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

Hakka

Hakka

3.8

Hakka is a gentle, fermented botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hakka Yu Extract

HAKKA YU

3.5

Hakka Yu is a gentle citrus extract with antioxidant potential, but scientific research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Haliptilon Callus Extract

Haliptilon Attenuatum Callus Culture Extract

3.8

A lab-grown red algae extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hallaisan Dandelion Extract

TARAXACUM HALLAISANENSIS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Halopteris Scoparia Extract

HALOPTERIS SCOPARIA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, ocean-sourced antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Hardy Kiwi Juice

Actinidia Arguta Juice

4.0

Hardy kiwi juice is a gentle, water-soluble fruit extract that provides light hydration and antioxidant protection, making it a nice addition to soothing or brightening formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Harpagoside

Harpagoside

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Haslea Ostrearia Extract

Haslea Ostrearia Extract

4.0

A gentle, blue microalgae extract that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hatsudake Mushroom Extract

LACTARIUS HATSUDAKE FRUITING BODY EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle mushroom 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

Hawthorn Berry Powder

Crataegus Monogyna Powder

3.5

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but limited direct skincare research and possible texture concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hawthorn Flower Extract

Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hawthorn Fruit Extract

Crataegus Cuneata Fruit Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hawthorn Fruit Powder

Crataegus Cuneata Fruit Powder

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hawthorn Leaf Extract

Crataegus monogyna leaf extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hawthorn Meristem Cell Extract

Crataegus Monogyna Meristem Cell Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hawthorn Stem Extract

Crataegus Oxyacantha Stem Extract

3.8

Hawthorn Stem Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hayflower Extract

HAYFLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hazel Bud Extract

Corylus Avellana Bud Extract

3.8

A mild, plant-based 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

Hazel Flower Extract

Corylus Avellana Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Heather Flower Extract

Calluna Vulgaris Flower Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hedera Rhombea Extract

Hedera Rhombea Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hedychium Coronarium Extract

HEDYCHIUM CORONARIUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Heldreich Pine Bark Extract

Pinus Heldreichii Bark Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Helichrysum Callus Extract

Helichrysum Italicum Callus Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Helichrysum Flower Extract

HELICHRYSUM STOECHAS FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Helichrysum Flower Oil

HELICHRYSUM STOECHAS FLOWER OIL

4.0

Helichrysum flower oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but it's best used in low concentrations due to its potency.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Helichrysum Leaf Cell Extract

Helichrysum Italicum Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Helichrysum Leaf/Stem Extract

Helichrysum Odoratissimum Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Helichrysum Root Extract

Helichrysum Italicum Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Helichrysum Stoechas Extract

Helichrysum Stoechas Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing benefits, best for calming sensitive or stressed skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Heliconia Rostrata Leaf Extract

HELICONIA ROSTRATA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hemistepa Lyrata Extract

Hemistepa Lyrata 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

Hemlock Bark Extract

Tsuga canadensis bark extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hemlock Leaf Extract

Tsuga canadensis 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

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hemocyanin

Hemocyanin

3.0

Hemocyanin is a novel marine-derived antioxidant with limited research in cosmetics; it may help protect skin from oxidative stress but lacks robust human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hemp Flower Extract

CANNABIS SATIVA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hemp Leaf and Flower Extract

CANNABIS SATIVA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but it is not the same as CBD or THC.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Henna Callus Culture Extract

Lawsonia Inermis Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A lab-grown henna extract that offers antioxidant benefits without the staining or irritation of traditional henna.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Heptacodium Flower Extract

HEPTACODIUM MICONIOIDES FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Heptacodium Leaf Extract

HEPTACODIUM MICONIOIDES 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

Soothing Agent

Herbal Complex Extract

CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA/ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS/SALVIA OFFICINALIS/THYMUS VULGARIS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical blend that may help calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress, but individual sensitivity is possible.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Herbal Flower & Leaf Extract Blend

LAVENDER FLOWER/(OLIVE/ORIGANUM VULGARE/ROSEMARY/THYME LEAF)/GOLDENSEAL EXTRACT

3.8

A botanical blend rich in antioxidants that may soothe skin, but its complexity and lack of standardization mean results can vary and irritation is possible for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Herbal Leaf Blend Extract

MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA LEAF/ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF/THYMUS VULGARIS LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A natural antimicrobial blend that can help with acne-prone skin but may cause irritation for sensitive types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Herbal Root & Fruit Complex

Angelica Acutiloba Root/Citrus Aurantium Amara Fruit/Coptis Japonica Root/Forsythia Viridissima Fruit/Gardenia Florida Fruit/Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root/Mentha Arvensis Leaf/Paeonia Lactiflora Root/Platycodon Grandiflorus Root/Rehmannia Glutinosa Root/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

3.8

A multi-herb blend that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on the specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Herbal Root & Fruit Extract

Acorus gramineus root/stem/luffa cylindrica fruit/camellia sinensis leaf extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Herbal Root & Rhizome Complex

Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Cnidium Officinale Rhizome Extract, Coptis Chinensis Rhizome Extract, Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract, Phellodendron Chinense Bark Extract

4.0

A traditional herbal blend that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, though individual herb concentrations are unknown.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Herbal Root & Seed Complex

(CODONOPSIS TANGSHEN/DIOSCOREA JAPONICA) ROOT/ATRACTYLODES JAPONICA RHIZOME/PORIA COCOS/(DOLICHOS LABLAB/COIX LACRYMA-JOBI MA-YUEN/EURYALE FEROX/NELUMBO NUCIFERA) SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A traditional herbal blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but lacks robust modern clinical evidence for skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Herbal Root Complex

Panax Ginseng Root/Poria Cocos/Ophiopogon Japonicus Root/Cornus Officinalis Fruit/Rehmannia Chinensis Root/Dioscorea Batatas Root/Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical blend that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is limited for the specific mixture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Herbal Root Complex Extract

Cimicifuga Dahurica Root/Forsythia Virdissima Fruit/Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root/Paeonia Lactiflora Root/Platycodon Grandiflorus Root/Pueraria Lobata Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical blend that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though individual herb concentrations are unlisted.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hesperetin

Hesperetin

4.0

Hesperetin is a gentle antioxidant from citrus that helps defend skin against daily damage and may support a brighter, more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hesperetin Laurate

Hesperetin Laurate

4.0

A promising antioxidant that combines citrus-derived hesperetin with lauric acid for better skin delivery and stability.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hesperidin

Hesperidin

4.0

Hesperidin is a gentle plant antioxidant that helps defend skin against daily environmental damage and may support a more even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Heteropanax Fragrans Leaf Extract

HETEROPANAX FRAGRANS 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

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Heterosigma Akashiwo Extract

HETEROSIGMA AKASHIWO CELL EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hexapeptide-2 Ascorbyl Phosphate

Hexapeptide-2 Ascorbyl Phosphate

3.8

A novel hybrid of peptide and vitamin C that may support collagen and antioxidant defense, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidantpeptide
Read ingredient review