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

Pectolinarin

Pectolinarin

3.8

Pectolinarin is a plant-derived flavonoid with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research in cosmetics is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

PEG-45 Thioctic Acid

METHOXY PEG-45 THIOCTATE

3.5

A PEG-modified form of alpha-lipoic acid that offers antioxidant benefits with improved water solubility and stability, but its effectiveness depends on formulation and concentration.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidantskin conditioning
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Antioxidant

PEG-7 Rutinyl Succinate

METHOXY PEG-7 RUTINYL SUCCINATE

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and may support a brighter, more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

PEG-X Bis-Tocopheryl Succinate

PEG-X BIS-(TOCOPHERYL SUCCINATE)

4.0

A stabilized form of vitamin E that offers antioxidant benefits with better formulation flexibility than plain tocopherol.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

PEG/PPG Tocopheryl Ether

PEG/PPG-100/70 Tocopheryl Ether

4.0

A water-friendly version of vitamin E that helps protect skin from environmental damage and keeps it feeling soft.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

PEG/PPG-2/5 Tocopheryl Ether

PEG/PPG-2/5 Tocopheryl Ether

4.0

A gentle, modified vitamin E that provides antioxidant protection and skin conditioning with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

PEG/PPG-30/10 Tocopheryl Ether

PEG/PPG-30/10 Tocopheryl Ether

4.0

A stable, water-friendly version of vitamin E that helps protect skin from environmental damage without the greasiness of pure tocopherol.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

PEG/PPG-5/10 Tocopheryl Ether

PEG/PPG-5/10 Tocopheryl Ether

4.0

A gentle, modified vitamin E that helps protect skin from environmental stress without the greasiness of pure vitamin E.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

PEG/PPG-5/20 Tocopheryl Ether

PEG/PPG-5/20 Tocopheryl Ether

4.0

A gentle, modified vitamin E that offers antioxidant protection and skin conditioning without the stability issues of pure vitamin E.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

PEG/PPG-5/30 Tocopheryl Ether

PEG/PPG-5/30 Tocopheryl Ether

4.0

A water-friendly version of vitamin E that helps protect skin from environmental damage without the greasy feel of pure tocopherol.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

PEG/PPG-50/20 Tocopheryl Ether

PEG/PPG-50/20 Tocopheryl Ether

4.0

A water-friendly version of vitamin E that helps protect skin from environmental stress without feeling greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

PEG/PPG-70/30 Tocopheryl Ether

PEG/PPG-70/30 Tocopheryl Ether

4.0

A water-friendly version of vitamin E that helps protect skin from environmental stress without the greasy feel of pure vitamin E.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Pelargonium Graveolens Callus Extract

PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A lab-grown rose geranium extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pelargonium Root Extract

Pelargonium Reniforme Root 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

Pelargonium Sidoides Callus

PELARGONIUM SIDOIDES CALLUS

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived 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

Peltophorum Bark Extract

PELTOPHORUM DASYRHACHIS BARK EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pentaisostearoyl 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate

PENTAISOSTEAROYL 3-GLYCERYL ASCORBATE

4.0

A gentle, oil-soluble vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals with less irritation than pure ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Penthorum Chinense Seed Extract

PENTHORUM CHINENSE SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract with emerging research, best suited for soothing and protecting normal to sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Peoniflorin

PAEONIFLORIN

4.0

Peoniflorin is a gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, but it's not a standalone solution for major skin concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Peony Callus Culture Extract

Paeonia Lactiflora Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown peony extract that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Peony Callus Extract

Paeonia Officinalis Callus Extract

4.0

Peony callus extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and fight environmental damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Peony Flower Extract

Paeonia Suffruticosa Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress, but its benefits are modest compared to more potent antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Peony Flower Water

PAEONIA SUFFRUTICOSA FLOWER WATER

4.0

Peony flower water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich floral water that can help soothe and brighten skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Antioxidant

Peony Leaf Cell Extract

Paeonia Lactiflora Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Peony Phytoplacenta Extract

PAEONIA LACTIFLORA PHYTOPLACENTA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from peony cell cultures that may help calm and protect skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pepino Melon Fruit Extract

Solanum Muricatum Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Peppermint Leaf Cell Extract

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Peppermint Meristem Cell Culture

Mentha Piperita Meristem Cell Culture

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pequi Fruit and Leaf Extract

Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit/Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Perennial Ryegrass Leaf Extract

Lolium Perenne 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

Perichlaena Flower Extract

PERICHLAENA RICHARDII FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract with limited but promising research; best for those seeking natural, low-irritation skincare ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Perichlaena Flower-Leaf Extract

Perichlaena Richardii Flower/Leaf Extract

3.5

A plant extract with promising antioxidant and soothing potential, but currently lacks robust human studies to confirm its effectiveness in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Perichlaena Leaf Extract

PERICHLAENA RICHARDII LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A lesser-known botanical extract with potential antioxidant benefits, but research is very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Perilla Callus Culture Extract

Perilla Frutescens Callus Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Perilla Flower Extract

Perilla Frutescens Flower Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Perilla Juice

PERILLA FRUTESCENS JUICE

4.0

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Perilla Leaf Extract

PERILLA OCYMOIDES LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

Perilla leaf extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Perilla Leaf Powder

PERILLA OCYMOIDES LEAF POWDER

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder that may help calm and protect the skin, though more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Perilla Seed Extract

Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Perilla Seedcake Extract

PERILLA FRUTESCENS SEEDCAKE

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from perilla seed cake that may help soothe and nourish the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Perillaldehyde

PERILLALDEHYDE

3.5

Perillaldehyde is a natural fragrant compound with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, but its use in skincare is limited and may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Perillic Acid

PERILLIC ACID

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Persea Thunbergii Extract

Persea Thunbergii Leaf/Root/Stem 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

Persicaria Blumei Extract

Persicaria Blumei 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

Persicaria Minor Extract

Persicaria Minor Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

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

Persicaria Thunbergii Extract

Persicaria Thunbergii Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Persimmon Ferment Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/PERSIMMON FRUIT JUICE FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that may help brighten and soothe skin with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Persimmon Ferment Filtrate

Pediococcus/Diospyros Kaki Fruit Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still developing.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Persimmon Fruit Extract

Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich 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

Persimmon Fruit Powder

DIOSPYROS KAKI FRUIT POWDER

4.0

Persimmon fruit powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe skin and provide mild exfoliation, but it is not a potent active like vitamin C or retinol.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Persimmon Leaf Extract

Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pfaffia Paniculata Root Extract

Pfaffia Paniculata Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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