octapeptide-3

4.0

A synthetic peptide that mimics the action of botulinum toxin to soften expression wrinkles, but with milder and temporary effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Acetyl Oligopeptide-129

Acetyl Oligopeptide-129 Amidopropoxy PEG-2 Propylamine

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Acetyl Oligopeptide-70

Acetyl Oligopeptide-70

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften the look of expression lines with consistent use, but results are subtle and not instant.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Acetyl SH-Heptapeptide-1

Acetyl SH-Heptapeptide-1

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften fine lines and support firmer-looking skin, but more independent human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

Acetyl SH-Nonapeptide-5

Acetyl SH-Nonapeptide-5

3.8

A synthetic peptide that mimics the effects of neuromodulators to soften expression lines, but results are subtle and temporary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Acetyl SH-Pentapeptide-35

Acetyl SH-Pentapeptide-35

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-27

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-27

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Acetyl Tripeptide-59 Amide

Acetyl Tripeptide-59 Amide

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but long-term human data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Adamantanyl Hydroxybenzamide

ADAMANTANYL HYDROXYBENZAMIDE

3.5

A newer synthetic ingredient that may help firm skin and reduce wrinkles, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Adamantylcarboxamido Methylhydroxybenzamide

ADAMANTANYLCARBOXAMIDO METHYLHYDROXYLBENZAMIDE

3.8

A synthetic ingredient that mimics a natural signaling peptide to help improve skin firmness and smooth wrinkles, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Adenosine

Adenosine

4.3

Adenosine is a gentle, science-backed anti-aging ingredient that helps smooth fine lines and improve skin firmness without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Adenosine Phosphate

Adenosine Phosphate

3.8

Adenosine phosphate is a gentle, energy-boosting ingredient that may help smooth fine lines and support skin firmness over time.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Amidinoproline

Amidinoproline

3.8

Amidinoproline is a synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help firm and smooth skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

Aminobutyroyl Tripeptide-1

Aminobutyroyl Tripeptide-1

4.0

A synthetic peptide that mimics the effects of a neuropeptide to temporarily soften expression lines, offering a gentler alternative to injectables.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Aminoethoxymethyl Pyrrolopyrimidone

Aminoethoxymethyl Pyrrolopyrimidone

4.0

A synthetic ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines by supporting collagen and hyaluronic acid production.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Anacardoyl Peptide Complex

Anacardoyl SH-Pentapeptide-5 Tripeptide-1

4.0

A synthetic peptide blend that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ascorbyl Retinoate

ASCORBYL RETINOATE

4.0

A gentle hybrid of vitamin C and retinol that aims to brighten and smooth skin with less irritation than traditional retinol.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidantanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Benzyl Hydroxybutyramide

Benzyl Hydroxybutyramide

3.8

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Plant growth regulator

Benzyladenine

Benzyladenine

3.5

Benzyladenine is a synthetic plant growth regulator that may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but human research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Benzylcarbamoyl Naphthylmethyl Lauroylbenzoate Complex

BENZYLCARBAMOYL NAPHTHYLMETHYL LAUROYLBENZOATEMETHYL DIOXOMETHYLPYRAZINOPYRIMIDINE

3.8

A novel synthetic compound that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but research is still limited compared to more established anti-aging ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Bis-Coumaramido Propane

Bis-Coumaramido Propane

3.8

A synthetic ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and smooth fine lines, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Bis-Coumaramidobutane

Bis-Coumaramidobutane

3.8

Bis-Coumaramidobutane is a synthetic ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and reduce wrinkle depth, but research is still emerging and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Bis-Retinamido Methylpentane

Bis-Retinamido Methylpentane

4.0

A gentle, next-generation retinoid alternative that targets fine lines and uneven texture with less irritation than retinol.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

Butylbenzamido Methylhydroxybenzamide

T-BUTYLBENZAMIDO METHYLHYDROXYLBENZAMIDE

3.8

A synthetic ingredient that aims to relax facial muscles and soften expression lines, offering a non-invasive alternative to injectables.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Butyroyl Pentapeptide-24

Butyroyl Pentapeptide-24

4.0

A lab-made peptide that encourages collagen production, making it a gentle anti-aging option for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Oligopeptide-77

Caffeoyl Oligopeptide-77

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl SH-Heptapeptide-13

CAFFEOYL SH-HEPTAPEPTIDE-13

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften expression lines, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl SH-Octapeptide-4

Caffeoyl SH-Octapeptide-4

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Caffeoyl Tripeptide-35

CAFFEOYL TRIPEPTIDE-35

4.0

A promising synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Calcium Hexapeptide-11

Calcium Hexapeptide-11

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines by supporting the skin's natural matrix.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Capryloyl Heptapeptide-33

Capryloyl Heptapeptide-33

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften fine lines and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Capryloyl Pentapeptide-26

CAPRYLOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-26

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but results vary and more independent research is needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Capryloyl SH-Nonapeptide-6

CAPRYLOYL SH-NONAPEPTIDE-6

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften the look of expression lines and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Capryloyl Tetrapeptide-60 Complex

CAPRYLOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-60 NORLEUCYL TYROSYL D-METHIONINE

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Caprylyl Hydroxybutyramide

Caprylyl Hydroxybutyramide

4.0

A gentle synthetic ingredient that mimics peptides to help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Centipede Decapeptide-1

S-Centipede Decapeptide-1

3.8

A lab-made peptide inspired by centipede venom that may help relax facial muscles and reduce the look of fine lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide

Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide

4.0

A synthetic peptide that mimics natural collagen signals to help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Chicken Polypeptide-1

SR-Chicken Polypeptide-1

3.5

A novel peptide from chicken protein that may support skin firmness and repair, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Cocoyl Hexapeptide-16

Cocoyl Hexapeptide-16

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Coumaramido Ferulamidobutane

Coumaramido Ferulamidobutane

3.8

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and reduce wrinkle depth, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Cyathusal C

Cyathusal C

4.0

Cyathusal C is a synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Cysteinyl Tripeptide-35

Cysteinyl Tripeptide-35

3.8

A promising synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review