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

Fermented Lichen Complex

Lactobacillus/Saccharomyces/Usnea Longissima Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Licorice & Rice Extract

Saccharomyces/Licorice Root Extract/Rice Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that combines the brightening and soothing properties of licorice root with the nourishing benefits of rice, enhanced by yeast fermentation for potentially better absorption.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Antioxidant

Fermented Licorice Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA/GLYCYRRHIZA URALENSIS LEAF/STEM FERMENT EXTRACT

3.8

A fermented licorice extract that may help calm and protect skin, though research on this specific ferment is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Lingonberry Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/VACCINIUM VITIS-IDAEA FRUIT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented fruit extract that may help brighten and smooth skin without harsh irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantexfoliant
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Linseed Oil Complex

SACCHAROMYCES/LINSEED OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help strengthen the skin barrier and fight oxidative stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Longan & Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/DIMOCARPUS LONGAN FRUIT/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical complex that may help protect skin from environmental stress and improve hydration, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantskin conditioning
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Antioxidant

Fermented Longan Fruit Extract

AUREOBASIDIUM PULLULANS/DIMOCARPUS LONGAN FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may offer antioxidant benefits and light hydration, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Skin Conditioning

Fermented Maca Root Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/STREPTOCOCCUS THERMOPHILUS/LEPIDIUM MEYENII HYPOCOTYL FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented maca root extract that may offer antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Machilus Bark Oil Complex

Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Machilus Thunbergii Bark Oil Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented botanical complex that may help calm and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Marigold & Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/TAGETES PATULA FLOWER/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Mayapple Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented botanical extract with promising antioxidant activity, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Millet & Rice Hull Extract

Aspergillus/Millet Seed/Rice Hull Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented grain 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 Morel & Soybean Complex

Bacillus/Morchella Esculenta/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented extract that may help support skin barrier function and provide antioxidant benefits, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Mulberry & Soybean Complex

Bacillus/Morus Alba Leaf/Soybean Seed Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Mulberry Bark Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/CUDRANIA TRICUSPIDATA BARK EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented bark 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 Mulberry Extract

Leuconostoc/Morus Bombycis Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented botanical extract that may help even out skin tone and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Mulberry Wood Extract

Phellinus Linteus/Morus Bombycis Wood Powder Ferment Extract

3.8

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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Skin conditioner

Fermented Multi-Extract Complex

Saccharomyces/Antler Velvet/Arbutin/Citrus Limon Fruit/Ganoderma Lucidum Stem/Panax Ginseng Root/Pinus Sylvestris Bud/Propagermanium/Royal Jelly/Salmon Egg/Turtle Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate

3.5

A complex fermented blend with potential antioxidant benefits, but limited research and possible irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

mixed

beautyskincareantioxidantskin conditioning
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Emollient

Fermented Multi-Oil & Seed Extract Complex

CANDIDA TSUKUBAENSIS/ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL/OLIVE FRUIT OIL/ (ADANSONIA DIGITATA/CAMELLIA SINENSIS/ORBIGNYA OLEIFERA/CALOPHYLLUM INOPHYLLUM) SEED OIL/ PHASEOLUS RADIATUS SEED EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented blend of nutrient-rich oils and seed extract that may boost skin softness and antioxidant protection, though individual oil sensitivities vary.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollientantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Fermented Mungongo Oil Extract

Bacillus/Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical oil extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress while providing gentle conditioning, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Mushroom & Citrus Complex

Grifola Frondosa Root/Rice Seed/Citrus Unshiu Peel/Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Ferment Filtrate Extract

3.8

A gentle, fermented botanical complex that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on this specific blend is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Fermented Mushroom & Fern Extract

Grifola Frondosa/Ophioglossum Vulgatum Extract Ferment Filtrate

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Skin conditioning

Fermented Mushroom & Mulberry Complex

HERICIUM ERINACEUS/LACTOBACILLUS/LEUCONOSTOC/MORUS ALBA LEAF/STEM FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may help soothe and condition skin, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Antioxidant

Fermented Mushroom & Sage Extract

Laetiporus Sulphureus Mycelium/Salvia Plebeia Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Mushroom Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SPARASSIS CRISPA FRUITING BODY/GLUCOSE FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented mushroom extract that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Nostoc & Hydrangea Complex

NOSTOC COMMUNE/HYDRANGEA SERRATA LEAF/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical complex that may help soothe and hydrate skin while providing antioxidant support.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Skin conditioning

Fermented Okara Complex

Bacillus/Monascus/Abelmoschus Esculentus Sprout/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Olive Leaf Complex

KLUYVEROMYCES/SACCHAROMYCES/OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT FERMENT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Olive Leaf Extract

AUREOBASIDIUM PULLULANS/OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented 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 Orange Fruit Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/LEUCONOSTOC/ORANGE FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle probiotic ferment that may help balance skin microbiome and provide mild antioxidant support.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Orange Peel Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS PEEL EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle fermented orange peel extract that may provide antioxidant support and skin conditioning, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Orchid & Rice Bran Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/VANDA COERULEA CALLUS/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical complex that may support skin radiance and antioxidant defense, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Peony & Rice Bran Complex

Monascus/Paeonia Suffruticosa Flower/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Perilla & Rice Bran Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/PERILLA OCYMOIDES SPROUT/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented blend of perilla sprout and rice bran that may offer antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits, though human research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Persimmon & Soybean Extract

Bacillus/Diospyros Kaki Leaf/Soybean Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Fermented Persimmon Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/PERSIMMON FRUIT JUICE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented fruit extract that offers antioxidant benefits and mild exfoliation, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Phallus & Polygonum Complex

Phallus Indusiatus Mycelium/Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A novel fermented botanical complex with promising antioxidant potential, but human skin research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Pine Leaf Complex

Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Pinus Densiflora Leaf Oil Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical ingredient that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Skin-conditioning agent

Fermented Pine Nut Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/PINUS KORAIENSIS SEED EXTRACT FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical that may support skin barrier function and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantskin-conditioning
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Antioxidant

Fermented Pistachio & Soy Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/PISTACIA VERA FRUIT/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant benefits and gentle skin conditioning, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Plum Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/ASPERGILLUS/PRUNUS MUME FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented plum extract that may help brighten and soothe skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Plum Extract

Saccharomyces/Prunus Mume Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented fruit extract that may help hydrate and protect the skin, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidanthumectant
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Skin Conditioning

Fermented Plum Fruit Extract

Lactobacillus/Prunus Mume Fruit Extract Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented plum extract that may help brighten and soothe skin while providing antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Plum Seed Extract

ASPERGILLUS/HYDROLYZED PRUNUS MUME SEED FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Pomegranate & Rice Bran Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/PUNICA GRANATUM FRUIT/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical blend that may help support skin barrier function and provide antioxidant benefits, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Pomegranate & Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/PUNICA GRANATUM FRUIT/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that delivers antioxidants and amino acids to support skin health, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantskin conditioning
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Antioxidant

Fermented Prickly Pear Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA EXTRACT FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help hydrate and protect skin, but research is still limited compared to more established antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Skin Conditioning

Fermented Rapeseed Oil Extract

MONASCUS/BRASSICA NAPUS SEED OIL FERMENT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Red Pepper Extract

Saccharomyces/Capsicum Annuum Fruit Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented red pepper extract that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it may not suit very sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Rehmannia Root Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, 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 Rhubarb Root Extract

ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM/RHEUM PALMATUM ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented rhubarb extract with early evidence of antioxidant activity, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits for skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Rice & Açaí Complex

Monascus/Euterpe Oleracea Fruit/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented complex that may support skin radiance and antioxidant defense, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Fermented Rice & Green Tea Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/RICE/CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF/TARAXACUM PLATYCARPUM FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle fermented blend that supports skin radiance and barrier health without harsh irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Fermented Rice & Houttuynia Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA LEAF/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Antioxidant

Fermented Rice & Indigo Leaf Complex

Rice Ferment Filtrate/Persicaria Tinctoria Leaf Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented blend that may help soothe skin and support a healthy glow, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Skin Conditioning Agent

Fermented Rice & Lavender Complex

Monascus/Lavender Flower/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant benefits and gentle skin conditioning, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Humectant

Fermented Rice & Lotus Complex

(ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES)/RICE FERMENT/BARLEY GRAIN MEAL/NELUMBO NUCIFERA FLOWER EXTRACT FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but research on this exact mixture is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Skin Conditioning

Fermented Rice & Marigold Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/RICE BRAN/TAGETES ERECTA SPROUT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented blend that may support skin barrier function and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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