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

Gorse Flower Extract

ULEX EUROPAEUS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Callus Culture Extract

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient from lab-grown grape cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Grape Callus Extract

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Callus Powder

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Callus Powder

4.0

Grape callus powder is a gentle antioxidant ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Extract

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract

4.2

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Ferment Extract

VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Ferment Filtrate

Saccharomyces/Grape Ferment Filtrate Extract

4.0

A fermented grape extract that delivers antioxidants and skin-conditioning benefits, generally well-tolerated and suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Grape Flower Cell Extract

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Flower Cell Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Flower Extract

Vitis Vinifera Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Fruit Cell Extract

VITIS VINIFERA FRUIT CELL EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from grape cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Grape Fruit Extract

Vitis Vinifera/Labrusca Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Fruit Meristem Cell Culture

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Meristem Cell Culture

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown grape stem cell ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Solvent

Grape Fruit Water

VITIS VINIFERA FRUIT WATER

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water alternative that hydrates and soothes without common irritants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Leaf Extract

Vitis Ficifolia Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf 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

Grape Leaf, Seed & Skin Extract

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Leaf/Seed/Skin Extract

4.2

A gentle, antioxidant-packed extract from grapes that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Lees Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/GRAPE LEES FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient from winemaking byproducts that may offer antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Grape Seed, Skin & Stem Extract

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed/Skin/Stem Extract

4.3

A gentle, antioxidant-rich grape extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Exfoliant

Grape Skin Powder

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Skin Powder

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich natural exfoliant that helps polish skin without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Stem Extract

Vitis Vinifera/Labrusca Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from grape stems that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Vine Extract

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Vine Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from grape vines that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grapefruit Extract

Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract

4.0

Grapefruit extract offers antioxidant benefits and a fresh scent, but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to natural acids and fragrance compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grapefruit Fruit Extract

Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract

4.0

Grapefruit fruit extract is a gentle antioxidant that can help brighten and refresh the skin, but it is not a potent active ingredient on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Grapefruit Fruit Water

Citrus Grandis/Paradisi Fruit Water

3.8

A fragrant, antioxidant-rich water that adds a light citrus scent and potential skin-soothing benefits, but its effects are mild and mostly from leftover fruit compounds.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grapefruit Peel & Seed Extract

Citrus Grandis Peel/Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle antioxidant extract from grapefruit that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a clear complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grapefruit Peel Extract

Citrus Paradisi Peel Extract

4.0

Grapefruit Peel Extract offers antioxidant benefits and a fresh scent, but its citrus nature can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Citrus Grandis Seed Extract

3.8

Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect skin from environmental stress and support product preservation, though it is not a standalone preservative.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grapevine Shoot Extract

PROPYL GRAPEVINE SHOOT EXTRACT OLIVATE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Grass-Hay Herb Extract

Grass-Hay Herb Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gray's Onion Callus Extract

ALLIUM GRAYI CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Greek Sage Leaf Extract

Salvia Triloba Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Green Algae Callus Extract

Chaetomorpha solitaria callus culture extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Humectant

Green Algae Complex

Caulerpa Lentillifera/Enteromorpha Prolifera Extract

3.8

A gentle marine extract blend that offers hydration and antioxidant benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Green Bean Callus Extract

Phaseolus Vulgaris (Kidney Bean) Callus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Green Bean Phytoplacenta Extract

Phaseolus Vulgaris Phytoplacenta Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Green Forsythia Fruit Extract

Forsythia viridissima fruit extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Green Tea Extract

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

4.5

A well-researched antioxidant extract that helps protect skin from environmental damage and calms irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Green Tea Leaf Extract

Camellia sinensis leaf extract

4.5

A well-researched antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and soothes irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Greenland Cockleleaf Callus Extract

COCHLEARIA GROENLANDICA CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract from Arctic callus cells that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Grevillea Robusta Flower Extract

GREVILLEA ROBUSTA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Greyia Leaf Extract

Greyia Radlkoferi Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Guaiacol

Guaiacol

3.5

Guaiacol is a natural antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental damage, but it is used sparingly due to its strong scent and potential for irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Guaiacum Wood Extract

Guaiacum Officinale Extract Acetylated-Sulfated

3.8

A natural wood extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and the acetylated-sulfated form is rare in consumer products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Guaiene

Guaiene

3.8

Guaiene is a gentle plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Guanidine Ferulamide

Guanidine Ferulamide

3.5

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Guanylcystamine HBr

GUANYLCYSTAMINE HBR

3.5

A synthetic antioxidant ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early and it's not widely used in mainstream products.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Guarana Fruit Extract

Paullinia Cupana Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from daily environmental damage and support a brighter, more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Guarana Fruit Powder

PAULLINIA CUPANA FRUIT POWDER

3.8

Guarana fruit powder brings a natural caffeine boost and antioxidant protection to skincare, but its stimulating effects are mild and best for daytime use.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Guarana Seed Water

Paullinia Cupana Seed Water

3.8

Guarana seed water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and provide a mild energizing feel.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Guava Fruit Extract

Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract

4.0

Guava Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Guayule Bark Extract

Parthenium Argentatum Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited compared to more established ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Guayusa Leaf Extract

Ilex Guayusa Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Guazuma Leaf Extract

Guazuma Ulmifolia Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gymnanthemum Leaf Extract

Gymnanthemum amygdalinum leaf extract

3.5

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still emerging—great for soothing formulas but not a powerhouse ingredient on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gymnema Extract

Gymnema Sylvestre Extract

3.5

Gymnema extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but its skincare benefits are still being explored.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Powder

Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but research in skincare is limited and it may not be a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Haberlea Rhodopensis Callus Extract

HABERLEA RHODOPENSIS CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A promising antioxidant extract from a 'resurrection plant' that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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