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

Alpinia Speciosa Extract

Alpinia Speciosa Root/Seed/Stem Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alpinia Speciosa Ferment

ALPINIA SPECIOSA LEAF/STEM FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical 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

Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract

Alpinia Speciosa Leaf 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

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Antioxidant

Alpinia Uraiensis Leaf Extract

ALPINIA URAIENSIS LEAF 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

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Antioxidant

Alpinia Zerumbet Seed Extract

ALPINIA ZERUMBET SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm minor irritation, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alpinia Zerumbet Seed Powder

ALPINIA ZERUMBET SEED POWDER

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alpinia Zerumbet Seed Water

ALPINIA ZERUMBET SEED WATER

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water from shell ginger seeds that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Alysicarpus Vaginalis Extract

ALYSICARPUS VAGINALIS EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Amaranth & Mangosteen Extract

Amaranthus Mangostanus Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract blend that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Amaranth Seed Extract

Amaranthus Hypochondriacus Seed Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Amentoflavone

AMENTOFLAVONE

3.8

A plant-derived flavonoid with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research in topical skincare is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

American Speedwell Extract

Veronica Americana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Amethyst Extract

Amethyst Extract

2.5

Amethyst extract is a trendy, gemstone-based ingredient with minimal scientific backing for skincare benefits beyond its visual appeal.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Amidinocysteine

AMIDINOCYSTEINE

3.5

Amidinocysteine is a synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate

Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate

4.3

A gentler, more stable vitamin C derivative that brightens and protects skin without the sting or short shelf life of pure L-ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Aminopropyl Tocopheryl Phosphate

Aminopropyl Tocopheryl Phosphate

4.2

A gentle, water-friendly vitamin E derivative that delivers antioxidant protection without the greasy feel of standard vitamin E.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Amomum Aromaticum Fruit Extract

AMOMUM AROMATICUM FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Amomum Biflorum Leaf Extract

AMOMUM BIFLORUM LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ampelopsis Leaf Extract

AMPELOPSIS GROSSEDENTATA LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Amur Cork Tree Stem Extract

PHYSOCARPUS AMURENSIS STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Amur Grape Root Extract

Vitis Amurensis Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Andrographolide

ANDROGRAPHOLIDE

3.8

A plant-derived compound with promising antioxidant and soothing benefits, though research in topical skincare is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Anemarrhena Callus Extract

ANEMARRHENA ASPHODELOIDES CALLUS CONDITIONED MEDIA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Anemarrhena Root Extract

ANEMARRHENA ASPHODELOIDES ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

Anemarrhena Root Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skin research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Anetholea Anisata Leaf Extract

ANETHOLEA ANISATA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Angelica & Burdock & Jasmine Extract

Angelica Sinensis Leaf/Arctium Lappa Root/Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on this specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Angelica Dahurica Leaf Extract

Angelica Dahurica Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Angelica Gigas Sprout Extract

Angelica Gigas Sprout Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Angelica Glauca Root Extract

Angelica Glauca Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Angelica Keiskei Callus Extract

Angelica Keiskei Callus 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

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Antioxidant

Angelica Keiskei Extract

Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a calm, even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Angelica Keiskei Root Extract

Angelica Keiskei Root Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Angelica Leaf Extract

Angelica Utilis Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Angelica Root Extract

Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract

3.8

Angelica Root Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Angelica Root Water

Angelica Archangelica Root Water

3.8

Angelica Root Water is a gentle, water-based botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Angelica Shikokiana Extract

Angelica Shikokiana Leaf/Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Angoroside C

Angoroside C

3.5

Angoroside C is a gentle plant antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, but research is still early and it's not a proven powerhouse.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Aniseed Myrtle Leaf Extract

BACKHOUSIA ANISATA LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from Australian aniseed myrtle that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a balanced microbiome.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Annual Meadow Grass Extract

Poa Annua Extract

3.5

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

Anogeissus Bark Extract

ANOGEISSUS LEIOCARPA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Anserine

ANSERINE

4.0

Anserine is a gentle antioxidant peptide that may help protect skin from glycation and oxidative stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Antarctic Hairgrass Leaf Extract

Deschampsia antarctica leaf extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from a hardy Antarctic plant that may help shield skin from environmental stressors, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins

4.0

Anthocyanins are potent plant antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental stress and may calm redness, though their stability in formulas can be a challenge.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae Powder

APHANIZOMENON FLOS-AQUAE POWDER

4.0

A nutrient-dense algae powder that provides antioxidant protection and skin conditioning, but its benefits are supported more by traditional use than robust clinical studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Aphloia Leaf Extract

Aphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apigenin

Apigenin

4.0

Apigenin is a gentle antioxidant that helps calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apocynum Venetum Extract

Apocynum Venetum Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apple Bark Extract

Pyrus Malus Bark Extract

3.8

Apple Bark Extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apple Callus Extract

Malus Domestica Callus Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Apple Callus Powder

Pyrus Malus Callus Powder

4.0

Apple callus powder is a biotech antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more youthful appearance, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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