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

Fragrance

Freesia Flower Extract

Freesia Alba Flower Extract

3.5

A gentle, fragrant flower extract that adds a light floral scent and mild antioxidant benefits to skincare, but lacks strong research on skin-specific effects.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

French Rose Flower Extract

Rosa Gallica Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that can help soothe and protect the skin, though its benefits are modest compared to more potent active ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Fruit Extract Blend

Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich blend that can help protect skin from environmental stress, but its exact composition varies by product.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Fucosterol

Fucosterol

4.0

Fucosterol is a promising antioxidant from brown algae that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Fucoxanthin

Fucoxanthin

3.8

Fucoxanthin is a promising antioxidant from brown seaweed that may help protect skin from environmental damage and support a more even tone, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Fulvic Acid

Fulvic Acid

3.8

Fulvic acid is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Fumitory Leaf Extract

Fumaria Officinalis Leaf Extract

3.8

Fumitory leaf extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human research is limited and it is not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Funeral Cypress Wood Extract

CUPRESSUS FUNEBRIS WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's mainly valued for its subtle woody scent.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gac Fruit Seed Aril Powder

Momordica cochinchinensis seed aril powder

4.0

Gac fruit seed aril powder is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Galanga Leaf Extract

Alpinia Galanga Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Galanga Root Extract

KAEMPFERIA GALANGA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

Galanga Root Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Galangin

GALANGIN

3.8

Galangin is a plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Galenia Africana Extract

GALENIA AFRICANA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Galla Rhois Gallnut Extract

Galla Rhois Gallnut Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and astringent benefits, best for oily or combination skin looking for light protection.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gallic Acid

Gallic Acid

3.8

Gallic acid is a plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and may support a more even skin tone, but it is less studied than more common antioxidants like vitamin C.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gallyl Glucoside

Gallyl Glucoside

4.0

A gentle antioxidant that may help even skin tone and reduce dullness without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gamma-Oryzanol

ORYZANOL

4.0

A gentle antioxidant from rice bran that helps calm skin and fight environmental damage without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gamma-Terpinene

GAMMA-TERPINENE

3.8

Gamma-Terpinene is a plant-derived antioxidant that can help protect skin from environmental stress, but it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ganoderma Amboinense Extract

Ganoderma Amboinense Fruiting Body Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stressors, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ganoderma Atrum Extract

Ganoderma Atrum Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ganoderma Japonicum Ferment

Ganoderma Japonicum Mycelium Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ganoderma Pfeifferi Extract

Ganoderma Pfeifferi Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ganoderma Sinense Extract

Ganoderma Sinense Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garcinia Cambogia Ferment

CANDIDA/GARCINIA CAMBOGIA FERMENT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract

GARCINIA CAMBOGIA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but it's not a proven active for major skin changes.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garcinia Cambogia Peel Extract

GARCINIA CAMBOGIA PEEL EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle antioxidant extract from the peel of the Garcinia cambogia fruit, best known for its soothing potential rather than dramatic anti-aging effects.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garcinia Humilis Fruit Complex

GARCINIA HUMILIS FRUIT/PEEL/SEED POWDER

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garcinia Humilis Peel Extract

GARCINIA HUMILIS PEEL 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

Garcinia Subelliptica Leaf Extract

GARCINIA SUBELLIPTICA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garden Cress Sprout Extract

LEPIDIUM SATIVUM SPROUT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Flower Extract

GARDENIA FLORIDA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, fragrant flower extract with antioxidant potential, but research on skin benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Fruit Extract

GARDENIA FLORIDA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Gardenia Fruit Water

Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Water

3.8

A gentle, water-based botanical extract that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its cosmetic efficacy is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Leaf Cell Extract

GARDENIA JASMINOIDES LEAF CELL EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant from gardenia leaves that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Meristem Cell Culture

GARDENIA JASMINOIDES MERISTEM CELL CULTURE

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Meristem Cell Extract

GARDENIA JASMINOIDES MERISTEM CELL CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Seed Extract

Gardenia Florida Seed Extract

4.0

Gardenia seed extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Taitensis Callus Powder

Gardenia Taitensis Callus Powder

3.8

A gentle, lab-grown extract from Tahitian gardenia cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract

Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, fragrant flower extract that offers antioxidant benefits and a pleasant scent, but its skincare effects are not as well-studied as some other botanicals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garlic Bulb Oil

ALLIUM SATIVUM BULB OIL

3.5

Garlic Bulb Oil offers antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its strong sulfur compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garlic Extract

Allium Odorum Extract

3.5

Garlic extract may offer antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits, but its strong odor and potential for irritation limit its use in mainstream skincare.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garlic Ferment Filtrate

Saccharomyces/Allium Sativum Bulb Ferment Filtrate

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Gastrodia Elata Root Extract

Gastrodia Elata Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Gastrodin

Gastrodin

3.8

Gastrodin is a plant-derived antioxidant with early research suggesting it may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but human skincare studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Genipa Americana Fruit Juice

GENIPA AMERICANA FRUIT JUICE

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit juice that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Genistein

Genistein

4.0

A gentle antioxidant from soy that may help calm skin and support a more even tone, but its effects are mild and best for long-term use.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Genistein Glucoside

Genistein Glucoside

4.0

A gentle antioxidant from soy that helps calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Genistein Methyl Ether

GENISTEIN METHYL ETHER

3.8

A gentle antioxidant from soy isoflavones that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gentian Root Extract

GENTIANA LUTEA RHIZOME/ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

Gentian root 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

Gentiana Septemfida Extract

GENTIANA SEPTEMFIDA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on this specific species is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gentianella Achalensis Extract

GENTIANELLA ACHALENSIS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Gentianella Extract

Gentianella Parviflora Extract

3.8

Gentianella Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its specific benefits in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gentianella Florida Extract

Gentianella Florida Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gentisic Acid

2,5-DIHYDROXYBENZOIC ACID

3.8

Gentisic acid is a gentle antioxidant and mild exfoliant that may help brighten skin and reduce signs of aging, but it is less studied than more common ingredients like vitamin C.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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