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

Cynomorium Yeast Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/CYNOMORIUM COCCINEUM FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Cypress Fruit Extract

Cupressus Sempervirens Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps calm skin and tighten pores, with antioxidant benefits for daily use.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cypress Seed Extract

Cupressus Sempervirens Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may temporarily tighten pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cysteamine

CYSTEAMINE

3.8

Cysteamine is a potent antioxidant and skin-lightening ingredient that can help fade dark spots, but it may cause irritation and has a strong sulfur odor.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Cysteine-Proanthocyanidin Complex

CYSTEINE/OLIGOMERIC PROANTHOCYANIDIN

3.8

A novel antioxidant complex that pairs cysteine with plant-derived proanthocyanidins, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Cystoseira Baccata Extract

Cystoseira Baccata Extract

3.8

A gentle brown algae extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cystoseira Caespitosa Extract

Cystoseira Caespitosa Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Cystoseira Compressa Powder

Cystoseira Compressa Powder

4.0

A gentle brown seaweed powder that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cytochrome C

CYTOCHROME C

3.5

Cytochrome C is a naturally occurring protein that may help protect skin from oxidative stress and support cellular energy, but research in topical cosmetics is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Dactyliosolen Fragilissimus Extract

Dactyliosolen Fragilissimus Extract

3.8

A marine-derived antioxidant extract with soothing potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dahlia Flower Extract

Dahlia Variabilis Flower Extract

3.8

Dahlia Flower Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Daidzein

Daidzein

3.8

Daidzein is a gentle plant antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even complexion, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dalbergia Wood Extract

DALBERGIA LATIFOLIA WOOD EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Damascus Nigella Extract

Nigella Damascena Cotyledon Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited—handle with realistic expectations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Damnacanthus Leaf Extract

DAMNACANTHUS MAJOR BRANCH/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Damnacanthus Root Extract

Damnacanthus Major Adventitious Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dandelion Callus Extract

Taraxacum Platycarpum Callus Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Dandelion Extract

Taraxacum Platycarpum Extract

4.0

Dandelion Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Danshen Root Extract

Salvia Miltiorrhiza Flower/Leaf/Root Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Daphne Odora Callus Extract

Daphne Odora Callus Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Daphnetin

Daphnetin

3.8

Daphnetin is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research in cosmetics is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Daphniphyllum Macropodum Extract

DAPHNIPHYLLUM MACROPODUM 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

Darwin Tulip Flower Extract

Tulipa Darwin Flower Extract

3.5

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

Dasiphora Fruticosa Extract

Dasiphora Fruticosa 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

Date Fruit Ferment Extract

Lactobacillus/Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, fermented date fruit extract that may help soothe and protect the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Date Palm Leaf Cell Extract

Phoenix Dactylifera Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

David Elm Callus Extract

Ulmus Davidiana Callus Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Davidson Plum Fruit Extract

Davidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental damage and support a more even tone, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Davilla Rugosa Leaf Extract

Davilla Rugosa Leaf 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

Davurica Rose Bud Extract

Rosa Davurica Bud 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

Dawn Redwood Leaf Extract

METASEQUOIA GLYPTOSTROBOIDES 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

Day Lily Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/DAY LILY FLOWER FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Daylily Flower Extract

HEMEROCALLIS FULVA 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

Daylily Leaf/Stem Extract

HEMEROCALLIS SEMPERVIRENS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Decarboxy Carnosine HCl

DECARBOXY CARNOSINE HCL

4.0

A stable, synthetic antioxidant that helps protect skin proteins from damage, making it a promising anti-aging ingredient with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Decursin

Decursin

3.5

Decursin is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Decursinol

Decursinol

3.8

Decursinol is a promising antioxidant from Korean angelica root, but research is still early—it may help calm and protect skin, but don't expect dramatic results.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Skin conditioning

Deer Antler Ferment Extract

Paecilomyces Japonica/Deer Antler Ferment Extract Filtrate

3.5

A novel fermented ingredient with promising antioxidant potential, but human skin research is very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Defatted Woad Seed Extract

DEFATTED ISATIS TINCTORIA SEED 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

Deinococcus Ferment Extract

Deinococcus Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.3

A unique biotech antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports natural repair processes.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Delicious Raspberry Extract

Rubus Deliciosus Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on this specific species is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dendrobium Candidum Callus Extract

Dendrobium Candidum Callus Extract

3.8

A gentle orchid-derived 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

Dendrobium Candidum Callus Powder

Dendrobium Candidum Callus Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dendrobium Huoshanense Extract

DENDROBIUM HUOSHANENSE LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dendrobium Nobile Protocorm Extract

DENDROBIUM NOBILE PROTOCORM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dendrobium Nobile Stem Extract

DENDROBIUM NOBILE STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle orchid extract that may help hydrate and protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dendrobium Orchid Callus Extract

DENDROBIUM MONILIFORME CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Dendrobium Orchid Extract

DENDROBIUM PHALAENOPSIS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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