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

Manganese Acetylmethionate

MANGANESE ACETYLMETHIONATE

3.8

Manganese Acetylmethionine is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Manganese Aspartate

Manganese Aspartate

3.5

Manganese aspartate is a trace mineral antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Manganese Citrate

Manganese Citrate

3.5

Manganese Citrate is a gentle mineral antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Manganese Complex

MANGANESE QUINOLYLMETHYLAMINOETHYL PYRIDINYLTRIAZACYCLODODECANE

3.0

A novel synthetic manganese complex with theoretical antioxidant benefits, but very limited research and no established safety or efficacy data in cosmetics.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Manganese Glycinate

Manganese Glycinate

3.8

Manganese glycinate is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Mangiferin

Mangiferin

4.0

Mangiferin is a gentle plant antioxidant that may help calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Mango Pulp Extract

Mangifera Indica Pulp Extract

4.0

Mango pulp extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and hydrate skin, but its benefits are mostly from its nutrient content rather than any unique active.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Mangosteen Bark Extract

GARCINIA MANGOSTANA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

Mangosteen bark extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Mangosteen Peel Powder

GARCINIA MANGOSTANA PEEL POWDER

4.0

Mangosteen peel powder is a natural antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Mangosteen Pericarp Powder

GARCINIA MANGOSTANA PERICARP POWDER

3.8

A gentle antioxidant-rich powder from mangosteen rind that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Mangosteen Polyphenol Esters

Caffeic/Coco/Coumaric/Mangosteen Pericarp Esters

4.0

A gentle antioxidant blend from mangosteen rind that helps shield skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Mangostin

Mangostin

4.0

Mangostin is a plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation, though more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Mangrove Leaf Extract

Rhizophora Apiculata Leaf 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

Manilkara Leaf Extract

Manilkara Multinervis Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Manna Ash Seed Extract

FRAXINUS ORNUS SEED EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Mantis Extract

Mantis Extract

2.5

Mantis extract is a novel, insect-derived ingredient with potential antioxidant benefits, but current evidence is very limited and it is not widely used or studied in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Manuka Leaf Extract

Leptospermum Scoparium Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Maqui Berry Extract

Aristotelia Chilensis Fruit Extract

4.0

Maqui berry extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from pollution and UV damage, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Maqui Berry Juice

ARISTOTELIA CHILENSIS FRUIT JUICE

4.0

Maqui berry juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Maqui Berry Leaf Extract

Aristotelia Chilensis Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Maritime Pine Bark Extract

Pinus Pinaster Bark/Bud Extract

4.2

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Maritime Pine Bark Water

PINUS PINASTER BARK WATER

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water from maritime pine bark that helps soothe and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Maritime Pine Extract

Pinus Pinaster Twig Leaf Extract

4.1

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Marjoram Leaf Extract

ORIGANUM MAJORANA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but limited high-quality human studies for cosmetic benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Marula Callus Extract

SCLEROCARYA BIRREA CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A lab-grown extract from marula tree cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Marula Fruit Extract

Sclerocarya Birrea Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Maslinic Acid

MASLINIC ACID

4.0

Maslinic acid is a gentle plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support collagen health, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Mastic Thyme Extract

Thymus Mastichina Herb 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

Matsutake Mushroom Ferment Extract

Tricholoma Matsutake Mycelium Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment from a rare mushroom that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Matsutake Mushroom Powder

Tricholoma Matsutake Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Mealworm Larva Extract

TENEBRIO MOLITOR LARVA EXTRACT

3.5

Mealworm larva extract is an emerging, sustainable ingredient with potential moisturizing and antioxidant benefits, but research in human skincare is very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Meconopsis Horridula Flower Extract

MECONOPSIS HORRIDULA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Medlar Fruit Extract

Pyrus Germanica Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Melaleuca Flower-Leaf Extract

Melaleuca symphyocarpa flower/leaf extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited compared to more common Melaleuca species.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Melaleuca Glomerata Extract

Melaleuca Glomerata Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited compared to more studied plant extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Melaleuca Uncinata Extract

Melaleuca Uncinata Flower/Leaf 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

Melanin

Melanin

3.8

Melanin is a promising antioxidant and UV-protective ingredient, but its use in cosmetics is still emerging and not yet widely proven in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Melastoma Candidum Extract

MELASTOMA CANDIDUM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Melatonin

Melatonin

4.0

Melatonin is a potent antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental damage and support overnight repair, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Melicope Elleryana Leaf Extract

MELICOPE ELLERYANA LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle plant 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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Antioxidant

Melicope Hayesii Leaf Extract

Melicope Hayesii Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Melon Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/MELON FRUIT/SUCROSE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented melon extract that provides antioxidant benefits and supports skin hydration without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Melon Phytoplacenta Extract

Cucumis Melo (Melon) Phytoplacenta Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract with limited but promising research; best as a supporting ingredient in antioxidant-rich formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Melon Root Extract

Cucumis Melo (Melon) Root Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Menadione

Menadione

2.5

Menadione is a synthetic vitamin K3 with limited skincare benefits and notable safety concerns, making it a less common and cautious choice in modern formulations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Menaquinone-7

MENAQUINONE-7

3.8

Menaquinone-7 is a vitamin K2 form that may help firm skin and fade dark circles, but research in cosmetics is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Mercaptotriazole Caffeamide

Mercaptotriazole Caffeamide

3.5

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited compared to more established antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Methionine

Methionine

4.0

Methionine is a gentle antioxidant amino acid that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports natural repair processes.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Methoxy PEG-113 Ascorbic Acid

METHOXY PEG-113 ASCORBIC ACID

4.0

A gentle, stabilized vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals with minimal irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Methoxy PEG-7 Ascorbic Acid

METHOXY PEG-7 ASCORBIC ACID

4.0

A gentle, stabilized vitamin C derivative that brightens and protects skin without the sting of pure L-ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Methoxychalcone

Methoxychalcone

3.8

Methoxychalcone is a gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Methoxycinnamaldehyde

O-Methoxycinnamaldehyde

3.5

A cinnamon-derived antioxidant with antimicrobial potential, but its fragrance component can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Methoxycinnamic Acid

Methoxycinnamic Acid

3.8

Methoxycinnamic acid is a gentle antioxidant that may offer mild UV protection and skin-brightening benefits, but it is not a primary sunscreen agent.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Methoxycresol

5-METHOXY-M-CRESOL

3.5

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is limited and it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Methoxyhydroxyphenyl Isopropylnitrone

METHOXYHYDROXYPHENYL ISOPROPYLNITRONE

4.0

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental damage, but research is still emerging compared to more established antioxidants like vitamin C.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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