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

Night Jasmine Seed Extract

Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis Seed 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

Night-Blooming Cereus Extract

Cereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Nikko Fir Leaf Extract

Abies Homolepis Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Nikko Maple Bark Extract

Acer Nikoense Bark 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

Nikko Maple Extract

Acer Nikoense Branch/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

Nipa Palm Shoot Extract

NYPA FRUTICANS SHOOT 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

Nipa Palm Sprout Extract

Nypa Fruticans Sprout Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its efficacy in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Nobiletin

Nobiletin

4.0

Nobiletin is a citrus-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and may support a more even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Noctiluca Algae Extract

PYROCYSTIS NOCTILUCA EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Noni Leaf Cell Culture Extract

Morinda Citrifolia Leaf Cell Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant from noni leaves that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Noni Leaf Juice

Morinda Citrifolia Leaf Juice

3.8

Noni leaf juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Noni Phytoplacenta Extract

Morinda Citrifolia Phytoplacenta Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Noni Root Culture Extract

MORINDA CITRIFOLIA ADVENTITIOUS ROOT CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A lab-grown noni root extract that offers antioxidant and soothing benefits with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Noni Root Extract

Morinda Officinalis Root Extract

3.8

Noni root extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Nootkatone

NOOTKATONE

4.0

A grapefruit-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress while adding a pleasant citrus scent.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid

NORDIHYDROGUAIARETIC ACID

4.0

A potent plant antioxidant that helps defend skin against environmental stress and may support a brighter, more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Norfolk Island Pine Leaf Extract

Araucaria Heterophylla Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Notoginseng Bark Extract

Panax Notoginseng Bark 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

Notoginseng Leaf/Stem Extract

Panax Notoginseng Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Nutmeg Fruit Extract

MYRISTICA FRAGRANS FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

Nutmeg Fruit Extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and it may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Nutmeg Kernel Extract

MYRISTICA FRAGRANS KERNEL EXTRACT

3.8

Nutmeg kernel extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its topical use is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Nymphaea Ampla Flower Extract

NYMPHAEA AMPLA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Nymphaea Tetragona Callus Culture Extract

NYMPHAEA TETRAGONA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived antioxidant from water lily cells that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Oak Branch/Leaf Extract

Quercus Glauca Branch/Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Oak Bud Extract

Quercus Robur Bud 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

Oak Root Extract

Quercus Robur Root Extract

3.8

Oak Root Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Oat Leaf/Stalk Extract

Avena Sativa Leaf/Stalk Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from oat leaves and stalks that helps calm and protect sensitive or irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Oat Meristem Cell Extract

Avena Sativa Meristem Cell Extract

4.0

Oat meristem cell extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and support a youthful appearance, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ocotillo Stem Extract

FOUQUIERIA SPLENDENS STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Octatrienoic Acid

Octatrienoic Acid

3.5

Octatrienoic Acid is a synthetic fatty acid with antioxidant potential, but research on its benefits in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Oenothera Tetraptera Leaf Extract

Oenothera Tetraptera 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

Old Man Saltbush Extract

Atriplex nummularia extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps shield skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Oldenlandia Diffusa Root Extract

OLDENLANDIA DIFFUSA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, best known for its traditional use in herbal medicine, but clinical skincare data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Oldhamii Blueberry Fruit Extract

VACCINIUM OLDHAMII 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

Oleanolic Acid

OLEANOLIC ACID

4.0

A plant-derived compound that helps calm inflammation and protect skin from environmental damage, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Oleoyl Grape Seed Extract

Oleoyl Grape Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, oil-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light conditioning.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Oleoyl Green Tea Leaf Extract

OLEOYL CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, oil-friendly green tea derivative that brings antioxidant benefits to water-resistant or lipid-rich formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Oleoyl Pine Bark Extract

Oleoyl Pine Bark Extract

4.0

A gentle antioxidant extract that may help firm skin and fight free radical damage, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Oleoyl Tormentil Root Catechins

Oleoyl Potentilla Erecta Root Catechins

4.0

A promising antioxidant that combines plant catechins with a fatty acid for better skin penetration and stability.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Oleuropein Aglycone

Oleuropein Aglycone

4.0

A powerful olive-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and supports a more even, youthful complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Oleuropeinyl Glucoside

Oleuropeinyl Glucoside

4.0

A gentle antioxidant from olive leaves that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Olive Bark Extract

Olea Europaea Bark Extract

3.8

Olive bark extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Olive Branch Extract

Olea Europaea Branch 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

Olive Bud Extract

Olea Europaea Bud Extract

4.0

A mild, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Olive Flower Extract

Olea Europaea Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Olive Fruit Juice

Olea Europaea Fruit Juice

4.0

Olive fruit juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that hydrates and soothes skin without the heavy feel of olive oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Olive Leaf Extract

Olea Europaea Leaf Extract

4.0

Olive leaf extract is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Olive Wood Extract

Olea Europaea Wood Extract

4.0

Olive Wood Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Olivine Extract

Olivine Extract

3.5

A mineral extract with promising 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

Onion Bulb Extract

Allium Cepa Bulb Extract

3.8

Onion bulb extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help soothe skin and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Onsen-Sui

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Pyridoxine HCl, Riboflavin, Thiamine HCl, Cyanocobalamin, Zinc PCA, Copper PCA, Magnesium PCA, Manganese PCA, Potassium PCA, Silica, Sodium PCA, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Potato Protein, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Hydrolyzed Egg Protein, Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen, Hydrolyzed Shark Cartilage, Hydrolyzed Chondroitin Sulfate, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Potato Protein, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Hydrolyzed Egg Protein, Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen, Hydrolyzed Shark Cartilage, Hydrolyzed Chondroitin Sulfate, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

3.8

Onsen-Sui is a multi-ingredient blend that mimics the benefits of hot spring water, offering hydration, soothing effects, and a cocktail of antioxidants and nutrients for the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

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Antioxidant

Opal Ferment Lysate Filtrate

Saccharomyces/Opal Ferment Lysate Filtrate

3.8

A novel fermented ingredient that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it's not a proven essential for most routines.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Orange Fruit Extract

Citrus Sinensis Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and adds a subtle brightening effect.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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