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

Cistanche Stem Extract

CISTANCHE TUBULOSA STEM 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

Cistus Incanus Extract

CISTUS INCANUS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cistus Leaf Extract

CISTUS LADANIFERUS LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

Cistus Leaf Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cistus Leaf/Stem Extract

CISTUS LADANIFERUS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research on topical use is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cistus Leaf/Stem Water Extract

CISTUS LADANIFERUS LEAF/STEM WATER EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cistus Resin Extract

Cistus Species Resin Extract

3.8

A botanical extract with antioxidant potential and a pleasant herbal scent, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cistus Rockrose Extract

Cistus Ladaniferus Twig Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrine Extract

Citrine Extract

2.5

Citrine Extract is a trendy mineral ingredient with limited scientific backing; it may offer mild antioxidant benefits but is not a proven skincare powerhouse.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citron Callus Extract

CITRUS MEDICA SARCODACTYLIS CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citron Fruit Extract

CITRUS MEDICA SARCODACTYLIS FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fragrant citrus extract that provides antioxidant protection and a subtle skin-conditioning boost.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus & Herb Ferment Extract

CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL/(ANGELICA GIGAS/ASTRAGALUS MEMBRANACEUS/ATRACTYLODES MACROCEPHALA/LICORICE/PAEONIA LACTIFLORA/PANAX GINSENG/REHMANNIA ROOT)/PORIA COCOS EXTRACT

3.8

A complex blend of citrus, medicinal herbs, and mushroom that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but individual ingredient concentrations are unknown.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus Depressa Fruit Extract

CITRUS DEPRESSA FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich citrus extract that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental damage, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus Depressa Peel Extract

CITRUS DEPRESSA PEEL EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich citrus extract that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental damage.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus Fruit Extract Blend

CITRUS UNSHIU/SINENSIS/RETICULATA FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle citrus extract blend that provides antioxidant protection and a subtle brightening effect, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus Fruit Ferment Extract

BERGAMOT/GRAPEFRUIT/ORANGE/TANGERINE FRUIT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A fermented citrus blend that offers antioxidant benefits and mild exfoliation, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus Hassaku Fruit Extract

CITRUS HASSAKU FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle citrus extract that may help brighten skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus Hassaku Fruit Powder

Citrus Hassaku/Natsudaidai Fruit Powder

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit powder that may help brighten skin and provide mild exfoliation, but research is limited compared to more common citrus extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus Hassaku Juice

CITRUS HASSAKU/NATSUDAIDAI FRUIT JUICE

3.8

A gentle citrus fruit juice that offers mild antioxidant and brightening benefits, but its effects are subtle and not as well-studied as more common vitamin C sources.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus Hystrix Leaf Extract

CITRUS HYSTRIX LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A fragrant botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited research on topical benefits and a moderate risk of skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Humectant

Citrus Jabara Peel Water

CITRUS JABARA PEEL WATER

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water from Japanese Jabara citrus peel that hydrates and helps protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Citrus Keraji Fruit Water

Citrus Keraji Fruit Water

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit water that hydrates and refreshes without heavy oils, but its benefits are based more on tradition than robust clinical studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Citrus Leaf Extract

Citrus Species Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus Madurensis Fruit Juice

CITRUS MADURENSIS FRUIT JUICE

3.8

A gentle fruit juice that may offer mild antioxidant and brightening benefits, but its low concentration in formulas limits impact and it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus Sphaerocarpa Fruit Juice

CITRUS SPHAEROCARPA FRUIT JUICE

3.8

A gentle citrus fruit juice that offers mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus Tamurana Flower Extract

Citrus Tamurana Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract from a rare Japanese citrus that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus Tankan Fruit Extract

CITRUS TANKAN FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Astringent

Citrus Tankan Fruit Water

CITRUS TANKAN FRUIT WATER

3.8

A gentle, water-based citrus extract that offers mild antioxidant benefits and a refreshing feel, but research on its specific skincare effects is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus Unshiu Callus Extract

CITRUS UNSHIU CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Exfoliant

Citrus Unshiu Ferment

CITRUS UNSHIU FRUIT/SUCROSE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented mandarin extract that offers mild exfoliation and antioxidant protection, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus Unshiu Flower Powder

CITRUS UNSHIU FLOWER POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Citrus Unshiu Leaf Extract

Citrus Unshiu Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Clam Pearl Sac Secretion Extract

CLAM PEARL SAC SECRETION EXTRACT

3.5

A natural extract with potential antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Clematis Flower Extract

Clematis Terniflora Flower 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

Clematis Vitalba Extract

Clematis Vitalba Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

Clematis Vitalba Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Clematis Vitalba Leaf Extract

Clematis Vitalba Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Clementine Leaf Cell Extract

Citrus Clementina Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

A gentle plant-based antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cleome Spinosa Flower Extract

CLEOME SPINOSA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Clerodendron Stem Extract

CLERODENDRON TRICHOTOMUM STEM EXTRACT

3.5

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

Clerodendrum Leaf Extract

CLERODENDRON TRICHOTOMUM LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

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

Clerodendrum Trichotomum Extract

CLERODENDRON TRICHOTOMUM BRANCH/LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A plant extract with promising antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early and benefits are not yet well-established in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cloudberry Callus Extract

RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS CALLUS

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Cloudberry Fruit Extract

RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS FRUIT JUICE EXTRACT

4.0

Cloudberry fruit extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cloudberry Juice

RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS FRUIT JUICE

4.0

Cloudberry juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and provides light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cloudberry Seed Extract

RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS SEED EXTRACT

4.0

Cloudberry Seed Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration and soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Clove Bark Extract

EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLUS BARK EXTRACT

3.8

Clove bark extract offers antioxidant benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Clove Extract

EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLUS EXTRACT

3.5

Clove extract offers antioxidant benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its high eugenol content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Clove Seed Extract

EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLUS SEED EXTRACT

3.8

Clove Seed Extract offers antioxidant benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its high eugenol content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Clove Stem Extract

EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLUS STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A natural antioxidant extract from clove stems that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Clover & Mung Bean Sprout Extract

Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Sprout Extract / Vigna Radiata (Mung Bean) Sprout Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cnidium Callus Culture Extract

Cnidium Officinale Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A lab-grown plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Cobalt Acetylmethionate

COBALT ACETYLMETHIONATE

3.0

Cobalt Acetylmethionate is a synthetic ingredient that may offer antioxidant benefits, but its use is limited by safety concerns and a lack of robust human studies.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract

COCCINIA INDICA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cocculus Sarmentosus Extract

COCCULUS SARMENTOSUS BRANCH/LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coconut Flower Extract

Cocos Nucifera Flower 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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