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

Ethylhexyl Gallate

Ethylhexyl Gallate

3.8

A synthetic antioxidant that helps keep skincare products fresh and may offer mild skin-protective benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Ethylhexylglyceryl Ascorbate

3-ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERYL ASCORBATE

4.3

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the irritation of pure ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Skin conditioning

Ethylpentyl Methoxychromone

ETHYLPENTYL METHOXYCHROMONE

4.0

A synthetic antioxidant that helps brighten skin and protect against environmental damage, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antimicrobial

Eucalyptus Leaf Extract

Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract

3.8

Eucalyptus leaf extract can help calm acne and refresh skin, but its potent essential oil components may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Eucommia Pericarp Extract

Eucommia Ulmoides Pericarp Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Eugenyl Glucoside

Eugenyl Glucoside

4.0

Eugenyl Glucoside is a gentle, water-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while being far less irritating than its parent compound, eugenol.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Euglena Ferment

EUGLENA/OLEIC ACID FERMENT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Euonymus Bark Extract

EUONYMUS SACHALINENSIS BARK EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical 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

Eupenicillium Crustaceum Ferment

Eupenicillium Crustaceum Ferment Lysate Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Euphorbia Jolkini Extract

EUPHORBIA JOLKINII EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

European Larch Wood Extract

Larix Europaea Wood Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Eurya Emarginata Extract

Eurya Emarginata Leaf/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

Eurya Japonica Extract

Eurya Japonica Extract

3.8

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

Eutreptiella Gymnastica Lysate

EUTREPTIELLA GYMNASTICA LYSATE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich microalgae ingredient that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Evening Primrose Extract

OENOTHERA BIENNIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Evening Primrose Leaf Cell Extract

Oenothera Biennis Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Evening Primrose Seed Extract

Oenothera Biennis Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Evening Primrose Sprout Extract

Oenothera Biennis Sprout Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based 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

Evolvulus Extract

EVOLVULUS ALSINOIDES FLOWER/LEAF/STEM 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

Fagara Fruit Extract

Fagara Zanthoxyloides Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Fagraea Flower Extract

Fagraea Berteroana Flower Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Felt Fern Extract

Pyrrosia lingua extract

3.8

A gentle fern 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

Fennel Callus Culture Extract

FOENICULUM VULGARE CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fennel Fruit Extract

FOENICULUM VULGARE VULGARE FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

Fennel fruit extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is limited and it's not a star ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Fennel Fruit Powder

Foeniculum Vulgare Fruit Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Fenugreek Fruit Extract

TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

Fenugreek Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, but research on topical use is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Fermented Açaí Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/EUTERPE OLERACEA FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented antioxidant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress while supporting a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Exfoliant

Fermented Adzuki Bean Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/PHASEOLUS ANGULARIS SEED EXTRACT FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle fermented bean extract that may help soften and brighten skin without harsh chemicals.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Algae-Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/APHANIZOMENON FLOS-AQUAE/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented blend that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Humectant

Fermented Aloe & Rowan Berry Complex

LEUCONOSTOC/ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF/SORBUS AUCUPARIA FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented blend that may help hydrate and soothe skin while providing antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Amaranth Seed Extract

ASPERGILLUS/AMARANTHUS HYPOCHONDRIACUS SEED FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical 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

Fermented Angelica Root Extract

Aspergillus/Angelica Tenuissima Root Ferment Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Aralia Extract

Saccharomyces/Acanthopanax Sessiliflorus Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented botanical extract that may help calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Astragalus & Rice Complex

ASPERGILLUS/ASTRAGALUS SINICUS SEED/RICE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help soothe skin and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Astragalus Root Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/ASTRAGALUS MEMBRANACEUS ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented root 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

Fermented Bamboo Leaf Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SASA QUELPAERTENSIS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented bamboo extract that may help calm irritation and support hydration, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Barley Lees Complex

ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/BARLEY LEES FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging and it's not a proven miracle worker.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Berry & Botanical Complex

(CAMELLIA JAPONICA/PRUNUS MUME/SAFFLOWER FLOWER)/(ARONIA ARBUTIFOLIA/BLUEBERRY/CRANBERRY/EUTERPE OLERACEA FRUIT)/CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF/GARCINIA MANGOSTANA PEEL/COFFEE SEED/PROPOLIS/WINE EXTRACT

4.0

A complex blend of fermented botanicals that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm irritation, though individual ingredient concentrations are unknown.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Fermented Berry & Soy Complex

Lactobacillus/Saccharomyces/Blueberry/Rice/Soybean/Vaccinium Myrtillus Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that provides antioxidant benefits and gentle enzymatic exfoliation, ideal for dull or uneven skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Birch Juice

LACTOBACILLUS/BETULA PLATYPHYLLA JAPONICA JUICE FERMENT

3.8

A fermented birch juice ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Borage & Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/BORAGO OFFICINALIS SEED/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that may help soothe and condition skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantskin-conditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Botanical Bark & Root Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/(CINNAMOMUM CASSIA/MAGNOLIA) BARK/(ALPINIA OFFICINARUM/ANGELICA GIGAS) ROOT FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited to traditional use and lab studies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Botanical Complex

STREPTOMYCES SUBRUTILUS/APRICOT FLOWER EXTRACT/LITHOSPERMUM OFFICINALE ROOT EXTRACT/MAGNOLIA OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT/SPIRODELA POLYRHIZA EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented blend of bacteria and plant extracts that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and mostly based on individual ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Botanical Root Complex

STREPTOCOCCUS THERMOPHILUS/ANGELICA GIGAS ROOT/CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA ROOT/PUERARIA LOBATA ROOT/PUNICA GRANATUM FRUIT/SCHISANDRA CHINENSIS FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented blend of roots and fruits that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited to the individual ingredients rather than this specific complex.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Antioxidant

Fermented Broccoli Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/LEUCONOSTOC/BROCCOLI EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented broccoli extract that may help calm and protect skin with antioxidants, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Camellia & Soybean Extract

BACILLUS/CAMELLIA JAPONICA SEED/SOYBEAN FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Soothing Agent

Fermented Camphor Bark Complex

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/CINNAMOMUM CAMPHORA BARK OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but evidence is limited and it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Caragana Root Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/CARAGANA SINICA ROOT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A fermented root extract that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Cherry Bark Extract

Saccharomyces/Prunus Yedoensis Bark Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Skin conditioning

Fermented Cherry-Soy Complex

Bacillus/Monascus/Prunus Tomentosa Fruit/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical blend that may help soothe and condition skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Chestnut Cupule Extract

Lactobacillus/Chestnut Cupule Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented extract that may help soothe and protect skin while supporting a healthy microbiome.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Chili Fruit Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS FRUIT FERMENT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle fermented extract that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is still early and it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Citrus & Fruit Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/(CITRUS JUNOS/PRUNUS MUME/PUNICA GRANATUM) FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented fruit blend that may help soothe and brighten skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Citrus & Mushroom Complex

Saccharomyces/Lactobacillus/Mandarin Orange Peel/Phellinus Linteus/Pinus Densiflora Leaf Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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