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

Jute Leaf Extract

Corchorus Capsularis 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

Jute Leaf/Stem Extract

Corchorus olitorius leaf/stem 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

Kadsura Coccinea Fruit Extract

KADSURA COCCINEA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kadsura Coccinea Root Extract

Kadsura Coccinea Root Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in humans.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kadsura Japonica Extract

Kadsura Japonica Branch/Fruit/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

Kaempferol

KAEMPFEROL

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kaempferol Rhamnoside

Kaempferol Rhamnoside

3.8

A gentle plant antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against daily pollution, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kakadu Plum Fruit Extract

Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract

4.5

A powerful natural antioxidant from the Kakadu plum, rich in vitamin C, that helps brighten skin and protect against environmental damage.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kalahari Melon Leaf Extract

CYCLOPIA GENISTOIDES LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Kale Leaf Extract

Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract

4.0

Kale Leaf Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kale Powder

Brassica Oleracea Acephala Powder

4.0

Kale powder brings antioxidant and nutrient benefits to skincare, but its effects are mild and best used as part of a broader antioxidant strategy.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kale Sprout Extract

Brassica Oleracea Acephala Sprout Extract

4.0

Kale sprout extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kamala Bark Extract

MALLOTUS PHILIPPENSIS BARK EXTRACT

3.8

Kamala bark extract is a gentle antioxidant from a tropical tree, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kamala Fruit Extract

Mallotus Philippensis Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kamchatka Rose Fruit Extract

Rosa Kamchatica Fruit Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kangaroo Apple Fruit Extract

Solanum Aviculare Fruit Extract

3.5

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

Kangaroo Paw Extract

ANIGOZANTHOS FLAVIDUS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Kangaroo Paw Flower Extract

ANIGOZANTHOS FLAVIDUS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower 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

Kangaroo Paw Flower/Leaf Extract

ANIGOZANTHOS FLAVIDUS FLOWER/LEAF 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

Karamu Leaf/Stem Extract

COPROSMA GRANDIFOLIA 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

Keihi Ekisu (Fermented Plant Extract)

Lactobacillus/Wasabia Japonica Root Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment

3.8

A fermented botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Keihi Yu

KEIHI YU

3.5

Keihi Yu is a gentle herbal extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kerria Japonica Flower Extract

Kerria Japonica Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kinginka Ekisu

Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kiwi Fruit Extract

Actinidia Deliciosa Fruit Extract

4.0

Kiwi Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps brighten and soothe skin, but its benefits are best supported by the fruit's general nutritional profile rather than extensive cosmetic-specific studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kiwi Seed Extract

Actinidia Chinensis Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from kiwi seeds that helps nourish and protect the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Kobayashi Mandarin Peel Water

Citrus Sphaerocarpa Peel Water

3.8

A gentle, citrus-derived water that adds light antioxidant benefits and a fresh scent, but its effects are mild and mostly aromatic.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kochia Scoparia Fruit Extract

Kochia Scoparia Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kohlrabi Extract

Brassica Oleracea Gongylodes Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kohlrabi Sprout Extract

Brassica Oleracea Gongylodes Sprout Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Korean Acanthopanax Fruit Extract

Acanthopanax Koreanum 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

Korean Black Raspberry Extract

Rubus crataegifolius fruit extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Korean Black Raspberry Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/RUBUS COREANUS FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented fruit extract that delivers antioxidants and gentle skin conditioning, but its benefits depend heavily on the fermentation process and formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Korean Black Raspberry Fruit Water

Rubus Crataegifolius Fruit Water

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit water that hydrates and soothes skin, but its benefits are largely from the water content and trace nutrients rather than a concentrated active.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Korean Bugleweed Callus Extract

LYCOPUS COREANUS CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

A plant-based antioxidant from lab-grown cells that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Korean Bugleweed Leaf Extract

Lycopus coreanus 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

Korean Cherry Fruit Extract

Prunus Tomentosa Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Korean Fir Leaf Extract

Abies Koreana Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Korean Ginseng Bark Ferment

Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Acanthopanax Koreanum Bark/Stem Oil Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical extract that may help calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Korean Pine Callus Extract

Pinus Koraiensis Callus Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Korean Rowan Branch/Leaf Extract

SORBUS ALNIFOLIA BRANCH/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Korean Rowan Leaf Extract

SORBUS ALNIFOLIA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Korean Stewartia Leaf Extract

Stewartia Koreana Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Korthalsella Japonica Extract

Korthalsella Japonica Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kou-Cha Extract

KOU-CHA EKISU

4.0

A gentle, fermented black tea extract that offers antioxidant protection and soothing benefits, ideal for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kousou Ekisu

Atractylodes Lancea Root Extract

3.8

Kousou Ekisu is a gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it's best used as a supporting ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kousou Root Extract

Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract

3.8

A gentle herbal extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is mostly traditional and lab-based.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kudzu Flower-Leaf-Stem Extract

Pueraria Thunbergiana Flower/Leaf/Stem 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

Kudzu Leaf/Stem Extract

Pueraria Lobata Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited compared to more established ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kudzu Root Extract

Pueraria Thunbergiana Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kudzu Stem Extract

PUERARIA LOBATA STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kumerahou Flower/Leaf Extract

Pomaderris Kumerahou Flower/Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from New Zealand, best for soothing and protecting skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kumquat Fruit Water

FORTUNELLA MARGARITA FRUIT WATER

3.8

Kumquat fruit water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that can help brighten and tone the skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Kunzea Leaf Extract

Kunzea Ericoides Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still emerging compared to more established plant extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kunzea Pomifera Fruit Extract

KUNZEA POMIFERA FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kunzea Pomifera Fruit Powder

KUNZEA POMIFERA FRUIT POWDER

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Kuromo Extract

PAPENFUSSIELLA KUROMO EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle seaweed 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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