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

Exfoliant

Acidophilus Grape Ferment

ACIDOPHILUS/GRAPE FERMENT

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that combines probiotic activity with grape-derived antioxidants to support smoother, brighter skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Acronychia Acidula Fruit Powder

Acronychia Acidula Fruit Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural fruit powder that provides mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Acronychia Bark Extract

Acronychia Pedunculata Bark 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

Actiniopteris Dichotoma Extract

ACTINIOPTERIS DICHOTOMA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle fern 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

Adenophora Taquetii Extract

ADENOPHORA TAQUETII 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

Adina Rubella Extract

ADINA RUBELLA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on human skin is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Adzuki Bean Seedcoat Extract

Vigna Angularis Seedcoat Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from adzuki bean seed coats that may help calm and protect the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Aerangis Orchid Callus Powder

Aerangis Fastuosa Callus Powder

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich orchid ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Aerva Javanica Extract

Aerva Javanica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Aesculus Turbinata Bark Extract

AESCULUS TURBINATA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited compared to more common botanical extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

African Basil Extract

OCIMUM CANUM HERB EXTRACT

3.8

African basil extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

African Mahogany Wood Extract

Khaya senegalensis wood extract

3.8

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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Fragrance

Agarwood Extract

AQUILARIA AGALLOCHA WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A fragrant wood extract with antioxidant potential, but more research is needed to confirm its skincare benefits beyond scent.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Agarwood Stem Extract

Aquilaria Malaccensis Stem Extract

3.8

Agarwood Stem Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Agastache Rugosa Callus Culture

AGASTACHE RUGOSA CALLUS CULTURE

4.0

A biotech-derived antioxidant from Korean mint that may help calm and protect skin, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Agrocybe Cylindracea Ferment Filtrate

AGROCYBE CYLINDRACEA FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom ferment that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Akebia Quinata Flower Extract

AKEBIA QUINATA FLOWER 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

Akebia Quinata Peel Extract

AKEBIA QUINATA PEEL 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

Akebia Quinata Seed Extract

AKEBIA QUINATA SEED EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Akebia Quinata Stem Extract

AKEBIA QUINATA STEM 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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Humectant

Alaria Praelonga Extract

Alaria Praelonga Extract

4.0

A gentle, nutrient-rich seaweed extract that hydrates and soothes the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Albizia Amara Seed Extract

Albizia Amara Seed 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

Aleppo Avens Extract

Geum Aleppicum 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

Aleppo Pine Needle Extract

Pinus Halepensis Needle Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Aleurites Fordii Extract

Aleurites Fordii Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract

3.5

A plant-based extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alfalfa Juice

MEDICAGO SATIVA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM JUICE

3.8

Alfalfa Juice is a gentle, nutrient-packed plant juice that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alfalfa Symbiosome Extract

Medicago Sativa Symbiosome Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived alfalfa extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Alibertia Patinoi Pulp Extract

ALIBERTIA PATINOI PULP EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Allantoin Ascorbate

Allantoin Ascorbate

4.0

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that pairs antioxidant protection with soothing skin repair.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Allium Monanthum Extract

ALLIUM MONANTHUM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early—think of it as a nice bonus, not a skincare hero.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Allium Odorum Seed Extract

ALLIUM ODORUM SEED EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alloimperatorin

Alloimperatorin

3.5

Alloimperatorin is a plant-derived antioxidant with early research suggesting anti-inflammatory benefits, but its use in skincare is still emerging and requires caution due to potential photosensitivity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Allspice Fruit Extract

Pimenta Dioica Fruit 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

Alnus Firmifolia Fruit Extract

Alnus Firmifolia Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Aloe Callus Extract

Aloe Barbadensis Callus Extract

4.0

A lab-grown aloe extract that offers concentrated antioxidants and soothing benefits with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Soothing Agent

Aloe Fermented Pine Extract

Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment

3.8

A gentle fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Antioxidant

Alpha-Camphorene

A-CAMPHORENE

3.5

Alpha-Camphorene is a plant-derived antioxidant with emerging research, but its use in skincare is limited and may pose a moderate irritation risk for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alpha-Pinene

PINENE

3.8

Alpha-pinene is a plant-derived antioxidant that can help protect skin from environmental stress, but it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alpine Calamint Extract

ACINOS ALPINUS EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alpine Clematis Callus Extract

Clematis Alpina Callus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alpine Clematis Callus Powder

Clematis Alpina Callus Powder

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alpine Eryngo Flower Extract

Eryngium Alpinum Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alpine Flax Extract

Linum Alpinum Flower/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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Soothing Agent

Alpine Holy Grass Extract

HIEROCHLOE ALPINA HERB EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle, fragrant plant extract with potential antioxidant and soothing benefits, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alpine Lady's Mantle Extract

ALCHEMILLA ALPINA EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alpine Skullcap Extract

SCUTELLARIA ALPINA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alpine Snowbell Extract

Soldanella Alpina Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Alpinia Intermedia Seed Water

Alpinia Intermedia Seed Water

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived water that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alpinia Katsumadai Fruit Extract

ALPINIA KATSUMADAE FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Alpinia Mutica Root Extract

Alpinia Mutica Root Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alpinia Nigra Root Powder

Alpinia Nigra Root Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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