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

Hymenaea Courbaril Pod Extract

Hymenaea Courbaril Pod Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hypericum Erectum Extract

HYPERICUM ERECTUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research specific to Hypericum erectum is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hyssop Herb Extract

HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS HERB EXTRACT

3.8

Hyssop Herb Extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its topical effects is limited compared to more studied botanicals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Icariside II

Icariside II

3.5

Icariside II is a plant-derived antioxidant with early research suggesting it may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Ice Plant Callus Extract

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM CRYSTALLINUM CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based humectant and antioxidant that helps skin retain moisture and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Ilex Latifolia Leaf Extract

Ilex Latifolia Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ilex Rotunda Leaf Extract

Ilex Rotunda 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

Imperial Bromeliad Leaf Extract

Alcantarea imperialis leaf extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Incense Cedar Extract

CALOCEDRUS DECURRENS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Indian Fig Leaf Extract

Ficus Indica Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant 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

Indian Rose Flower Extract

Rosa Indica Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that can help soothe skin and provide mild protection from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Indigo Leaf/Stem Extract

POLYGONUM TINCTORIUM LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Indigo Seed Extract

INDIGO FERA PSEUDOTINCTORIA SEED EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Indigofera Tinctoria Extract

INDIGO FERA TINCTORIA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Inga Alba Bark Extract

Inga Alba Bark Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Inga Bourgoni Bark Extract

INGA BOURGONI BARK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Inga Edulis Seed Extract

Inga Edulis Seed Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Inositol Hexaniacinate Hexaascorbate

INOSITOL HEXANIACINATE HEXAASCORBATE

4.0

A promising hybrid antioxidant that combines vitamin C and niacin benefits with better stability, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Inula Britannica Callus Extract

Inula Britannica Callus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Iresine Extract

Iresine Weberbaueri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Iris Florentina Flower Extract

Iris Florentina Flower Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Iris Setosa Callus Culture Extract

IRIS SETOSA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant from Arctic iris that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Iris Setosa Extract

Iris Setosa Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ironwort Extract

Sideritis Scardica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ironwort Leaf/Stem/Flower Water

SIDERITIS SCARDICA LEAF/STEM/FLOWER WATER

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich hydrosol that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Isatis Seed Extract

Isatis Tinctoria Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from woad seeds that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Isobavachalcone

Isobavachalcone

3.8

Isobavachalcone is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Isochrysis Galbana Extract

Isochrysis Galbana Extract

4.0

A gentle marine-sourced extract that helps calm and protect the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Isodon Inflexus Extract

Isodon Inflexus Branch/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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Skin conditioning agent

Isomerized Linalool Acid

LINALOOL ACID ISOMERIZED

3.5

A modified form of linalool that may offer antioxidant benefits with lower irritation potential than its parent compound.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Isomerized Linoleyl Gallate

ISOMERIZED LINOLEYL GALLATE

4.0

A gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while supporting a smoother, more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Isononyl Ferulate

Isononyl Ferulate

4.0

A gentle, oil-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress without the stability issues of pure ferulic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Isoquercetin

Isoquercetin

4.0

A gentle plant antioxidant that helps shield skin from pollution and UV damage while supporting a brighter, more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Isoquercitrin

Isoquercitrin

4.0

A gentle plant-derived antioxidant that helps defend skin against pollution and UV-related damage without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Isorhamnetin

ISORHAMNETIN

3.8

Isorhamnetin is a plant-derived antioxidant that helps shield skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Isostearyl Ferulate

Isostearyl Ferulate

4.1

A gentle, oil-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a more even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Italian Cypress Extract

Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

Italian Cypress Extract offers antioxidant and astringent benefits, making it a gentle option for oily or combination skin, but research on its topical efficacy is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ivy Gourd Seed Extract

Ipomoea hederacea seed extract

3.8

A gentle antioxidant extract from ivy gourd seeds that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ivy Leaf Callus Extract

Ipomoea hederacea callus culture extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Iyo Citrus Fruit Extract

Citrus Iyo Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Iyo Citrus Peel Extract

Citrus Iyo Peel Extract

4.0

A gentle citrus peel extract that may help brighten skin and fight free radicals, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Jabara Citrus Juice

CITRUS JABARA JUICE

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich citrus juice that may help brighten skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Jabara Peel Extract

CITRUS JABARA PEEL EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Jabuticaba Fruit Extract

PLINIA CAULIFLORA FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Jabuticaba Pulp Extract

MYRCIARIA CAULIFLORA PULP

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Jack Pine Bark Extract

Pinus Banksiana Bark Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Jackfruit Seed Extract

Artocarpus Heterophyllus Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help hydrate and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Jade Plant Leaf Extract

Crassula Argentea Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Jambolan Fruit Juice

EUGENIA JAMBOS FRUIT JUICE

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Japanese Alder Bark Extract

Alnus Japonica Bark 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

Japanese Angelica Extract

Angelica Japonica Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Japanese Apricot Seed Extract

Prunus Mume Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from Japanese apricot seeds that helps protect skin from environmental stress while supporting a calm, even-toned complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Japanese Ardisia Extract

Ardisia Japonica Branch/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

Japanese Beautyberry Fruit Extract

Callicarpa Japonica Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit 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

Japanese Beech Bark Extract

Fagus Crenata Bark Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Japanese Cedar Bark Extract

Cryptomeria japonica bark extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Japanese Cedar Bark Ferment

Cryptomeria Japonica Bark Ferment Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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