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

EGCG Safflowerate

Epigallocatechin Gallate Safflowerate

4.0

A stabilized form of green tea's star antioxidant, offering potent protection against environmental damage with improved skin penetration.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

EGCG-Biotin-Collagen Fibroblast Complex

Epigallocatechin Gallate, Biotin, Collagen, Mouse Fibroblast Conditioned Media

3.5

A multi-ingredient blend that combines antioxidant EGCG with biotin and collagen, plus mouse fibroblast conditioned media; promising but with limited human data and ethical considerations.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincareantioxidantpeptide
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Antioxidant

Eggplant Fruit Extract

Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract

4.0

Eggplant Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Eggplant Fruit Juice

Solanum Melongena Fruit Juice

3.8

Eggplant fruit juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Eggplant Root Extract

Solanum Melongena Root Extract

3.8

Eggplant Root Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Anti-inflammatory

Eicosapentaenoic Acid

EICOSAPENTAENOIC ACID

4.0

EPA is a marine-derived omega-3 that helps calm redness, support the skin barrier, and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Eijitsu

Eijitsu

3.5

Eijitsu is a gentle botanical extract with emerging antioxidant and soothing benefits, but scientific evidence is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Eijitsu Ekisu

Eijitsu Ekisu

3.8

Eijitsu Ekisu is a gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from Japanese apricot that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Einkorn Wheat Seed Extract

Triticum Monococcum Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from an ancient wheat that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Eisenia Arborea Extract

Eisenia Arborea Extract

4.0

A gentle seaweed extract that provides antioxidant protection and soothing hydration, ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Elaeocarpus Fruit/Seed Extract

ELAEOCARPUS ANGUSTIFOLIUS FRUIT/SEED 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

Elderberry Branch Extract

Sambucus Nigra Branch Extract

3.8

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

Elderberry Bud Extract

Sambucus Nigra Bud Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical 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

Elderberry Callus Extract

Sambucus Latipinna Callus Culture 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

Elderberry Extract

Sambucus Canadensis Extract

4.0

Elderberry extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Elderberry Fruit Extract

Sambucus Ebulus Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research specific to topical use is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Elderberry Fruit Juice

Sambucus Nigra Fruit Juice

4.0

Elderberry fruit juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Elderberry Phytoplacenta Extract

Sambucus Williamsii Phytoplacenta Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Eleuthero Callus Extract

Eleutherococcus Seoulensis Callus Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from a rare Eleutherococcus species, showing early promise for soothing and protecting skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Eleuthero Root Bark Extract

Eleutherococcus nodiflorus root bark extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Eleuthero Root Extract

Eleutherococcus Senticosus Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm stressed skin and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Skin Conditioning

Eleuthero Root Ferment Filtrate

Lactobacillus/Eleuthero Root Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented root extract that soothes and defends skin with antioxidants, but its benefits depend on the fermentation process and overall formula.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Antioxidant

Ellagic Acid

Ellagic Acid

4.0

Ellagic acid is a gentle antioxidant that helps brighten skin and protect against environmental damage, but it is less studied than vitamin C.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Embelia Concinna Leaf Extract

Embelia Concinna Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Embelia Ribes Fruit Extract

Embelia Ribes Fruit Extract

3.8

A traditional botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited modern research on its effectiveness in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Emblica Fruit Powder

Emblica Officinalis Fruit Juice Powder

4.3

A potent antioxidant fruit powder that helps brighten skin and fight environmental damage, but its effectiveness depends on formulation and concentration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Emodin

Emodin

3.5

Emodin is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but its use in cosmetics is still emerging and requires caution due to potential irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Engelhardtia Leaf Extract

Engelhardtia chrysolepis leaf 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

Entada Phaseoloides Extract

Entada Phaseoloides Bark/Seed 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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Antioxidant

Eperua Falcata Bark Extract

Eperua Falcata Bark Extract

3.8

Eperua Falcata Bark Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Epigallocatechin Gallate

Epigallocatechin Gallate

4.3

A powerful antioxidant from green tea that helps protect skin from environmental damage and soothes irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside

Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside

4.0

A modified green tea antioxidant that offers better stability and water solubility than plain EGCG, making it a gentle choice for daytime protection.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Epimedium Grandiflorum Extract

EPIMEDIUM GRANDIFLORUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Epimedium Leaf/Stem Extract

Epimedium Sagittatum Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

A plant extract with antioxidant potential, but limited skincare-specific research means its benefits are not yet well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Epiphyllum Oxypetalum Callus Extract

Epiphyllum Oxypetalum Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from a rare cactus that may help soothe and protect skin, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Epoxidized Juniper Extract

JUNIPERUS VIRGINIANA EXTRACT EPOXIDIZED

3.5

A modified juniper extract that may offer antioxidant benefits, but its epoxidized form is less studied and may pose irritation risks for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Epoxidized Juniper Wood Extract

JUNIPERUS MEXICANA WOOD EXTRACT EPOXIDIZED

3.5

A semi-synthetic wood extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it may not be a standout ingredient for most routines.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Equol

Equol

3.8

Equol is a gentle antioxidant that may help even skin tone and support collagen, but human skincare studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Ergosterol Endoperoxide

Ergosterol Endoperoxide

3.5

Ergosterol endoperoxide is a promising but under-researched antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but it's not yet a mainstream ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ergothioneine

Ergothioneine

4.3

Ergothioneine is a gentle, stable antioxidant that defends skin against pollution and UV damage without irritation, making it a smart addition to daytime skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Erica Canaliculata Extract

Erica Canaliculata Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited—best as a supporting ingredient in soothing formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Erica Cinerea Flower Extract

ERICA CINEREA 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

Eriodictyol

Eriodictyol

3.8

Eriodictyol is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental damage and support a more even complexion, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Erman's Birch Stem Extract

Betula Ermanii Stem Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Erythorbic Acid

Erythorbic Acid

4.0

Erythorbic acid is a gentler, more stable alternative to L-ascorbic acid that helps brighten skin and fight free radicals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Erythrodiol

ERYTHRODIOL

4.0

Erythrodiol is a gentle plant antioxidant that may help calm skin and support its natural defenses, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Esculetin

ESCULETIN

3.8

Esculetin is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help brighten skin and fight free radicals, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Esculin

ESCULIN

3.8

Esculin is a gentle plant antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but it is not a star ingredient and is best used as part of a broader formula.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ethyl 2,6-Dihydroxybenzoate

ETHYL 2,6-DIHYDROXYBENZOATE

3.5

A synthetic antioxidant that may help shield skin from oxidative damage, but research is still early and it's not a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

4.5

A gentler, more stable form of vitamin C that works well for most skin types without the sting of pure ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Ethyl Caffeate

ETHYL CAFFEATE

4.0

Ethyl Caffeate is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and may support a more even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Ethyl Ferulate

Ethyl Ferulate

4.0

A gentle, oil-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and may support collagen health.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Ethyl Gallate

ETHYL GALLATE

4.0

Ethyl Gallate is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radicals, but it is less studied than more common antioxidants like vitamin C or E.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Ethyl Pyruvate

Ethyl Pyruvate

4.0

Ethyl Pyruvate is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a more even tone, but it's less studied than vitamin C or E.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Ethylated Ascorbic Acid

2-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID

4.3

A gentler, more stable form of vitamin C that works well for most skin types without the sting of pure L-ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Ethylhexyl Ferulate

Ethylhexyl Ferulate

4.0

A gentle, oil-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and may boost sunscreen effectiveness.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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