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

Apple Flower Extract

Pyrus Malus Flower Extract

4.0

A mild, plant-derived extract that may help soothe skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apple Fruit Extract

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

4.0

Apple fruit extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that offers mild exfoliation and hydration, making it a good choice for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apple Leaf Extract

Pyrus Malus Leaf Extract

3.8

Apple Leaf Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apple Peel Extract

Pyrus Malus Peel Extract

4.0

Apple peel extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apple Pulp Extract

Pyrus Malus Pulp Extract

4.0

Apple Pulp Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apple Root Extract

Pyrus Malus Root Extract

3.8

Apple Root Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apple Seed Extract

Pyrus Malus Seed Extract

3.8

Apple seed extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apple Stem Cell Extract

Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract

4.0

A plant stem cell extract that may help protect skin cells from environmental stress and support a more youthful appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Apple Stem Extract

Pyrus Malus Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin cells from oxidative stress, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apricot Bud Extract

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Bud Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from apricot buds that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apricot Flower Extract

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Flower Extract

3.8

A mild, flower-derived extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apricot Fruit Extract

Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract

4.0

Apricot Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a calm, even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apricot Leaf Cell Extract

PRUNUS ARMENIACA LEAF CELL EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Apricot Leaf Extract

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Aralia Callus Culture Extract

Aralia Continentalis Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A lab-grown plant 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

Aralia Elata Callus Extract

Aralia Elata Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a calmer complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Aralia Elata Extract

Aralia Elata Branch/Leaf 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

Aralia Elata Leaf Extract

Aralia Elata Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm irritation, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Aralia Elata Root Extract

Aralia Elata Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Araucaria Seed Extract

Araucaria Angustifolia Seed 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

Araucaria Seedcoat Extract

ARAUCARIA ANGUSTIFOLIA SEEDCOAT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Arbutin-Rich Leaf Extract

Epigaea Repens Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Arctic Callus Culture Extract

CERASTIUM ARCTICUM CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Arctic Cloudberry Callus Ferment

Saccharomyces/Rubus Arcticus Callus Lysate Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that may help protect and condition skin, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Arctic Cotton Callus Extract

ERIOPHORUM SCHEUCHZERI CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Arctic Raspberry Callus Extract

RUBUS ARCTICUS CALLUS 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

Arctic Raspberry Fruit Extract

Rubus Arcticus Fruit Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Arctigenin

Arctigenin

3.8

Arctigenin is a plant-based antioxidant that may help calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Arctiin

Arctiin

3.8

Arctiin is a gentle plant antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Arctostaphylos Viscida Leaf Extract

ARCTOSTAPHYLOS VISCIDA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Areca Palm Extract

Dypsis Lutescens 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

Arenaria Kansuensis Extract

ARENARIA KANSUENSIS LEAF/ROOT/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract with limited but promising research for soothing and protecting skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Argan Callus Culture Extract

Argania Spinosa Callus Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Argan Callus Extract

Argania Spinosa Callus Extract

4.0

A lab-grown argan extract that delivers antioxidants without the heavy oiliness of traditional argan oil.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Argan Fruit Extract

Argania Spinosa Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from argan fruit that helps protect skin from environmental stress without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Moisturizer

Argan Kernel Extract

Argania Spinosa Kernel Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that hydrates and protects skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Argan Leaf Cell Extract

Argania Spinosa Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Argan Leaf Extract

Argania Spinosa Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Argan Seedcake Extract

Argania Spinosa Seedcake Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from leftover argan seed material that helps protect and condition skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Argan Sprout Cell Extract

Argania Spinosa Sprout Cell Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Arginine Ferulate

Arginine Ferulate

4.0

Arginine Ferulate combines an amino acid with a plant-derived antioxidant to help protect skin from environmental stress and calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Armeria Alpina Leaf Cell Extract

ARMERIA ALPINA LEAF CELL EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Aronia Berry Extract

Aronia Arbutifolia Fruit Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Arrabidaea Chica Extract

ARRABIDAEA CHICA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Arrabidaea Chica Leaf Powder

Arrabidaea Chica Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle Amazonian plant powder with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's mostly used for its natural color and traditional reputation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Artemisia & Wheat Bran Extract

ARTEMISIA PRINCEPS LEAF/TRITICUM VULGARE BRAN EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical blend that may help calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Artemisia Annua Callus Extract

ARTEMISIA ANNUA CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Artemisia Annua Meristem Cell Extract

ARTEMISIA ANNUA MERISTEM CELL 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

Artemisia-Citrus-Pine Leaf Extract

ARTEMISIA ANNUA/CITRUS JUNOS FRUIT/PINUS DENSIFLORA LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical blend that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research on the specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Artemisinin

ARTEMISININ

2.5

Artemisinin is a potent plant compound with promising antioxidant and soothing properties, but its use in skincare is still emerging and lacks robust safety and efficacy data for cosmetic applications.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Artichoke Bud Extract

Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Bud Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Artichoke Leaf and Root Powder

Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf/Root Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Artist's Conk Oil

Ganoderma applanatum oil

3.8

A mushroom-derived oil with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Artocarpus Lakoocha Wood Extract

Artocarpus Lakoocha Wood Extract

3.8

A plant-based antioxidant extract that may help brighten skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Arunika Ekisu

Arunika Ekisu

3.5

Arunika Ekisu is a gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but scientific evidence is limited and its exact plant source is unclear.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Asafoetida Root Extract

Ferula Assa Foetida Root Extract

3.8

A traditional botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited modern skincare research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic Acid

4.5

A well-researched antioxidant that brightens skin and supports collagen, but can be unstable and irritating at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ascorbyl Carbonyl Dipeptide-17

ASCORBYL CARBONYL DIPEPTIDE-17

3.8

A gentle, stabilized vitamin C peptide that may brighten and support collagen, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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