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

Hexyloxy Trimethylphenol

Hexyloxy Trimethylphenol

4.0

A synthetic antioxidant that helps defend skin against environmental damage, but research is still emerging compared to more established antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Hiba Wood Extract

Thujopsis Dolabrata Wood Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stressors, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hiba Wood Leaf Extract

Thujopsis Dolabrata Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, though human studies are limited and it's best known for traditional use.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hiba Wood Water

THUJOPSIS DOLABRATA WATER

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water from Hiba wood that may help calm skin and provide mild antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hibiscus Callus Culture Extract

Hibiscus Syriacus Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Hibiscus Callus Extract

Hibiscus Syriacus Callus Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early — it's not a proven powerhouse yet.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hibiscus Callus Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA CALLUS CULTURE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Hibiscus Callus Powder

Hibiscus Syriacus Callus Powder

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hibiscus Flower & Leaf Extract

Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower/Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that offers mild exfoliation and hydration, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Exfoliant

Hibiscus Flower Extract

Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle plant-based exfoliant and antioxidant that can help brighten skin and support a smoother texture without harsh scrubbing.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hibiscus Hamabo Extract

Hibiscus Hamabo Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, best for calming sensitive skin and providing light environmental protection.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hibiscus Leaf Cell Extract

HIBISCUS ROSA-SINENSIS LEAF CELL EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Hibiscus Mutabilis Flower Extract

Hibiscus Mutabilis Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower 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

Hibiscus Syriacus Bark Extract

Hibiscus Syriacus Bark Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hibiscus Syriacus Seed Extract

Hibiscus Syriacus Seed Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hijiki Callus Culture Extract

Hizikia Fusiformis Callus Culture Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Himalayan Botanical Blend

THYMUS LINEARIS LEAF/(ANGELICA GLAUCA/BERGENIA CILIATA) ROOT/PRINSEPIA UTILIS SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A blend of Himalayan plants that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and mostly traditional.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Himanthalia Elongata Powder

Himanthalia Elongata Powder

4.0

A nutrient-rich brown seaweed powder that hydrates and soothes skin with antioxidants and minerals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hinoki Cypress Extract

CHAMAECYPARIS OBTUSA LEAF/ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract from hinoki cypress that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hirsute Blackberry Extract

RUBUS HIRSUTUS FRUIT/LEAF 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

Hog Plum Fruit Extract

Spondias Mombin Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hog Plum Pulp Extract

Spondias Mombin Pulp Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on topical use is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Holly Fern Extract

Polystichum retroso-palaceum extract

3.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fern extract that may help calm and protect skin, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Holly Flower Extract

Ilex Aquifolium Flower Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Holly Leaf Extract

Ilex Aquifolium 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

Hollyhock Callus Extract

Althaea Rosea Callus Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Holm Oak Callus Powder

Quercus Ilex Callus Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Homonoi Root Extract

HOMONOIA RIPARIA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Honey & Ginseng Root Ferment

Honey/(Panax Ginseng/Rehmannia Glutinosa) Root/Poria Cocos Extract

4.0

A soothing, antioxidant-rich blend of honey and herbal roots that helps calm skin and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

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Antioxidant

Honeysuckle Callus Extract

LONICERA PERICLYMENUM CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Honeysuckle Extract

LONICERA CAPRIFOLIUM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, but its benefits are modest compared to more potent antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Honeysuckle Fruit Juice

LONICERA CAERULEA FRUIT JUICE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit juice that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Honeysuckle Fruit Water

LONICERA CAERULEA FRUIT WATER

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit water that hydrates and soothes skin, but research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Honokiol

Honokiol

4.0

Honokiol is a gentle antioxidant from magnolia bark that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress, but more human studies are needed to confirm its anti-aging benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Horehound Meristem Cell Culture

Marrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell Culture

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Hornbeam Extract

Carpinus Turczaninowii Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Horopito Flower/Leaf Extract

PSEUDOWINTERA COLORATA FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still emerging and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Horse Chestnut & Carrot & Fennel Extract

AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM BARK/DAUCUS CAROTA ROOT/FOENICULUM VULGARE FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its effectiveness depends on the specific formulation and concentration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Horse Chestnut Bud Extract

AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM BUD EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Horse Chestnut Leaf Extract

AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is more focused on the seed than the leaf.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Horseradish Peroxidase

Horseradish Peroxidase

3.8

Horseradish peroxidase is a natural enzyme that acts as a potent antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals and support skin resilience, though research in cosmetics is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Horseradish Root Extract

Cochlearia Armoracia Root Extract

3.8

Horseradish Root Extract offers antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hortonia Floribunda Leaf Extract

HORTONIA FLORIBUNDA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract with limited but promising research; best for sensitive or environmentally stressed skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hosta Longipes Extract

Hosta Longipes Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hoya Carnosa Extract

Hoya Carnosa Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hoya Carnosa Leaf Extract

HOYA CARNOSA LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

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

Huckleberry Extract

GAYLUSSACIA BACCATA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and soothe minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Humic Acids

HUMIC ACIDS

3.8

Humic acids are gentle, antioxidant-rich compounds from ancient plant deposits that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Huon Pine Wood Extract

Dacrydium franklinii wood extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich wood extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hyacinth Flower Extract

Hyacinthus Orientalis Flower Extract

3.5

A fragrant flower extract with mild antioxidant potential, but limited research and a moderate risk of skin irritation for sensitive types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hyacinth Leaf Extract

Hyacinthus Orientalis Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hybrid Cell Extract

GYNOSTEMMA PENTAPHYLLUM/LUFFA CYLINDRICA HYBRID CELL EXTRACT

3.8

A lab-grown hybrid plant cell extract that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Hydrangea Flower/Fruit Extract

HYDRANGEA PANICULATA FLOWER/FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Hydrangea Serrata Leaf Extract

Hydrangea Serrata Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrogen

HYDROGEN

3.5

Hydrogen is a trendy antioxidant ingredient that may help calm skin, but its benefits in topical skincare are still being studied and are not yet proven in large human trials.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Hydrogenated Calamus Root Extract

ACORUS CALAMUS ROOT EXTRACT HYDROGENATED

3.5

A gentle, processed root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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