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

Coconut Oil Ethyl Ferulate Esters

Coconut Oil Ethyl Ferulate Esters

4.0

A gentle, oil-soluble antioxidant that pairs coconut oil's emollience with ferulic acid's protective power, but research on this exact ester is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Codonopsis Lanceolata Callus Extract

CODONOPSIS LANCEOLATA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Codonopsis Root Extract

Codonopsis Tangshen Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coenochloris Signiensis Extract

COENOCHLORIS SIGNIENSIS EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coenzyme A

COENZYME A

3.5

Coenzyme A is a gentle antioxidant that supports skin repair, but research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coffee Arabica Extract

Coffea Arabica Leaf/Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coffee Chaff Extract

Coffea Arabica/Robusta Chaff Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coffee Extract

Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle antioxidant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may reduce puffiness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coffee Husk Extract

Coffea Arabica Husk Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from coffee fruit husks that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coffee Leaf Cell Extract

Coffea Arabica Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coffee Seedcake Extract

Coffea Arabica Seedcake Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from spent coffee grounds that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coleus Forskohlii Callus Extract

Coleus Forskohlii Callus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coleus Forskohlii Root Oil

COLEUS FORSKOHLII ROOT OIL

3.5

Coleus Forskohlii Root Oil is a gentle, plant-based oil with antioxidant and soothing potential, but its skincare benefits are not yet backed by strong human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Colloidal Gold & Green Tea Extract

Colloidal Gold / Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

3.8

A luxury blend that pairs the antioxidant power of green tea with the sensory appeal of colloidal gold, but the gold itself offers minimal proven skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

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Antioxidant

Colloidal Gold & Green Tea Powder

Colloidal Gold / Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder

3.5

A luxury blend that adds antioxidant benefits from green tea and a shimmering effect from gold, but the gold itself has limited proven skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

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Antioxidant

Commiphora Leaf Cell Extract

COMMIPHORA PTEROCARPA LEAF CELL 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

biotech

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Antioxidant

Connarus Ruber Stem Extract

Connarus Ruber Stem Extract

3.5

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited—think of it as a supportive, not star, ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Convolvulus Euphraticus Extract

CONVOLVULUS EUPHRATICUS EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle desert plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still emerging and benefits are not yet well-established in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Copper Acetylmethionate

Copper Acetylmethionate

4.0

A stable copper compound that may help support skin firmness and antioxidant protection, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Copper Aspartate

Copper Aspartate

3.8

Copper aspartate pairs copper with the amino acid aspartate to support skin's natural repair processes and fight oxidative stress, but it is less studied than copper peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Copper Chlorophyll

Copper Chlorophyll

3.8

Copper chlorophyll is a gentle antioxidant that may help soothe skin and reduce odor, but its benefits are modest and best supported by limited research.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Copper Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/COPPER FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may support skin repair and radiance, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Copper Ferment Lysate

Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment Lysate Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that combines yeast ferment with copper to help defend skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Copper Gluconate

Copper Gluconate

4.0

Copper gluconate is a gentle antioxidant that may support skin repair and collagen production, but evidence is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Copper Lysinate/Prolinate

Copper Lysinate/Prolinate

4.0

A gentle copper complex that may help support skin repair and fight oxidative stress without the irritation of some other copper forms.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Skin conditioning agent

Copper PCA Methylsilanol

COPPER PCA METHYLSILANOL

4.0

A multi-tasking ingredient that combines copper's skin-repairing benefits with silicon's smoothing effects, best for those seeking firmer, more resilient skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Copper Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate

Copper Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate

4.0

A gentle antioxidant complex that pairs copper with vitamin B6 to support skin repair and even tone, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Cordycepin

Cordycepin

3.8

A mushroom-derived compound with promising antioxidant and soothing properties, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cordyceps & Ginseng Ferment

Cordyceps Militaris Mycelium/Ginseng Root Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Cordyceps & Plum Ferment

CORDYCEPS MILITARIS/PRUNUS MUME FRUIT/SUCROSE FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Cordyceps & Soybean Ferment

Cordyceps Militaris/Germinated Soybean Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that may help calm and condition skin, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Coreopsis Basalis Extract

COREOPSIS BASALIS EXTRACT

3.8

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

Coreopsis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

COREOPSIS TINCTORIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant 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

Coriander Callus Culture Extract

CORIANDRUM SATIVUM CALLUS CULTURE CONDITIONED MEDIA

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Coriander Callus Extract

Coriandrum Sativum Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Coriander Fruit Extract

Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coriander Fruit/Leaf Extract

Coriandrum Sativum Fruit/Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coriander Herb Oil

Coriandrum Sativum Herb Oil

3.8

Coriander herb oil offers antioxidant benefits and a fresh scent, but its essential oil nature means it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coriander Sprout Extract

Coriandrum Sativum Sprout Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cork Oak Bark Extract

Quercus Suber Bark Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress without causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Corn Bran Extract

ZEA MAYS BRAN EXTRACT

4.0

Corn Bran Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Corn Bud/Seed Extract

ZEA MAYS BUD/SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Corn Fruit Extract

ZEA MAYS FRUIT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from corn fruit that helps soothe and protect the skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Corn Germ Extract

ZEA MAYS GERM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps shield skin from daily environmental damage without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Corn Stalk Extract

ZEA MAYS (CORN) STALK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cornus Officinalis Flower Extract

CORNUS OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Corsican Violet Seed Extract

VIOLA CORSICA SEED EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cortusa Matthioli Extract

Cortusa Matthioli Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cosmos Bipinnatus Phytoplacenta Extract

Cosmos Bipinnatus Phytoplacenta Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract from cosmos flowers that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cosmos Sulphureus Extract

Cosmos Sulphureus Flower/Leaf/Stem 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

Costa Rican Dragon Fruit Extract

Hylocereus Costaricensis Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and provide light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Costa Rican Dragon Fruit Peel Extract

Hylocereus Costaricensis Peel Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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