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

Pomegranate Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/PUNICA GRANATUM FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pomegranate Fruit/Root/Stem Powder

Punica Granatum Fruit/Root/Stem Powder

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder that may help soothe and protect skin, but its multi-part source means potency can vary.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pomegranate Leaf Cell Extract

Punica Granatum Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pomegranate Peel Extract

POMEGRANATE FRUIT PEEL EXTRACT OCTENYLSUCCINATE

3.8

A gentle antioxidant from pomegranate peel, modified for better stability in formulas, but research on the modified form is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Pomiferin

Pomiferin

4.0

Pomiferin is a plant-derived antioxidant 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

Pongamia Fruit Extract

Pongamia Pinnata Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while calming irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pongamia Oil Extract

Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle plant 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

Poppy Callus Extract

PAPAVER RADICATUM CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from Arctic poppy that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Porcini Mushroom Extract

Boletus Edulis Whole Plant Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Porphobilinogen Lactam

PORPHOBILINOGEN LACTAM

2.5

An obscure synthetic compound with minimal cosmetic research; not recommended for routine skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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UV Absorber

Porphyra 334

Porphyra 334

4.0

A promising natural UV filter from algae that also fights oxidative stress, but currently limited in standalone sunscreen use due to regulatory and formulation challenges.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Porphyra Tenera Sporophyte Extract

PORPHYRA TENERA SPOROPHYTE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract with antioxidant potential, best for soothing and moisturizing sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Porphyra Yezoensis Powder

PORPHYRA YEZOENSIS POWDER

4.0

A gentle, nutrient-rich red algae powder that helps hydrate and protect the skin with antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Porphyridium Cruentum Extract

PORPHYRIDIUM CRUENTUM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, hydrating microalgae extract that helps skin retain moisture and defends against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Porphyridium Zinc Ferment

PORPHYRIDIUM/ZINC FERMENT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Portuguese Cypress Callus Extract

Cupressus Lusitanica Callus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Potassium Ascorbate

Potassium Ascorbate

4.0

A gentler, more stable form of vitamin C that brightens skin and fights free radicals with less irritation than pure ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Potassium Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Phosphate

Potassium Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Phosphate

4.3

A stable, dual-antioxidant ingredient that helps brighten skin and fight free radical damage without the irritation of pure vitamin C.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Potassium Ascorbylborate

Potassium Ascorbylborate

4.0

A gentler, more stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals with less sting than pure ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Potassium Fructoborate

POTASSIUM FRUCTOBORATE

3.8

A gentle, boron-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and support collagen, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Potassium Glutathione Isomerized Linoleate

Potassium Glutathione Isomerized Linoleate

3.8

A novel hybrid ingredient that pairs glutathione's brightening power with a skin-friendly fatty acid, but research on this specific form is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Potassium Tetrathionate

POTASSIUM TETRATHIONATE

3.5

A lesser-known antioxidant that may help protect skin from oxidative damage, but research is still early and it's not as well-studied as vitamin C or E.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Potato Callus Extract

Solanum Tuberosum Callus Culture Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Potato Peel Extract

Solanum Tuberosum (Potato) Peel Extract

3.8

Potato Peel 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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Soothing Agent

Potato Pulp Extract

Solanum Tuberosum (Potato) Pulp Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Potentilla Miyabei Callus Extract

POTENTILLA MIYABEI CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant callus extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in humans.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pourthiaea Leaf Extract

Pourthiaea Villosa Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Surfactant

PPG-2 Tocophereth-5

PPG-2 Tocophereth-5

4.0

A mild, vitamin-E-derived cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

PPG-20 Tocophereth-50

PPG-20 Tocophereth-50

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble vitamin E derivative that helps protect skin from environmental damage without the greasiness of pure vitamin E.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

PPG-30 Tocophereth-70

PPG-30 Tocophereth-70

4.0

A gentle, water-friendly form of vitamin E that helps protect skin from environmental stress without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

PPG-5 Tocophereth-2

PPG-5 Tocophereth-2

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that moisturizes and provides antioxidant protection, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

PPG-5 Tocopheryl Ether

PPG-5 Tocopheryl Ether

4.0

A stable, skin-friendly antioxidant that helps protect against environmental damage without the greasiness of pure vitamin E.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

PPG-70 Tocophereth-100

PPG-70 Tocophereth-100

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble form of vitamin E that helps protect skin from environmental damage without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Pratia Begonifolia Extract

Pratia Begonifolia Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Prickly Pear Callus Extract

Opuntia Ficus-Indica Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown cactus extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Prickly Pear Flower & Stem Extract

Opuntia Tuna Flower/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps soothe and hydrate skin, but its benefits are best supported by traditional use and preliminary studies rather than large-scale clinical trials.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Prickly Pear Flower Extract

Opuntia streptacantha flower extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Prickly Pear Fruit Extract

Opuntia Tuna Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps hydrate and soothe the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Prickly Pear Leaf Cell Extract

OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA LEAF CELL EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from prickly pear cactus that may help protect skin from environmental stress and soothe irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Humectant

Prickly Pear Leaf Extract

Opuntia Vulgaris Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based hydrator with antioxidant benefits, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Prickly Poppy Callus Extract

ARGEMONE MEXICANA CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Primula Vulgaris Extract

PRIMULA VULGARIS 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

Prinsepia Utilis Seed Extract

PRINSEPIA UTILIS SEED EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich seed extract from a Himalayan shrub that helps soothe and nourish the skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Privet Fruit Extract

LIGUSTRUM VULGARE FRUIT 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

Privet Leaf Extract

Ligustrum Obtusifolium Branch/Leaf 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

Propagermanium

PROPAGERMANIUM

3.2

Propagermanium is a synthetic antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early and it is not widely used.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Propolis Ferment Extract

Saccharomyces/Propolis Ferment Extract

4.0

A fermented propolis extract that may help soothe and protect the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Propyl Gallate

Propyl Gallate

3.8

Propyl Gallate is a reliable preservative booster that helps keep your products fresh, but it's best for those without sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Propyl Oleoyl Grape Seed Extract

PROPYL OLEOYL GRAPE SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A semi-synthetic antioxidant that combines grape seed benefits with better oil compatibility, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Prostanthera Incisa Leaf Extract

PROSTANTHERA INCISA LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, best for those seeking natural, plant-based skincare ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Protium Pallidum Extract

PROTIUM PALLIDUM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical 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

Protocatechualdehyde

Protocatechualdehyde

4.0

A gentle antioxidant that helps defend skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Protocatechuic Acid

3,4-DIHYDROXYBENZOIC ACID

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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