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 Tea Leaf Extract

Lactobacillus/Schizosaccharomyces/Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented green tea extract that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Tea Seed Complex

PSEUDOZYMA EPICOLA/CAMELLIA SINENSIS SEED OIL/GLUCOSE/MALT EXTRACT/SOYBEAN FLOUR/YEAST EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Tomato Fruit Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/LEUCONOSTOC/TOMATO FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle, probiotic-derived ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Tonka Bean Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/DIPTERYX ODORATA SEED FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle fermented extract that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Turmeric & Rice Complex

Monascus/Turmeric Root/Rice Bran Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Turmeric Extract

Lactobacillus/Saccharomyces/Turmeric Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A fermented turmeric extract that offers antioxidant and soothing benefits with potentially better absorption than plain turmeric.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Turmeric Leaf Extract

Lactobacillus/Turmeric Leaf Extract Ferment Lysate Filtrate

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Vegetable & Herb Complex

ASPERGILLUS/LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/ONION/CELERY/CABBAGE/GINGER/GARLIC/POTATO/BRASSICA OLERACEA ACEPHALA/ALOE BARBADENSIS/LAMINARIA JAPONICA/UNDARIA PINNATIFIDA/IPOMOEA BATATAS/OENANTHE JAVANICA/NELUMBO NUCIFERA/ALLIUM TUBEROSUM/ALLIUM FISTULOSUM/DIOSCOREA BATATAS/ACTINIDIA ARGUTA/COLOCASIA ESCULENTA/ARCTIUM LAPPA/LENTINULA EDODES/ROOT/FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE EXTRACT

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but individual ingredient concentrations are unknown.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Walnut Seed Oil Complex

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/WALNUT SEED OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented oil ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early and walnut allergy is a consideration.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Water Bamboo Stem Extract

USTILAGO ESCULENTA/ZIZANIA LATIFOLIA STEM FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Wheat & Soy Complex

AEROPYRUM/SOYBEAN 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

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Wild Rice Leaf Extract

BACILLUS/ZIZANIA LATIFOLIA LEAF FERMENT EXTRACT

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

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Fermented Willow Bark & Probiotic Complex

ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM/LACTOBACILLUS/SALIX PURPUREA BARK/LEAF/STEM/WOOD/ASCORBIC ACID/GLUCONOLACTONE FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented blend that combines willow bark's natural exfoliating power with probiotic and antioxidant benefits for smoother, calmer skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Winged Bean Extract

Bacillus/Monascus/Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus Seed Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Yerba Mate Leaf Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/ILEX PARAGUARIENSIS LEAF FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented ingredient that may help calm and protect skin, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Fermented Yuzu Extract

Citrus Hystrix Fruit/Sucrose Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ferula Foetida Root Extract

FERULA FOETIDA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A plant extract with antioxidant potential, but limited human studies and a strong scent that may not suit all formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ferulic Acid

Ferulic Acid

4.5

A powerful antioxidant that stabilizes vitamin C and E, boosts sun protection, and helps fight visible signs of aging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Feruloyl Soy Glycerides

Feruloyl Soy Glycerides

4.3

A gentle, oil-friendly antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a more even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Feverfew Extract

CHRYSANTHEMUM PARTHENIUM EXTRACT

4.0

Feverfew extract is a gentle botanical that helps calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress, making it a popular alternative to stronger soothing ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ficus Oxyphylla Extract

Ficus Oxyphylla Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ficus Pumila Seed Extract

FICUS PUMILA SEED 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

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ficus Simplicissima Root Extract

Ficus Simplicissima Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Field Bindweed Leaf Cell Extract

CONVOLVULUS ARVENSIS LEAF CELL EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle plant-based antioxidant extract with limited but promising research, best for those seeking natural skincare ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Field Eryngo Extract

Eryngium Campestre Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Field Maple Bud Extract

Acer Campestre Bud Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fig Bark Extract

Ficus Infectoria Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fig Branch/Leaf Extract

Ficus Nipponica Branch/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

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fig Bud Extract

Ficus Carica Bud Extract

3.8

Fig Bud Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fig Fruit and Leaf Extract

Ficus Carica Fruit/Leaf Extract

4.0

Fig extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fig Leaf Cell Extract

Ficus Sycomorus Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fig Leaf/Stem Extract

Ficus Erecta Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fig Plant Juice

Ficus Carica Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice

3.8

Fig plant juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fingerroot Oil

Boesenbergia Pandurata Root Oil

3.8

Fingerroot oil offers antioxidant benefits and a pleasant scent, but its essential oil nature means it may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fingerroot Rhizome Extract

Boesenbergia Pandurata Rhizome Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fisetin

Fisetin

3.8

Fisetin is a promising antioxidant from plants like strawberries and smoke trees, but its use in skincare is still emerging and not yet widely proven in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Flaxseed Hull Extract

Linum Usitatissimum Hull Extract

4.0

Flaxseed hull extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps calm and protect the skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fleeceflower Callus Extract

Polygonum Multiflorum Callus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Floral Soothing Blend

DELPHINIUM CONSOLIDA/LONICERA CAPRIFOLIUM/CALENDULA OFFICINALIS/CENTAUREA CYANUS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle blend of flower extracts that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research on the specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Floribunda Rose Callus Extract

Rosa Floribunda Callus Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from rose stem cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Floribunda Rose Flower Extract

Rosa Floribunda Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Flower Extract Blend

Flower Extract (Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract)

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich blend of flower extracts that can help soothe and protect the skin, but individual sensitivities vary.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fo-Ti Root Water

Polygonum Multiflorum Root Water

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root water that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fo-Ti Sprout Extract

Polygonum Multiflorum Sprout Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from the young shoots of fo-ti, often used to help calm and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fomes Officinalis Extract

Fomes Officinalis Extract

3.8

A mushroom extract with promising antioxidant and soothing potential, but research in cosmetics is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Formononetin

FORMONONETIN

3.8

Formononetin is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research in topical skincare is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Formosana Sweetgum Fruit Extract

Liquidambar Formosana Fruit 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

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Forsythia Branch/Leaf Extract

Forsythia Koreana Branch/Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Forsythia Flower Extract

Forsythia Koreana Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Forsythia Fruit/Root Extract

Forsythia Suspensa Fruit/Root Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fortune's Firethorn Fruit Extract

PYRACANTHA FORTUNEANA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Foxtail Millet Seed Extract

Setaria Italica Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps soothe and hydrate skin, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review