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

Pfaffia Root Juice

Pfaffia Glomerata Root Juice

3.8

Pfaffia Glomerata Root Juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Phaseolus Trilobus Seed Extract

Phaseolus Trilobus Seed Extract

3.5

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract with limited but promising research; best for soothing and protecting normal to dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Phebalium Nudum Extract

Phebalium Nudum Flower/Leaf Extract

3.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from an Australian native plant, promising for soothing and protecting skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Phellinus Linteus Rice Ferment

Phellinus Linteus/Rice Ferment Extract

4.0

A fermented mushroom-rice blend that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Phenethyl Caffeate

PHENETHYL CAFFEATE

4.0

A gentle antioxidant from propolis that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a calmer, more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Phenethyl Isothiocyanate

PHENETHYL ISOTHIOCYANATE

3.8

A plant-derived compound with promising antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits, but limited research in topical skincare and potential for skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Phenyl Timonacic

PHENYL TIMONACIC

3.5

Phenyl Timonacic is a synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Phenylethylidene-bis-indole

PHENYLETHYLIDENE-BIS-INDOLE

3.5

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Phloretin

Phloretin

4.3

A gentle apple-derived antioxidant that helps even skin tone and defends against pollution and UV stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Phloridzin

Phloridzin

4.0

A gentle apple-derived antioxidant that helps even skin tone and fights early signs of aging without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Phloridzinyl Glucoside

Phloridzinyl Glucoside

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help brighten skin and reduce the look of dark spots without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Phloroglucinol Trimethyl Ether

PHLOROGLUCINOL TRIMETHYL ETHER

3.5

Phloroglucinol Trimethyl Ether is a synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its specific benefits in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Phlox Seed Extract

Phlox Drummondii Seed Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Phoenician Juniper Wood Extract

Juniperus Phoenicea Wood 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

Phormidium Ferment

Phormidium Ferment

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment from blue-green algae that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Phormidium Persicinum Extract

Phormidium Persicinum Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Phormidium Uncinatum Extract

Phormidium Uncinatum Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Phormium Tenax Flower Extract

Phormium Tenax Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Phormium Tenax Seed Extract

Phormium Tenax Seed Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Physalis Calyx Extract

PHYSALIS ALKEKENGI CALYX EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Physalis Fruit Extract

Physalis Pruinosa Fruit Extract

4.0

Physalis Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm minor irritation, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Physalis Pubescens Fruit Extract

PHYSALIS PUBESCENS FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Phytol

Phytol

3.8

Phytol is a gentle antioxidant from chlorophyll that may help calm skin and fight signs of aging, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Phytosphingosine Ascorbate

Phytosphingosine Ascorbate

4.0

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that pairs barrier-strengthening lipids with stable vitamin C for antioxidant and brightening benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidantbarrier-support
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Antioxidant

Phytyl Diglycoyl Cysteine

Disodium S-Phytyl Diglycoloylcysteine

4.0

A synthetic antioxidant ingredient that mimics the skin's natural defenses, but research is still emerging on its long-term benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Piceatannol

Piceatannol

4.0

A promising antioxidant from plants that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Skin Conditioning Agent

Pichia Caribbica Ferment

Pichia Caribbica Ferment

4.0

A gentle yeast ferment that may help strengthen the skin barrier and calm irritation, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pichia Ferment Extract

PICHIA PASTORIS/DIETHYLHEXYL SYRINGYLIDENEMALONATE/TOCOPHEROL FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A biotech antioxidant that pairs yeast fermentation with a vitamin E derivative and a UV-filter-like compound for multi-action skin protection.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Skin Conditioning Agent

Pichia Pastoris/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

Pichia Pastoris/Soybean Seed Ferment Lysate Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pichia Pomiferin Ferment Extract

Pichia/Pomiferin Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pichia/Osajin Ferment Extract

Pichia/Osajin Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pichia/Safflower Ferment Filtrate

Pichia/Safflower Flower Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Picrorhiza Kurroa Root Extract

PICRORHIZA KURROOA RHIZOME/ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

A promising Ayurvedic botanical with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, but human skincare studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pierre Turmeric Root Extract

Curcuma Pierreana Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich turmeric extract that may help calm skin and even out tone, though research on this specific species is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pimenta Acris Fruit Extract

Pimenta Acris Fruit Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pimento Berry Extract

Pimenta Officinalis Fruit Extract

4.0

Pimento Berry Extract offers antioxidant protection and mild soothing benefits, making it a gentle addition to antioxidant-rich formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pimpinella Brachycarpa Leaf Extract

PIMPINELLA BRACHYCARPA 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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Skin conditioning

Pine & Soy Ferment Filtrate

BACILLUS/(PINUS DENSIFLORA/PARVIFLORA/THUNBERGII) LEAF/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical blend that may support skin hydration and antioxidant defense, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantskin conditioning
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Antioxidant

Pine Bark Extract

Pinus Taeda Bark Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pine Branch/Leaf Extract

Pinus Thunbergii Branch/Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pine Bud Extract

Pinus Sylvestris Bud Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pine Callus Culture Extract

Pinus Koraiensis Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pine Callus Extract

Pinus Densiflora Callus Extract

4.0

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

Pine Callus Powder

Pinus Pinaster Callus Powder

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant from pine callus cells that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pine Cone Extract

Pinus Thunbergii Cone Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pine Leaf Extract

Pinus Thunbergii Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Pine Leaf Ferment Filtrate

Pinus Densiflora Leaf/Sugar Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pine Nut Extract

Pinus Pinea Kernel Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pine Root Extract

Pinus Densiflora Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pine Seed Extract

Pinus Densiflora Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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