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

Palmitoyl Olive Leaf Extract

Palmitoyl Olive Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps firm and protect skin, with good compatibility for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Palmitoyl Pine Bark Extract

Palmitoyl Pine Bark Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help firm skin and reduce fine lines, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Palmitoyl Rhubarb Root Extract

Palmitoyl Rheum Rhaponticum Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, semi-synthetic antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Anti-aging

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 with Vitamin C

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 Amidopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate HCl

4.0

A clever combo ingredient that pairs a collagen-boosting peptide with a stable form of vitamin C for dual anti-aging and antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Palo Santo Extract

BULNESIA SARMIENTOI EXTRACT

3.8

A fragrant botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited research on its specific cosmetic benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Palo Santo Wood Extract

Eysenhardtia polystachya wood extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pandan Bract Extract

Pandanus Odoratissimus Bract Extract

3.8

Pandan bract extract is a gentle, fragrant botanical with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pandan Seed Extract

Pandanus Odoratissimus Seed 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

Pandan Stamen Extract

Pandanus Odoratissimus Stamen Extract

3.8

A gentle, aromatic plant extract with antioxidant potential, but limited research on its specific benefits for skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Panduratin A

Panduratin A

3.8

A plant-derived compound with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but human skincare research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Skin brightener

Paper Mulberry Bark Extract

BROUSSONETIA PAPYRIFERA BARK EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle plant extract that may help even out skin tone and protect against environmental damage, but more human studies are needed to confirm its brightening effects.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Paper Mulberry Callus Extract

BROUSSONETIA KAZINOKI CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Skin Brightening Agent

Paper Mulberry Stem Extract

BROUSSONETIA KAZINOKI STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help even skin tone and protect against environmental damage, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Papyrus Leaf Cell Extract

Cyperus Papyrus Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Papyrus Stem Extract

Cyperus Papyrus Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived 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

Para Grass Extract

BRACHIARIA MUTICA EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Parachlorella Extract

Parachlorella Beijerinckii Extract

4.0

A gentle microalgae 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

Paraxanthine

Paraxanthine

3.8

Paraxanthine is a caffeine relative that may help firm skin and improve microcirculation, but research in topical cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Parsley Extract

Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Extract

4.0

Parsley extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that can help calm skin and provide a subtle brightening effect, but its benefits are modest compared to more potent actives.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Parsley Herb Extract

Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Herb Extract

3.8

Parsley Herb Extract offers antioxidant benefits and mild soothing effects, but its concentration in formulas is typically low, limiting its standalone impact.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Parsley Meristem Cell Extract

Petroselinum Crispum Meristem Cell

4.0

A gentle plant stem cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Parsley Seed Extract

Petroselinum Crispum Seed Extract

4.0

Parsley Seed Extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from pollution and UV damage, but it's not a substitute for sunscreen.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Parsley Seed Oil

Petroselinum Crispum Seed Oil

4.0

Parsley Seed Oil is a gentle antioxidant-rich oil that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Passion Flower Callus Extract

PASSIFLORA COCCINEA CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Passion Flower Extract

PASSIFLORA EDULIS FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that helps calm skin and protect against environmental stressors.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Passion Fruit Callus Culture Extract

PASSIFLORA EDULIS CALLUS CULTURE CONDITIONED MEDIA

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown passion fruit ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Passion Fruit Extract

PASSIFLORA INCARNATA FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps soothe skin and protect against environmental damage, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Passion Fruit Meristem Cell Extract

Passiflora Edulis Meristem Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Passion Fruit Peel Extract

Passiflora Edulis Peel Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Passionflower Callus Extract

Passiflora Alata Callus Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Passionflower Extract

PASSIFLORA CAERULEA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Patchouli Flower Extract

Pogostemon Cablin Flower Extract

3.8

Patchouli flower extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Patchouli Leaf/Stem Extract

Pogostemon Cablin Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

Patchouli extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its topical effects is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Paulownia Leaf Extract

Paulownia Tomentosa Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Paulownia Wood Extract

PAULOWNIA TOMENTOSA WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich wood 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

Pavlova Lutheri Extract

PAVLOVA LUTHERI EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle marine-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pawpaw Fruit Extract

Asimina Triloba Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pawpaw Leaf Extract

ASIMINA TRILOBA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pea Callus Extract

Pisum Sativum (Pea) Callus Extract

4.0

Pea callus extract is a gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pea Phytoplacenta Extract

Pisum Sativum (Pea) Phytoplacenta Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived 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

Pea Sprout Extract

Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract

4.0

Pea sprout extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps calm skin and support a youthful appearance without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pea Symbiosome Extract

Pisum Sativum (Pea) Symbiosome Extract

4.3

A gentle, lab-grown pea extract that helps skin defend against environmental stress and maintain a youthful appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Peach Bud Extract

Prunus Persica Bud Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Peach Callus Culture Extract

Prunus Persica (Peach) Callus Culture Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Peach Callus Extract

Prunus Persica (Peach) Callus Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Peach Fruit Extract

Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract

4.0

Peach Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a nice addition to daily skincare routines.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Peach Leaf Extract

Prunus Persica Leaf Extract

4.0

Peach Leaf Extract is a gentle botanical 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

Peach Wood Extract

Prunus Persica Wood Extract

3.8

Peach Wood Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Peanut Fruit Extract

Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract

3.5

A plant-based antioxidant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but it carries a moderate risk of clogging pores and is a common allergen.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Peanut Rice Callus Extract

R-PEANUT RICE CALLUS EXTRACT

3.5

A plant cell culture extract that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Peanut Seedcoat Extract

Arachis Hypogaea Seedcoat Extract

3.8

A gentle antioxidant from peanut skins that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early and it's not a powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pear Flower Extract

Pyrus Communis Flower Extract

3.8

Pear flower extract is a mild, 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

Pear Fruit Cell Culture Extract

Pyrus Communis Fruit Cell Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pear Fruit Cell Extract

Pyrus Communis Fruit Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pear Seed Extract

Pyrus Communis Seed Extract

4.0

Pear Seed Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pear Twig Extract

Pyrus Communis Twig Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based 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

Pecan Seed Extract

Carya Illinoinensis Seed Extract

3.8

Pecan Seed Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pecan Shell Extract

Carya Illinoensis Shell Extract

3.8

Pecan Shell Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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