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

Disodium NADH

DISODIUM NADH

3.8

Disodium NADH is a promising antioxidant that supports skin cell energy, but research is still early and it's less proven than classic antioxidants like vitamin C.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Disodium Phloretin Disulfonate

Disodium Phloretin Disulfonate

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble antioxidant that helps even skin tone and defend against pollution without the stability issues of natural phloretin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Disodium Rutinyl Disulfate

DISODIUM RUTINYL DISULFATE

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble antioxidant that helps calm skin and protect against environmental stress, with a good safety profile.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Disodium Ubiquinone

DISODIUM UBIQUINONE

4.0

A water-friendly version of CoQ10 that delivers antioxidant protection and may help energize aging skin without the greasy feel of traditional CoQ10.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Distearoyl Glyceryl Ascorbate

DISTEAROYL GLYCERYL ASCORBATE

4.5

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the irritation or short shelf life of pure L-ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Distylium Racemosum Extract

DISTYLIUM RACEMOSUM 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

Distylium Twig Extract

Distylium Racemosum Twig 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

Dithiaoctanediol

Dithiaoctanediol

3.8

Dithiaoctanediol is a synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Dithiodiglycolic Acid

Dithiodiglycolic Acid

3.5

Dithiodiglycolic acid is a synthetic sulfur compound that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Dittany of Crete Extract

ORIGANUM DICTAMNUS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical 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

Docosahexaenoic Acid

DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID

4.0

DHA is a gentle omega-3 fatty acid that helps calm inflammation and support a healthy skin barrier, but it is sensitive to oxidation and best used in stable formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dodecyl Gallate

DODECYL GALLATE

3.5

Dodecyl gallate is a synthetic antioxidant that helps preserve cosmetic formulas, but it has limited direct skin benefits and may be unnecessary in well-formulated products.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Dodonaea Microzyga Extract

DODONAEA MICROZYGA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Dolichos Biflorus Callus Extract

DOLICHOS BIFLORUS CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant-based antioxidant from horse gram callus that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Douglas Fir Wood Extract

Pseudotsuga menziesii wood extract

3.8

A gentle plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Downy Birch Twig Extract

Betula Pubescens Twig Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Downy Rose Myrtle Extract

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa flower/leaf/stem extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research in cosmetics is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Draba Alpina Callus Extract

DRABA ALPINA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Dracaena Cambodiana Leaf Extract

DRACAENA CAMBODIANA 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

Dracaena Marginata Extract

DRACAENA MARGINATA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

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

Dracaena Sanderiana Extract

DRACAENA SANDERIANA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dracocephalum Extract

Dracocephalum Heterophyllum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Dragon Fruit Bud Extract

Selenicereus monacanthus bud extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dragon Fruit Extract

Hylocereus Undatus Extract

4.0

Dragon Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps hydrate and protect the skin, though research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dryas Octopetala Callus Extract

Dryas Octopetala Callus Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Dunalianum Blueberry Leaf Extract

VACCINIUM DUNALIANUM LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf extract from a wild blueberry species that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dunaliella Bardawil Extract

DUNALIELLA BARDAWIL EXTRACT

4.0

A potent antioxidant from microalgae that helps defend skin from pollution and UV damage while supporting a radiant look.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dung Fungus Mycelium Extract

CYATHUS STERCOREUS MYCELIUM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Durum Wheat Seed Extract

Triticum Turgidum Durum Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dwarf Buttercup Callus Extract

RANUNCULUS PYGMAEUS CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle, 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

Dwarf Cherry Fruit Extract

Prunus Humilis Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help soothe skin and provide a subtle brightening effect, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dwarf Everlasting Flower Extract

Antennaria Microphylla Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin, but research is limited to traditional use and lab studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dwarf Pine Bark Extract

Pinus Pumilio Bark Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dwarf Pine Leaf Extract

Pinus Pumilio Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle 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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Antioxidant

Dwarf Pine Twig Leaf Extract

Pinus Pumila Twig Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dyer's Broom Extract

GENISTA TINCTORIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Dysmorphococcus Globosus Extract

DYSMORPHOCOCCUS GLOBOSUS EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle microalgae 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

Ebony Bark Extract

DIOSPYROS EBENUM BARK EXTRACT

3.8

Ebony bark extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Echinacea Callus Culture Extract

ECHINACEA PURPUREA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A lab-grown echinacea extract that offers antioxidant protection and soothing benefits without harvesting wild plants.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Echinacea Cell Culture Extract

ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA CELL CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress without the variability of whole-plant extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Echinacea Meristem Cell Culture

ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA MERISTEM CELL CULTURE

3.8

A gentle, 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

Echinacea Root Cell Culture Extract

ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA ROOT CELL CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A lab-grown Echinacea extract that offers antioxidant protection and soothing benefits without harvesting wild plants.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Ecklonia Kurome Extract

Ecklonia Kurome Extract

4.0

A brown seaweed extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ecklonia Kurome Powder

Ecklonia Kurome Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ecklonia Laminaria Extract

Ecklonia Laminaria Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich seaweed extract that helps soothe and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ecklonia Maxima Powder

Ecklonia Maxima Powder

4.0

A nutrient-rich brown seaweed powder that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ecklonia Radiata Extract

Ecklonia Radiata Extract

4.0

A gentle brown seaweed extract that helps calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Edelweiss Callus Lysate

LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM CALLUS LYSATE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient from edelweiss plant cells that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a calmer complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Edelweiss Callus Powder

Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Powder

4.0

A gentle antioxidant from edelweiss plant cells that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Edelweiss Extract

Leontopodium Himalayanum/Jacotianum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

Edelweiss extract is a gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Edelweiss Flower Extract

Leontopodium Alpinum Flower Extract

4.0

Edelweiss extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps defend skin against pollution and UV damage without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Edelweiss Flower Water

Leontopodium Alpinum Water

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical water that soothes and protects sensitive skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Edelweiss Leaf Cell Extract

Leontopodium Alpinum Leaf Cell Extract

4.3

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from edelweiss plant cells that helps defend skin against environmental damage and supports a more resilient complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Edelweiss Meristem Cell Culture

LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM MERISTEM CELL CULTURE

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant from edelweiss that helps protect skin from environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Edelweiss Root Extract

LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

Edelweiss root extract is a gentle antioxidant that helps defend skin against pollution and UV damage, but its benefits are best supported by lab studies rather than large human trials.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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