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

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-61

SH-Polypeptide-61

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines by signaling skin to produce more collagen, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-62

SH-Polypeptide-62

3.8

SH-Polypeptide-62 is a lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and elastin for a firmer, smoother look, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Polypeptide-67

SH-Polypeptide-67

4.0

SH-Polypeptide-67 is a lab-made peptide that may help reduce fine lines and support skin firmness, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-7 / SH-Oligopeptide-1

SH-Polypeptide-7, SH-Oligopeptide-1

4.0

A duo of synthetic peptides that signal skin to boost collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Polypeptide-70

SH-Polypeptide-70

3.8

SH-Polypeptide-70 is a lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-71

SH-Polypeptide-71

4.0

A synthetic peptide that signals skin cells to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Polypeptide-72

SH-Polypeptide-72

4.0

SH-Polypeptide-72 is a lab-made peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Polypeptide-73

SH-Polypeptide-73

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines by signaling skin to produce more collagen, but long-term human data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Polypeptide-74

SH-Polypeptide-74

3.8

SH-Polypeptide-74 is a lab-made peptide that may help reduce the look of fine lines by signaling skin cells to act younger, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Polypeptide-76

SH-Polypeptide-76

4.0

A lab-made peptide that signals skin to look firmer and smoother, with low irritation risk and moderate research support.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Polypeptide-77

SH-Polypeptide-77

4.0

SH-Polypeptide-77 is a lab-made peptide that may help reduce fine lines by encouraging your skin to produce more collagen, but results vary and it works best with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-78

SH-Polypeptide-78

4.0

SH-Polypeptide-78 is a synthetic peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

SH-Polypeptide-80

SH-Polypeptide-80

3.8

SH-Polypeptide-80 is a lab-made peptide that may help support firmer-looking skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-85

SH-Polypeptide-85

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-86

SH-Polypeptide-86

4.0

SH-Polypeptide-86 is a synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines by signaling skin cells to produce more collagen, but long-term human data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Polypeptide-89

SH-Polypeptide-89

4.0

SH-Polypeptide-89 is a lab-made peptide that may help improve skin firmness and hydration, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-90

SH-Polypeptide-90

4.0

SH-Polypeptide-90 is a soy-derived peptide that may help firm and smooth skin by supporting collagen production, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-91

SH-Polypeptide-91

4.0

SH-Polypeptide-91 is a lab-made peptide that may help reduce fine lines by signaling skin cells to produce more collagen, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Polypeptide-92

SH-Polypeptide-92

3.8

SH-Polypeptide-92 is a lab-made peptide that may help reduce fine lines by signaling skin to produce more collagen, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-93

SH-Polypeptide-93

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help reduce fine lines by signaling skin to produce more collagen, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Polypeptide-94

SH-Polypeptide-94

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Polypeptide-95

SH-Polypeptide-95

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-98

SH-Polypeptide-98

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines and support firmer-looking skin, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-98 Hexapeptide-40

SH-Polypeptide-98, Hexapeptide-40

4.0

A synthetic peptide duo that may help soften fine lines and support firmer-looking skin, though long-term human data is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-99

SH-Polypeptide-99

3.8

SH-Polypeptide-99 is 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

SH-Tetrapeptide-39 Acetate

SH-Tetrapeptide-39 Acetate

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin by signaling collagen production, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Silanetriol Lysinate

SILANETRIOL LYSINATE

4.0

A gentle, silica-delivering ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and elasticity over time.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Silkworm Oligopeptide-1

SILKWORM SH-OLIGOPEPTIDE-1

3.8

A gentle peptide from silkworm silk that may support collagen and skin firmness, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Silkworm Peptide Complex

SR-Oligopeptide-150, Silkworm Polypeptide-2, Dipeptide-19, Hexapeptide-40

3.8

A promising peptide blend that may help firm skin, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Silkworm Polypeptide-69

SILKWORM RH-POLYPEPTIDE-69

3.5

A biotech peptide from silkworms that may support skin firmness and hydration, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Sodium Mannuronate Methylsilanol

Sodium Mannuronate Methylsilanol

4.0

A silicon-modified seaweed derivative that may help firm and plump skin by supporting collagen and moisture.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Cell regulator

Spermidine

Spermidine

4.2

Spermidine is a promising anti-aging ingredient that encourages skin cell renewal and may help reduce fine lines, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SR-Horse Oligopeptide-1

SR-Horse Oligopeptide-1

3.8

A novel synthetic peptide inspired by horse proteins that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

SR-Spider Polypeptide-4

SR-Spider Polypeptide-4

3.8

A lab-made peptide inspired by spider silk that may help temporarily firm and smooth skin, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Telmesteine

Telmesteine

3.5

Telmesteine is a synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help firm and smooth skin, but research is still emerging and it is not widely studied in humans.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tetracarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12

Tetracarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce wrinkle depth, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tetrapeptide-11

Tetrapeptide-11

3.8

Tetrapeptide-11 is a synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still early and results can be subtle.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tetrapeptide-21

Tetrapeptide-21

4.0

Tetrapeptide-21 is a lab-made peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping soften fine lines over time with a very low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tetrapeptide-38

Tetrapeptide-38

4.0

Tetrapeptide-38 is a lab-made peptide that signals skin cells to boost collagen production, helping to smooth fine lines and improve firmness with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tetrapeptide-39

Tetrapeptide-39

3.8

Tetrapeptide-39 is a lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and reduce fine lines, but research is still early and it's less proven than more common peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tetrapeptide-44

Tetrapeptide-44

4.0

Tetrapeptide-44 is a lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tetrapeptide-45

Tetrapeptide-45

4.0

Tetrapeptide-45 is a lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tetrapeptide-55

Tetrapeptide-55

4.0

Tetrapeptide-55 is a lab-made peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce the look of fine lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tetrapeptide-56 Dimer

Tetrapeptide-56 Dimer

3.8

A newer synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and smoothness, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tetrapeptide-57 Dimer

Tetrapeptide-57 Dimer

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce wrinkles, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tetrapeptide-63 Acetate

TETRAPEPTIDE-63 ACETATE

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help improve skin firmness and smooth fine lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tobacco Peptide Complex

Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-86

3.8

A plant-derived peptide blend that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate

Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate

3.8

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient that helps soften expression lines by calming facial muscles, offering a gentler alternative to neurotoxins.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tripeptide-34

Tripeptide-34

4.0

Tripeptide-34 is a lab-made peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tripeptide-35

Tripeptide-35

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tripeptide-45

Tripeptide-45

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness with very low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tripeptide-47

Tripeptide-47

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Tripeptide-51

Tripeptide-51

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tripeptide-53

Tripeptide-53

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

Tripeptide-56

Tripeptide-56

3.8

Tripeptide-56 is a synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review