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

Cherry Blossom Leaf Cell Extract

Prunus Serrulata Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Cherry Blossom Leaf Extract

PRUNUS CAMPANULATA/YEDOENSIS LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cherry Blossom Phytoplacenta Extract

Prunus Serrulata Phytoplacenta Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Cherry Fruit Extract

Prunus Avium Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and soothes irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cherry Leaf Cell Extract

Prunus Cerasus Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cherry Leaf Extract

Prunus Serrulata Leaf Extract

4.0

Cherry leaf extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cherry Plum Flower Extract

Prunus cerasifera flower extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cherry Seed Extract

Prunus Avium Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cherry Stalk Extract

Prunus Cerasus Stalk Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical 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

Cherry Wood Extract

Prunus Avium Wood Extract

3.8

Cherry Wood Extract offers gentle antioxidant support and a subtle botanical touch, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chestnut Bud Extract

Castanea Sativa Bud Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from chestnut buds that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chestnut Cupule Extract

Castanea Crenata Cupule Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chestnut Ferment Extract

ASPERGILLUS/CASTANEA CRENATA PELLICLE FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented chestnut extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress while supporting a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Chestnut Pellicle Powder

Castanea Crenata Pellicle Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chestnut Pericarp Extract

Castanea Sativa Pericarp Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chestnut Seed Extract

Castanea Sativa Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chestnut Shell Extract

Castanea Sativa Shell Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from chestnut shells that helps protect skin from environmental stress while soothing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chia Seed Extract

Salvia Hispanica Herb Extract

4.0

Chia Seed Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm and protect the skin, but its benefits are best supported by general plant chemistry rather than extensive human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

China Aster Leaf Extract

Callistephus Chinensis Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Chinese Juniper Extract

JUNIPERUS CHINENSIS XYLEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chinese Onion Bulb Extract

ALLIUM CHINENSE BULB 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

Chinese Quince Callus Extract

Chaenomeles Sinensis Callus Culture Extract

3.8

A gentle plant-based antioxidant from Chinese quince callus culture, with early research suggesting skin-soothing and protective benefits, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chinese Tamarisk Extract

Tamarix Chinensis Flower/Leaf 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

Chinpi Extract

CITRUS RETICULATA PEEL EXTRACT

4.0

Chinpi Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich citrus peel extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chitosan Glutathionamide

Chitosan Glutathionamide

3.8

A novel hybrid ingredient that pairs chitosan's film-forming and hydrating properties with glutathione's antioxidant potential, though research on this specific conjugate is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Chlamydocapsa Extract

Chlamydocapsa Extract

3.8

A gentle microalgae extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support hydration, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chlamydomonas Hedleyi Extract

Chlamydomonas Hedleyi Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich microalgae extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chloranthus Glaber Extract

CHLORANTHUS GLABER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chloranthus Serratus Extract

CHLORANTHUS SERRATUS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chlorella Emersonii Extract

Chlorella Emersonii Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chlorella Extract

Chlorella Pyrenoidosa/Sorokiniana Extract

4.0

Chlorella extract is a gentle, algae-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chlorella Pyrenoidosa Powder

CHLORELLA PYRENOIDOSA POWDER

4.0

Chlorella pyrenoidosa powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich algae extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chlorella Variabilis Extract

Chlorella Variabilis Extract

4.0

A gentle algae extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chlorogenic Acids

CHLOROGENIC ACIDS

4.0

Chlorogenic acids are gentle plant antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chlorophora Tinctoria Wood Extract

Chlorophora Tinctoria Wood Extract

3.8

A natural wood extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient in most formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chloroplatinic Acid

Chloroplatinic Acid

2.0

Chloroplatinic acid is a rare, high-cost ingredient with theoretical antioxidant benefits, but its use in skincare is experimental and carries significant irritation and sensitization risks.

Irritation

high

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Chrysanthemum Burbankii Flower Extract

Chrysanthemum Burbankii Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited—best used as a supporting ingredient in soothing formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chrysanthemum Flower Extract

Chrysanthemum Sinense Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chrysanthemum Indicum Extract

CHRYSANTHEMUM INDICUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

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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Antioxidant

Chrysanthemum Zawadskii Flower Extract

Chrysanthemum Zawadskii Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower 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

Chrysin

Chrysin

3.8

Chrysin is a gentle plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Chrysocolla Extract

Chrysocolla Extract

3.5

Chrysocolla is a mineral extract with potential antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cinnamic Acid

Cinnamic Acid

3.8

Cinnamic acid is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress, but it's not a standout active compared to more researched options.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cipadessa Baccifera Extract

Cipadessa Baccifera Flower/Leaf/Stem 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

Circaea Cordata Extract

Circaea Cordata Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cirsium Extract

Cirsium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cirsium Setidens Leaf Extract

Cirsium Setidens Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cissus Hypoglauca Fruit Extract

CISSUS HYPOGLAUCA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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