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

Hydrolyzed Acai Fruit

Hydrolyzed Euterpe Oleracea Fruit

4.0

Hydrolyzed Acai Fruit is a gentle antioxidant and hydrating ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress while supporting a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Acerola Fruit

Hydrolyzed Acerola Fruit

4.0

A gentle, vitamin C-rich fruit extract that helps brighten skin and fight free radical damage without the irritation of pure ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Alder Extract

Hydrolyzed Alnus Japonica Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Alpinia Zerumbet

Hydrolyzed Alpinia Zerumbet

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, ideal for sensitive and aging skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Arthrospira Extract

Hydrolyzed Arthrospira Extract

4.0

A gentle, algae-derived ingredient that provides antioxidant protection and light hydration, but its benefits are best supported by general spirulina research rather than specific cosmetic studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Bamboo Extract

Hydrolyzed Sasa Veitchii Extract

4.0

A gentle bamboo-derived extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Bilberry Leaf Extract

Hydrolyzed Vaccinium Myrtillus Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle antioxidant extract from bilberry leaves that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Cacao Seed Meal

Hydrolyzed Theobroma Cacao Seed Meal

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient from cacao seeds that helps hydrate and protect the skin, though research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Carrot Extract

Hydrolyzed Carrot Extract

4.0

A gentle antioxidant-rich extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Cassia Bark Extract

Hydrolyzed Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle antioxidant extract from cassia bark that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Cattail Pollen & Root Extract

Hydrolyzed Typha Angustifolia Pollen/Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Cherimoya Fruit Extract

Hydrolyzed Annona Cherimola Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Chestnut Extract

Hydrolyzed Chestnut Extract

4.0

A mild, antioxidant-rich extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress—great for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Film Former

Hydrolyzed Chitosan Ferulyl Linoleate

Hydrolyzed Chitosan Ferulyl Linoleate

4.0

A gentle, multifunctional ingredient that combines antioxidant protection with a light film-forming effect, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Citrus Peel Extract

Hydrolyzed Citrus Sphaerocarpa Peel Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Cocoa Fruit

Hydrolyzed Cocoa Fruit

4.0

Hydrolyzed cocoa fruit is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps hydrate and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Coriander Fruit Extract

Hydrolyzed Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Cranberry Extract

Hydrolyzed Cranberry Fruit/Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle antioxidant-rich extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Damask Rose Extract

Hydrolyzed Rosa Damascena Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich rose extract that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Einkorn Wheat Seed Extract

Hydrolyzed Triticum Monococcum Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from ancient einkorn wheat that may help protect and hydrate skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Eugenia Edulis Fruit

Hydrolyzed Eugenia Edulis Fruit

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Fo-Ti Root Extract

HYDROLYZED POLYGONUM MULTIFLORUM ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm skin and support a more even tone, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Forsythia Extract

HYDROLYZED FORSYTHIA VIRIDISSIMA FRUIT/ROOT 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

Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract

Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress, ideal for sensitive or aging skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins

Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Goji Berry

Hydrolyzed Lycium Barbarum Fruit

4.0

Hydrolyzed Goji Berry is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Goji Berry Extract

Hydrolyzed Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle antioxidant extract from goji berries that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Grape Callus Extract

Hydrolyzed Grape Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient 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

Hydrolyzed Green Tea & Bamboo & Ginseng Complex

HYDROLYZED CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF/PHYLLOSTACHYS BAMBUSOIDES LEAF/STEM/PANAX GINSENG ROOT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical blend that helps calm and protect skin, but its effectiveness depends on the hydrolysis process used.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Green Tea Extract

Hydrolyzed Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and soothes irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Green Tea Leaf

Hydrolyzed Camellia Sinensis Leaf

4.2

A gentle, antioxidant-rich derivative of green tea that helps protect skin from environmental stress and soothe irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Green Tea Seed Extract

Hydrolyzed Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from green tea seeds that helps protect skin from environmental stress while soothing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Hardy Kiwi Leaf Extract

HYDROLYZED ACTINIDIA ARGUTA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf 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

Hydrolyzed Java Apple Extract

Hydrolyzed Syzygium Samarangense Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Lingonberry Fruit

Hydrolyzed Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Fruit

4.0

Hydrolyzed lingonberry fruit is a gentle antioxidant and mild exfoliant that helps brighten and protect the skin without harshness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Maca Root Extract

Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Mango Extract

Hydrolyzed Mangifera Indica Juice Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mango extract that helps hydrate and protect skin from environmental stress, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Mangosteen Extract

Hydrolyzed Garcinia Mangostana Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle antioxidant extract from mangosteen that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Melon Fruit

Hydrolyzed Melon Fruit Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Mint & Fruit Complex

Hydrolyzed Fruit/Mentha Arvensis Leaf/Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research on the hydrolyzed form is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Mulberry Fruit

Hydrolyzed Mulberry Fruit

4.0

A gentle antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help brighten skin and fight free radical damage.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Myrtle Leaf Extract

Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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