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

Heptapeptide-42

Heptapeptide-42

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Heptapeptide-7

Heptapeptide-7

4.0

Heptapeptide-7 is a synthetic peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping soften fine lines over time with minimal irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Heptapeptide-8

Heptapeptide-8

4.0

A synthetic peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping soften fine lines over time.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Heptapeptide-9

Heptapeptide-9

4.0

Heptapeptide-9 is a synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines by signaling collagen production, with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12

Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and skin firmness, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-1

Hexapeptide-1

4.0

Hexapeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, similar to a milder, topical version of neuromodulators.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-11

Hexapeptide-11

3.8

Hexapeptide-11 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

Hexapeptide-34

Hexapeptide-34

3.8

Hexapeptide-34 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

Hexapeptide-43

Hexapeptide-43

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

Hexapeptide-48

Hexapeptide-48

4.0

Hexapeptide-48 is a synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-49

Hexapeptide-49

3.8

Hexapeptide-49 is a lab-made peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-50

Hexapeptide-50

3.8

Hexapeptide-50 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

Hexapeptide-51

Hexapeptide-51

3.8

Hexapeptide-51 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

Hexapeptide-54 Palmitate

Hexapeptide-54 Palmitate

4.0

A synthetic peptide designed to support collagen and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-56

Hexapeptide-56

3.8

Hexapeptide-56 is a lab-made peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still early and it's less studied than more common peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-61

Hexapeptide-61

3.8

Hexapeptide-61 is a synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce the look of fine lines, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-62

Hexapeptide-62

4.0

Hexapeptide-62 is a synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, similar to other peptide ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-63 Dimer

Hexapeptide-63 Dimer

4.0

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

Hexapeptide-65

Hexapeptide-65

4.0

Hexapeptide-65 is a synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness, but human data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-67 Palmitate

Hexapeptide-67 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

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Histidyl Tryptophanyl Dipeptide-29

HISTIDYL D-TRYPTOPHANYL DIPEPTIDE-29 D-PHENYLALANYL LYSINAMIDE

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

Hydrogenated Retinol

Hydrogenated Retinol

4.0

A gentler, stabilized form of retinol that aims to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture with less irritation than traditional retinol.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Hydrolyzed Antler Velvet Extract

Hydrolyzed Antler Velvet Extract

3.5

A novel, protein-rich ingredient with promising anti-aging potential, but human studies are limited and ethical sourcing is a concern.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Film Former

Hydrolyzed Extensin

Hydrolyzed Extensin

4.0

A gentle plant protein that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Firming Agent

Hydrolyzed Reticulin

Hydrolyzed Reticulin

3.8

A protein ingredient that may help support skin structure, but research is limited and benefits are not well-proven in humans.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Hydrolyzed Rye Phytoplacenta Extract

Hydrolyzed Rye Phytoplacenta Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based alternative to animal-derived placental extracts, offering antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits with limited but promising research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning Agent

Hydrolyzed Thymus Extract

HYDROLYZED THYMUS EXTRACT

3.5

Hydrolyzed Thymus Extract is a protein-rich ingredient that may support skin firmness and repair, but evidence is limited and it may not be suitable for vegans or those with animal product sensitivities.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Hydroxyanasatil Retinoate

Hydroxyanasatil Retinoate

4.0

A next-generation retinoid that aims to reduce fine lines and wrinkles with a gentler touch than traditional retinol.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

Hydroxyethyl Isobutyl Piperidine Carboxylate

Hydroxyethyl Isobutyl Piperidine Carboxylate

3.8

A synthetic ingredient that works like a gentle topical alternative to injectables for softening expression lines, but results are subtle and temporary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hydroxyethyl Methylthiopropenamide

Hydroxyethyl Methylthiopropenamide

3.8

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help soften expression lines, but research is still limited compared to well-studied peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Cell-communicating ingredient

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate

4.3

A gentle yet effective retinoid that works like retinoic acid without the typical redness and peeling.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Anti-aging agent

Indol Acetyl Phenylalanine

INDOL ACETYL PHENYLALANINE

3.8

A synthetic amino acid derivative 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

Indoleacetyl Glutamic Acid

INDOLEACETYL GLUTAMIC ACID

4.0

A gentle amino acid derivative that may help boost collagen and improve skin firmness, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

Isopropylcyclohexyl Tolylcarbamate

ISOPROPYLCYCLOHEXYL TOLYLCARBAMATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Jellyfish Polypeptide Complex

SR-Jellyfish Polypeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-1

3.8

A marine peptide blend that may help firm and repair skin, but research is still early and benefits are not guaranteed.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Anti-aging agent

Jellyfish Polypeptide-1

SR-Jellyfish Polypeptide-1

3.5

A marine-inspired peptide that may help hydrate and firm skin, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Anti-aging agent

Kephalis

Kephalis

4.0

Kephalis is a synthetic peptide that may help smooth wrinkles and support skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Kinetin

Kinetin

4.0

Kinetin is a gentle plant-derived ingredient that may help improve skin texture and reduce fine lines without the irritation of stronger anti-aging actives.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Film Former

Lactoyl Methylsilanol Elastinate

LACTOYL METHYLSILANOL ELASTINATE

4.0

A silicone-modified elastin derivative that may temporarily improve skin firmness and hydration, but long-term anti-aging benefits are not well proven.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Lauroyl SH-Oligopeptide-33

Lauroyl SH-Oligopeptide-33

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is limited to lab and small-scale studies.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Methionyl Oligopeptide Complex

METHIONYL SH-OLIGOPEPTIDE-75 SH-OLIGOPEPTIDE-2

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Methionyl Oligopeptide-75 Polypeptide-8

METHIONYL SH-OLIGOPEPTIDE-75 SH-POLYPEPTIDE-8

4.0

A lab-made peptide duo that may help smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness, but results vary and more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Methionyl SH-Oligopeptide-85

R-(METHIONYL SH-OLIGOPEPTIDE-85)

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Methionyl SH-Polypeptide-92

METHIONYL SH-POLYPEPTIDE-92

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help signal skin to look firmer and smoother, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Anti-aging agent

Methionyl SH-Polypeptide-93

METHIONYL SH-POLYPEPTIDE-93

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and firm skin, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Skin-conditioning agent

Methionyl Spider Peptide Complex

METHIONYL SH-POLYPEPTIDE-7 ALANYL SR-SPIDER OLIGOPEPTIDE-1

3.8

A lab-made peptide blend that mimics spider silk to help skin feel firmer, but research is still early and benefits are not guaranteed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Anti-Aging Agent

Methoxy PEG-12 Retinamide

METHOXY PEG-12 RETINAMIDE

4.0

A gentle, PEG-modified retinoid that may support smoother skin with less irritation than traditional retinol, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review