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

Decapeptide-22

Decapeptide-22

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and reduce fine lines, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Decapeptide-37

Decapeptide-37

3.8

Decapeptide-37 is a lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and firm skin, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Decapeptide-41

Decapeptide-41

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Decapeptide-45

DECAPEPTIDE-45

3.8

Decapeptide-45 is a lab-made peptide that may help support firmer, smoother skin, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Decapeptide-46

Decapeptide-46

3.8

Decapeptide-46 is a lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and elastin for firmer skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Deer Antler Velvet Extract

Cervus Elaphus Antler Velvet Extract

2.5

Deer antler velvet extract is a trendy but poorly studied ingredient in skincare, with anecdotal anti-aging claims and significant ethical baggage.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Deer Velvet Conditioned Media

Deer Velvet Mesenchymal Cell Conditioned Media

3.5

A novel biotech ingredient with promising regenerative potential, but human skincare evidence is still very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Desamido Collagen

Desamido Collagen

4.0

A stabilized collagen derivative that may help support skin firmness and hydration with a lower risk of irritation than traditional collagen.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Diethyl Acetyl Aspartate

DIETHYL ACETYL ASPARTATE

3.8

A gentle, synthetic amino-acid derivative that may help soften the look of fine lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Diethylene Tricaseinamide

Diethylene Tricaseinamide

3.8

A synthetic ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still limited compared to more established peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Diglycosyl Hexapeptide-2

Diglycosyl Hexapeptide-2

4.0

A sugar-modified peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Dimethylaminoethanol Tartrate

DIMETHYLAMINOETHANOL TARTRATE

3.5

DMAE tartrate can give a temporary firming sensation, but results are short-lived and may cause irritation for some.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Diosgenin Argininate

Diosgenin Argininate

3.8

A novel ingredient that may support collagen and skin firmness, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline

Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline

4.2

A gentle, collagen-supporting ingredient that helps improve skin firmness and elasticity with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Dipeptide-41

DIPEPTIDE-41

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Dipotassium Bryonolyl Succinate

Dipotassium Bryonolyl Succinate

3.8

A synthetic 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

Skin conditioning agent

Dipropyl Pyridinedicarboxylate

Dipropyl Pyridinedicarboxylate

3.8

A synthetic ingredient that may support skin firmness and smoothness, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioner

Diretinyl Ether

Diretinyl Ether

3.8

Diretinyl ether is a synthetic retinoid derivative that may offer anti-aging benefits similar to retinol, but with less irritation potential, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning Agent

Elastin

ELASTIN

4.0

Elastin is a natural protein that helps skin stay firm and bouncy, but its large molecule size limits deep penetration when applied topically.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Elk Antler Cell Lysate

Elk Antler Mesenchymal Cell Lysate

3.0

A novel, biotech-derived ingredient with limited human research; may support skin repair but lacks robust clinical evidence.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate

Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate

4.3

A milder retinoid that aims to deliver anti-aging results with less irritation than traditional retinol, making it a good option for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

Ethylargininoate Acetamidomethionamide

Ethylargininoate Acetamidomethionamide

3.8

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient 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

Ethylhexyl Benzyldioxopiperazyl Acetate

Ethylhexyl Benzyldioxopiperazyl Acetate

3.8

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help soften expression lines, but results are subtle and not as dramatic as prescription treatments.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Ferric Hexapeptide-35

Ferric Hexapeptide-35

3.8

A synthetic peptide with iron that may help support skin firmness, but research is still early and benefits are not guaranteed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Fibroblast Conditioned Media

HUMAN FIBROBLAST INDUCED PLURIPOTENT CELL CULTURE CONDITIONED MEDIA

3.5

A cutting-edge biotech ingredient that may support skin repair and reduce signs of aging, but human research is still limited and products are often very expensive.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Galloyl Nonapeptide-11

GALLOYL NONAPEPTIDE-11

4.0

A synthetic peptide 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

Anti-aging agent

Galloyl SH-Pentapeptide-19

Galloyl SH-Pentapeptide-19

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

Galloyl Tripeptide-35

GALLOYL TRIPEPTIDE-35

3.8

A lab-made 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

Galloyl Tripeptide-47

Galloyl Tripeptide-47

4.0

A promising synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but more independent human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Galloyl Tripeptide-48

GALLOYL TRIPEPTIDE-48

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more independent research is needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Galloyl Tripeptide-7

GALLOYL TRIPEPTIDE-7

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with good tolerability for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Geranylgeranylisopropanol

GERANYLGERANYLISOPROPANOL

3.8

A gentler alternative to retinol that targets collagen support, but research is still early and results may vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Gibberellic Acid

Gibberellic Acid

3.5

Gibberellic acid is a plant-derived ingredient that may help boost collagen and elastin, but research is still early and it's not a proven anti-aging powerhouse.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-glycation agent

Glutamoyl Aminoguanidine

Glutamoyl Aminoguanidine

3.8

A promising anti-glycation ingredient that may help prevent skin stiffness and dullness caused by sugar damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Glyceryl Diretinoate

Glyceryl Diretinoate

4.2

A gentle retinoid alternative that delivers anti-aging benefits with less irritation than traditional retinol.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Glyoxyloyl Carbocysteine

GLYOXYLOYL CARBOCYSTEINE

3.8

A gentle, lab-made amino acid derivative that may help improve skin firmness and smoothness, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Heptapeptide-12 Dimer

Heptapeptide-12 Dimer

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help smooth fine lines and support skin firmness with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate

HEPTAPEPTIDE-15 PALMITATE

4.0

A synthetic peptide designed to support collagen and reduce fine lines, generally well-tolerated but with limited independent research.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Heptapeptide-17

HEPTAPEPTIDE-17

3.8

Heptapeptide-17 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

Anti-aging agent

Heptapeptide-28

Heptapeptide-28

4.0

Heptapeptide-28 is a synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness, with low irritation risk and moderate research support.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Heptapeptide-31

Heptapeptide-31

3.8

Heptapeptide-31 is 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

Heptapeptide-32

HEPTAPEPTIDE-32

4.0

Heptapeptide-32 is 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

Heptapeptide-34

Heptapeptide-34

3.8

Heptapeptide-34 is a lab-made peptide that may help support skin structure, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Heptapeptide-35

Heptapeptide-35

4.0

Heptapeptide-35 is a synthetic peptide that may help reduce the appearance of fine lines by signaling skin to support collagen, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Heptapeptide-36 Dimer

Heptapeptide-36 Dimer

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Heptapeptide-37

HEPTAPEPTIDE-37

3.8

Heptapeptide-37 is a synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still limited compared to more established peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Heptapeptide-37 Dimer

Heptapeptide-37 Dimer

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

Heptapeptide-38 Dimer

Heptapeptide-38 Dimer

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Heptapeptide-39

HEPTAPEPTIDE-39

4.2

A synthetic peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping to soften wrinkles and improve firmness over time.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Heptapeptide-39 Dimer

HEPTAPEPTIDE-39 DIMER

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

Heptapeptide-40 Dimer

Heptapeptide-40 Dimer

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Heptapeptide-41

Heptapeptide-41

4.0

Heptapeptide-41 is a promising synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review