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 4,092
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

Antioxidant

Buriti Flower and Seed Extract

MAURITIA FLEXUOSA FLOWER/SEED EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing mild conditioning benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Buriti Pulp Powder

Mauritia Flexuosa Pulp Powder

4.0

Buriti pulp powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps nourish and hydrate skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bush Clover Callus Extract

Lespedeza Cuneata Callus Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bush Clover Extract

Lespedeza Cyrtobotrya Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Butea Frondosa Flower Extract

Butea Frondosa Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Butea Superba Extract

Butea Superba Extract

3.8

A botanical extract with antioxidant potential and traditional use, but modern skincare evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Butea Superba Root Extract

Butea Superba Root Extract

3.8

A plant root extract with traditional use and early research suggesting antioxidant benefits, but clinical skincare evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Butterfly Pea Fruit Extract

CLITORIA TERNATEA FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Butyl 2-Glyceryl Ascorbate

Butyl 2-Glyceryl Ascorbate

4.3

A gentle, stable vitamin C alternative that brightens skin without the irritation or instability of pure ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Butyl 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate

Butyl 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate

4.3

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the irritation of pure ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Butylated Xylenol

BUTYLATED XYLENOL

4.0

A synthetic preservative booster and antioxidant that helps keep your products fresh, but is used in tiny amounts and has limited direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Butylphthalide

Butylphthalide

3.5

Butylphthalide is a natural antioxidant from celery seed that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cabbage Sprout Extract

BRASSICA OLERACEA CAPITATA (CABBAGE) SPROUT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from young cabbage sprouts that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cacao Callus Powder

THEOBROMA CACAO CALLUS POWDER

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant ingredient from cacao cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cacao Flower Extract

THEOBROMA CACAO FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cacao Fruit Extract

THEOBROMA CACAO FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from the cacao fruit that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a healthy glow.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cacao Fruit Powder

THEOBROMA CACAO FRUIT POWDER

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich powder from cacao fruit that can help soothe and protect the skin, but it's not a cure-all and may not suit very sensitive skin in high concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cacao Leaf Cell Extract

THEOBROMA CACAO LEAF CELL EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cacao Shell Extract

THEOBROMA CACAO SHELL EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from cacao shells that helps protect skin from environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Caffeic Acid

CAFFEIC ACID

4.0

Caffeic acid is a gentle antioxidant that helps defend skin against pollution and UV damage, but it's not a replacement for sunscreen or vitamin C.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Caffeine

Caffeine

4.2

Caffeine is a popular skincare ingredient that can temporarily tighten skin and reduce puffiness, but its long-term anti-aging benefits are still being studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Caffeine Benzoate

Caffeine Benzoate

3.8

Caffeine benzoate is a gentle, semi-synthetic form of caffeine that may help reduce puffiness and provide antioxidant protection, but its effects are temporary and best used in targeted treatments.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Caffeine Carboxylic Acid

Caffeine Carboxylic Acid

3.8

A gentler, modified caffeine that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Caffeine Salicylate

Caffeine Salicylate

3.8

Caffeine Salicylate blends the energizing effects of caffeine with the exfoliating power of salicylic acid, offering a dual-action ingredient for dull or congested skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Caffeoyl Dipeptide-30

Caffeoyl Dipeptide-30

4.0

A promising synthetic peptide with antioxidant benefits, but research is still early and it's not a proven alternative to established antioxidants like vitamin C.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Caffeoyl Methoxytryptamine

CAFFEOYL METHOXYTRYPTAMINE

3.8

A lab-made antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Caffeyl Glucoside

Caffeyl Glucoside

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps defend skin from daily damage and may gradually improve brightness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cajaput Fruit Extract

MELALEUCA LEUCADENDRON CAJAPUT FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cajuput Fruit Extract

MELALEUCA LEUCADENDRON FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Calamondin Fruit Extract

Citrofortunella Microcarpa Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle citrus fruit extract that may help brighten skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited compared to more established antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Calamondin Fruit Juice

Citrofortunella Microcarpa Fruit Juice

3.8

A natural citrus fruit juice that may offer mild brightening and antioxidant benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its acidity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Calanthe Discolor Extract

Calanthe Discolor Extract

3.5

A gentle orchid extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Calcium Ascorbate

CALCIUM ASCORBATE

4.2

A gentler, non-acidic form of vitamin C that brightens skin and fights free radicals with minimal irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Calcium Fructoborate

CALCIUM FRUCTOBORATE

3.5

A mineral-derived complex that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research in cosmetics is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Calcium Hydroxymethionine

Calcium Hydroxymethionine

3.8

A gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Calcium Ketogluconate

CALCIUM KETOGLUCONATE

3.8

A gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

California Torreya Extract

Torreya Californica Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

California Yerba Santa Ferment

Lactobacillus/Eriodictyon Californicum Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle fermented botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, though human research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Calla Lily Callus Extract

ZANTEDESCHIA AETHIOPICA CALLUS EXTRACT

3.5

A plant-based antioxidant extract with early research suggesting soothing benefits, but more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Calla Lily Flower Extract

Zantedeschia Elliottiana Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it's not a powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Callicarpa Flower Extract

Callicarpa Macrophylla Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Callitris Columellaris Extract

Callitris Columellaris Leaf/Wood Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still limited compared to more established plant extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Calothrix Crustacea Extract

CALOTHRIX CRUSTACEA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle algae extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cambridge Geranium Extract

Geranium Cantabrigiense Flower/Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing agent

Camel Thorn Extract

HEDYSARUM ALHAGI LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Camelina Seed Extract

CAMELINA SATIVA SEED EXTRACT

4.0

Camelina seed extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Camellia Euryoides Leaf Extract

CAMELLIA EURYOIDES LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Camellia Japonica Callus Extract

Camellia Japonica Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Camellia Japonica Leaf Cell Extract

Camellia Japonica Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Camellia Japonica Meristem Cell Extract

Camellia Japonica Meristem Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient from camellia plant stem cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a youthful appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Camellia Japonica Ovary Powder

CAMELLIA JAPONICA OVARY POWDER

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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