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

Carrot Flower Extract

Daucus Carota Sativa Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carrot Juice

Daucus Carota Sativa Juice

4.0

Carrot juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help soothe and brighten skin, but its benefits are mild and best for daily hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carrot Leaf Extract

Daucus Carota Sativa Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carrot Leaf/Stem Extract

Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from carrot greens that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carrot Root Cell Culture Lysate

DAUCUS CAROTA SATIVA ROOT CELL CULTURE LYSATE

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown carrot cell ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Carrot Root Extract

Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract

4.0

Carrot Root Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and nourish the skin, but it is not a substitute for sunscreen or vitamin A treatments.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carrot Root Protoplasts

DAUCUS CAROTA SATIVA ROOT PROTOPLASTS

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and support a more even tone, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Carrot Seed Extract

Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Extract

4.0

Carrot seed extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carrot Seed Oil

Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil

4.0

Carrot Seed Oil is a gentle antioxidant-rich oil that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carthusian Pink Extract

DIANTHUS CARTHUSIANORUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carveol

CARVEOL

3.5

Carveol is a natural antioxidant found in mint oils, but its use in skincare is limited by its strong scent and potential to cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Carya Ovata Bark Extract

Carya Ovata Bark Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Caryopteris Incana Callus Extract

CARYOPTERIS INCANA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract with early research suggesting skin-soothing benefits, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cascara Bark Extract

RHAMNUS PURSHIANA BARK EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cassava Leaf Extract

MANIHOT UTILISSIMA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Castanopsis Cuspidata Bark Extract

Castanopsis Cuspidata Bark Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Castanopsis Cuspidata Stem Extract

Castanopsis Cuspidata Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Casuarina Leaf Extract

CASUARINA STRICTA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant 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

Cat's Claw Bark Powder

Uncaria Tomentosa Bark Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Catalpa Leaf Extract

Catalpa Bignonioides Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, though research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Catalpa Ovata Fruit Extract

Catalpa Ovata Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cattail Spike Extract

Typha Latifolia Spike 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

Catuaba Bark Extract

ERYTHROXYLUM CATUABA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

Catuaba bark extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Catuaba Extract

ERYTHROXYLUM CATUABA EXTRACT

3.8

Catuaba extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Caulerpa Racemosa Extract

Caulerpa Racemosa Extract

4.0

A gentle seaweed extract that helps hydrate and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cecropia Obtusa Bark Extract

CECROPIA OBTUSA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cedar Bark Extract

CEDRUS LIBANI BARK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cedar Bud Extract

Cedrus Libani Bud Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cedrela Odorata Wood Extract

CEDRELA ODORATA WOOD EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and astringent properties, but research on its skincare benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cedrela Sinensis Sprout Extract

Cedrela Sinensis Sprout Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cedrelopsis Grevei Bark Extract

CEDRELOPSIS GREVEI BARK EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Celeriac Leaf Extract

APIUM GRAVEOLENS RAPACCUM LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Celery Callus Extract

APIUM GRAVEOLENS CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

Celery callus extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Celery Root Extract

APIUM GRAVEOLENS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

Celery root extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its topical effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Celery Root/Seed Extract

APIUM GRAVEOLENS ROOT/SEED EXTRACT

3.8

Celery Root/Seed Extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its cosmetic efficacy is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Celery Stem Extract

APIUM GRAVEOLENS STEM EXTRACT

3.8

Celery Stem Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Centaury Flower Extract

Centaurium Erythraea Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ceratostigma Willmottianum Flower Extract

CERATOSTIGMA WILLMOTTIANUM FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

A plant extract with promising antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skincare studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cetyl 2-Glyceryl Ascorbate

CETYL 2-GLYCERYL ASCORBATE

4.3

A gentle, oil-soluble vitamin C derivative that brightens and protects without the sting or instability of pure vitamin C.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Cetyl 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate

CETYL 3-GLYCERYL ASCORBATE

4.3

A gentle, oil-friendly vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the sting of pure ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Extract

CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A fragrant leaf extract with antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits, but it can irritate sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chaenomeles Speciosa Flower Extract

CHAENOMELES SPECIOSA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chaerospondias Leaf Extract

Choerospondias Axillaris Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chaetoceros Algae Extract

CHAETOCEROS CONSTRICTUS/DEBILIS/DECIPIENS/LACINIOSUS/SOCIALIS EXTRACT

3.8

A marine-sourced antioxidant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chaga & Meshima Ferment Water

Phellinus Linteus/Inonotus Obliquus Extract Ferment Water

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chaga Mushroom Extract

FUSCOPORIA OBLIQUA SCLEROTIUM EXTRACT

4.0

Chaga mushroom extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a calm, even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chaga Mushroom Ferment Filtrate

Phellinus Linteus/Inonotus Obliquus Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented chaga mushroom extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chaga Mycelia Ferment Extract

FUSCOPORIA OBLIQUA MYCELIA FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A fermented Chaga mushroom extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chamomile Meristem Cell Extract

CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA MERISTEM CELL CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown chamomile extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm irritation, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Champaca Flower Extract

Michelia Champaca Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chanterelle Mushroom Extract

Chantharellus Cibarius Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom 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

Chenopodium Album Flower Extract

CHENOPODIUM ALBUM FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

A plant-based extract with promising antioxidant activity, but research on its specific benefits for skin is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chenopodium Formosanum Grain Extract

CHENOPODIUM FORMOSANUM GRAIN EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich grain extract that may help calm and protect the skin, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chenopodium Formosanum Seed Extract

CHENOPODIUM FORMOSANUM SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Cherimoya Fruit Extract

ANNONA CHERIMOLA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

Cherimoya Fruit Extract offers gentle antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its cosmetic efficacy is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cherry Bark Extract

Prunus Serrulata Bark Extract

3.8

Cherry bark extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cherry Blossom Extract

PRUNUS SERRULATA BRANCH/LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

Cherry blossom extract is a mild, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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