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

Lemon Callus Culture Extract

CITRUS LIMON CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Lemon Embryo Extract

Citrus Limon Somatic Embryo Extract

3.8

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

Lemon Extract

CITRUS LIMON (LEMON) FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

Lemon extract can brighten skin and fight free radicals, but its acidity and photosensitizing compounds require careful formulation and sun protection.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Lemon Flower Extract

CITRUS LIMON FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, fragrant extract that adds a light antioxidant boost and a pleasant citrus scent, but its benefits are not as well-studied as other citrus extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lemon Flower, Leaf & Stem Extract

CITRUS LIMON (LEMON) FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract from lemon tree parts that offers antioxidant benefits and a subtle natural fragrance, but research on its specific effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lemon Fruit Extract

Citrus Medica Vulgaris Fruit Extract

3.8

Lemon fruit extract offers antioxidant benefits and a fresh scent, but its acidity and photosensitizing compounds require careful formulation to avoid irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lemon Leaf Cell Extract

Citrus Limon Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Lemon Leaf Extract

CITRUS LIMON LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that provides antioxidant protection and soothing benefits, but research on its topical effects is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lemon Myrtle Leaf Extract

BACKHOUSIA CITRIODORA LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

Lemon Myrtle Leaf Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that can help protect skin from environmental stress while adding a pleasant natural scent to products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lemon Peel Extract

Citrus Medica Acida Peel Extract

3.8

Lemon Peel Extract offers antioxidant benefits but can be irritating due to natural acids and photosensitizing compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lemon Thyme Extract

Thymus Citriodorus Flower/Leaf Extract

3.8

Lemon Thyme Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lemon Verbena Extract

Lippia Citriodora Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that can help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but its benefits are modest and best as part of a broader formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lemon Verbena Meristem Cell Culture

Lippia Citriodora Meristem Cell Culture

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a calmer complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Lentil Fruit Extract

Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Leopard Plant Extract

Farfugium Japonicum Leaf/Stalk Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant 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

Lepista Nuda Ferment Filtrate

Lepista Nuda Ferment Filtrate Powder

4.0

A mushroom ferment filtrate that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lespedeza Callus Extract

Lespedeza Cyrtobotrya Callus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lethariella Cladonioides Extract

Lethariella Cladonioides Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Leucosidea Sericea Leaf Extract

Leucosidea Sericea 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

Levistolide A

Levistolide A

3.5

A plant-derived compound with early research suggesting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, but not yet widely studied in cosmetic formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Licorice Callus Extract

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A lab-grown licorice extract that helps calm irritation and defend against environmental stress without the variability of field-grown plants.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Antioxidant

Licorice Meristem Cell Culture

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Meristem Cell Culture

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown licorice extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Licorice Meristem Cell Extract

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Meristem Cell Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown licorice extract that may help calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Licorice Root Prenylflavonoids

Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Prenylflavonoids

4.3

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm redness and even out skin tone without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ligularia Leaf Extract

Ligularia fischeri Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lilac Leaf Cell Culture Extract

Soil Minerals/Syringa Vulgaris Leaf Cell Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help shield skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Lilac Leaf Cell Extract

Syringa Vulgaris Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Lilac Meristem Cell Culture

Syringa Vulgaris Meristem Cell Culture

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Lily Hybrid Extract

Lilium Hybrid Extract

3.8

Lily Hybrid Extract is a gentle botanical ingredient that may help soothe skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lily of the Valley Callus Extract

CONVALLARIA MAJALIS CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Lima Bean Seed Extract

Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lime & Elderflower Extract

Citrus Aurantifolia Flower/Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance Component

Lime Fruit Extract

CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

Lime fruit extract adds a fresh citrus scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but its potential for skin irritation means it's best for those without sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lime Leaf Extract

Citrus Aurantifolia Leaf Extract

3.8

Lime leaf extract offers antioxidant benefits and a light astringent effect, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin due to natural citrus compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Limnophila Chinensis Leaf Extract

LIMNOPHILA CHINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Limus Extract

Limus Extract

3.8

Limus Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Linden Flower & Violet Leaf Extract

Tilia Europaea Flower/Viola Odorata Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract blend that may help calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, though clinical evidence is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lindera Erythrocarpa Extract

LINDERA ERYTHROCARPA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical 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

Lindera Root Extract

Lindera Erythrocarpa Adventitious Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root 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

Linderanolide B / Subamolide A

Linderanolide B / Subamolide A

3.5

A rare plant compound with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but currently lacks broad human safety and efficacy data.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lingonberry Fruit Extract

Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lingonberry Fruit Juice

VACCINIUM VITIS-IDAEA FRUIT JUICE

4.0

Lingonberry fruit juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, but it is not a stand-alone treatment for serious skin concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lingonberry Fruit Water

VACCINIUM VITIS-IDAEA FRUIT WATER

3.8

Lingonberry fruit water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich base that can help soothe and lightly condition skin, but its benefits are mild compared to more concentrated extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lingonberry Leaf Protoplasts

VACCINIUM VITIS-IDAEA LEAF PROTOPLASTS

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Linoleyl Gallate

Linoleyl Gallate

3.8

A promising antioxidant that pairs fatty acid benefits with polyphenol protection, but research is still early and products are rare.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Linseed Oil Ascorbate Esters

Linseed Oil Ascorbate Esters

4.0

A gentle, oil-soluble vitamin C derivative that pairs antioxidant protection with moisturizing fatty acids, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Lippia Oil

Lippia origanoides leaf/flower/stem oil

3.8

Lippia origanoides oil offers antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits, but its strong fragrance and potential for irritation mean it's best used in low concentrations and not for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Liquiritigenin

Liquiritigenin

4.0

A gentle licorice-derived antioxidant that helps calm redness and even out skin tone without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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