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

Pine Twig Leaf Extract

Pinus Sylvestris Twig Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pine Wood Extract

Pinus Longifolia Wood Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Pineapple Fruit Water

ANANAS SATIVUS FRUIT WATER

3.8

Pineapple Fruit Water offers gentle hydration and mild enzymatic exfoliation, but its benefits are largely from natural fruit sugars and enzymes rather than a concentrated active.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Pinene

PINENE

3.5

Pinene is a plant-derived terpene with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and is primarily used for scent.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pink Evening Primrose Extract

Oenothera Rosea Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Piper Aurantiacum Fruit Extract

Piper Aurantiacum Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited—best used as a supporting ingredient in antioxidant blends.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Piper Marginatum Leaf Extract

Piper Marginatum Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Piper Retrofactum Fruit Extract

PIPER RETROFRACTUM FRUIT 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

Piper Retrofractum Fruit Powder

Piper Retrofractum Fruit Powder

3.8

A gentle plant-based antioxidant powder that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Piperlongumine

Piperlongumine

3.5

Piperlongumine is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Piperlonguminine

Piperlonguminine

3.5

A plant-based antioxidant from long pepper with early research suggesting skin-soothing and brightening potential, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Piperonylic Acid

Piperonylic Acid

3.8

Piperonylic acid is a gentle antioxidant 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

Pipewort Flower/Stem Extract

Eriocaulon buergerianum flower/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

Pisonia Grandis Leaf Extract

PISONIA GRANDIS LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pittosporum Flower Extract

PITTOSPORUM VIRIDIFLORUM FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

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

Pittosporum Flower-Leaf Extract

PITTOSPORUM EUGENIOIDES FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract from a New Zealand tree that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pittosporum Tobira Extract

PITTOSPORUM TOBIRA BRANCH/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Plankton Cell Extract

PROROCENTRUM MICANS CELL EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Plantain Callus Culture Extract

PLANTAGO MAJOR CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A lab-grown plant cell extract that may help calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Platinum

Platinum

3.5

Platinum is a rare, high-end antioxidant ingredient that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but scientific evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Platinum Ferment

Saccharomyces/Platinum Ferment

4.0

A novel fermented ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Platycarya Branch Extract

PLATYCARYA STROBILACEA BRANCH EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical 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

Platycodin D

Platycodin D

3.8

A gentle plant saponin from balloon flower root that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pleuropterus multiflorus Callus Extract

PLEUROPTERUS MULTIFLORUS CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Plum Ferment Filtrate

Bacillus/Prunus Mume Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented plum extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Plum Flower Extract

Prunus Domestica Flower Extract

3.8

A mild, plant-derived extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Plum Fruit Extract

Prunus Salicina Fruit Extract

4.0

Plum Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Plum Seed Extract

Prunus Domestica Seed Extract

4.0

Plum 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

Plum Seedcake Extract

Prunus Domestica Seedcake Extract

3.8

Plum seedcake 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

Plum-Camphor Botanical Blend

Prunus Mume Fruit/Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf/Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and mostly based on traditional use.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Plumeria Leaf Cell Extract

Plumeria Obtusa Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

PNA-3 Carboxyethyl Fluorene

PNA-3 CARBOXYETHYL FLUORENE

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

PNA-4 Carboxyethyl Fluorene

PNA-4 CARBOXYETHYL FLUORENE

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Podocarpus Elatus Fruit Extract

PODOCARPUS ELATUS FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Podocarpus Leaf Extract

PODOCARPUS NERIIFOLIUS LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pohutukawa Bark/Leaf Extract

Metrosideros Excelsa Bark/Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Polar Willow Callus Extract

Salix Polaris Callus Culture Extract

3.8

A lab-grown Arctic willow extract that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pollia Condensata Fruit Extract

Pollia Condensata Fruit Extract

3.8

A novel, colorful fruit extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still emerging and benefits are not yet well-established in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Polydatin

POLYDATIN

4.0

Polydatin is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone, but it's less studied than its close relative resveratrol.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Polydihydroxyindole

Polydihydroxyindole

3.8

A synthetic melanin-inspired ingredient that may help protect skin from oxidative stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Polygonum Falcatum Root Extract

Polygonum Falcatum Rhizome/Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Polygonum Filiforme Extract

POLYGONUM FILIFORME FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Polygonum Tinctorium Flower Extract

POLYGONUM TINCTORIUM FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Polypodium Decumanum Extract

POLYPODIUM DECUMANUM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle fern extract rich in antioxidants that helps defend skin against pollution and UV-related stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Polypodium Leucotomos Leaf Extract

POLYPODIUM LEUCOTOMOS LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A fern-derived antioxidant that may help shield skin from UV-related stress and support a more even complexion, though most research is oral rather than topical.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Polypodium Leucotomos Root Extract

POLYPODIUM LEUCOTOMOS ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

A fern-derived antioxidant that may help shield skin from UV damage and environmental pollution, though more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Polypodium Polypodioides Extract

Polypodium Polypodioides Extract

4.0

A fern-derived antioxidant that may help shield skin from UV-related damage and support a more even complexion, but human skincare studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Polypodium Vulgare Rhizome Extract

POLYPODIUM VULGARE RHIZOME EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle fern-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Polystichum Polyblepharum Extract

Polystichum Polyblepharum Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pomegranate Callus Culture Extract

Punica Granatum Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pomegranate Cell Culture Lysate

Punica Granatum Seed Cell Culture Lysate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pomegranate Ferment Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/PUNICA GRANATUM FRUIT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that supports skin radiance and barrier health without common irritants.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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