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

Protodioscin

PROTODIOSCIN

3.5

Protodioscin is a plant saponin with early evidence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, but human skincare studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Prunus Lannesiana Flower Extract

Prunus Lannesiana Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Prunus Mume Bud Extract

Prunus Mume Bud Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from Japanese apricot buds that may help soothe and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Prunus Mume Root Extract

Prunus Mume Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Prunus Speciosa Bark Extract

PRUNUS SPECIOSA BARK 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

Prunus Speciosa Flower Extract

PRUNUS SPECIOSA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle flower 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

Prunus Speciosa Leaf Extract

Prunus Speciosa Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived 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

Prunus Zippeliana Extract

PRUNUS ZIPPELIANA BARK/TWIG EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pteris Dispar Leaf Extract

PTERIS DISPAR LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A fern-derived extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pterocarpus Marsupium Extract

PTEROCARPUS MARSUPIUM BARK/WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pterocarpus Soyauxii Wood Extract

PTEROCARPUS SOYAUXII WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based 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

Ptychopetalum Leaf Extract

PTYCHOPETALUM OLACOIDES LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich Amazonian leaf 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

Pueraria Lobata Symbiosome Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/PUERARIA LOBATA SYMBIOSOME EXTRACT FERMENT

4.0

A fermented kudzu and yeast extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pueraria Mirifica Root Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/PUERARIA MIRIFICA ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help soothe skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pueraria Thomsoni Flower Extract

Pueraria Thomsoni Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived 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

Puerarin

PUERARIN

3.8

Puerarin is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and support collagen, but human studies in cosmetics are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pumpkin Fruit Extract

CUCURBITA PEPO GIROMONTIINA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that offers mild enzymatic exfoliation and skin-soothing benefits, ideal for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pumpkin Seed Extract

CUCURBITA PEPO (PUMPKIN) SEED EXTRACT

4.0

Pumpkin seed extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and moisturize skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Exfoliant

Pumpkin Seed Ferment Filtrate

ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/PUMPKIN SEED FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps smooth skin texture and provides antioxidant benefits without harsh scrubbing.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pumpkin Sprout Extract

Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Cotyledon Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract from pumpkin sprouts that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Purple Bean Plant Extract

Macroptilium Atropurpureum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Purslane Extract

Portulaca Oleracea Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.3

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Pylaiella Littoralis Extract

Pylaiella littoralis extract

4.0

A gentle seaweed 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

Pyrenaria Leaf Extract

Pyrenaria Microcarpa Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Pyridoxine Dilaurate

PYRIDOXINE DILAURATE

3.8

A gentle, fat-soluble form of vitamin B6 that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Dioctenoate

Pyridoxine Dioctenoate

4.0

A gentle, fat-soluble form of vitamin B6 that helps calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Dipalmitate

Pyridoxine Dipalmitate

4.0

A gentle, oil-friendly form of vitamin B6 that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Hydroxybenzoate

Pyridoxine Hydroxybenzoate

3.8

A gentle, stabilized vitamin B6 derivative that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Hydroxycitrate

Pyridoxine Hydroxycitrate

3.8

A gentle antioxidant ingredient that may help calm skin and support a healthy glow, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Tripalmitate

PYRIDOXINE TRIPALMITATE

4.0

A stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin B6 that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Tris-Hexyldecanoate

Pyridoxine Tris-Hexyldecanoate

4.0

A gentle, oil-soluble vitamin B6 derivative that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Pyridyloxide T-Butylnitrone

Pyridyloxide T-Butylnitrone

3.5

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from oxidative stress, but human skincare research is still emerging.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone

3.8

PQQ is a potent antioxidant that may help protect skin from oxidative stress and support cellular energy, but human skincare research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)

Disodium Pyrroloquinolinequinone Tricarboxylate

3.8

PQQ is a cutting-edge antioxidant that may help energize skin cells and fight signs of aging, but research in topical skincare is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Allyl Ester

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Allyl Ester

3.5

An experimental antioxidant derivative with limited cosmetic research; promising in theory but not yet proven in everyday skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Quebracho Ferment

ASPERGILLUS/ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO FERMENT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Quebracho Wood Extract

Schinopsis Quebracho-Colorado Wood Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Quercetagetin

Quercetagetin

4.0

Quercetagetin is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Quercetin

QUERCETIN

4.0

Quercetin is a potent plant antioxidant that helps defend skin against pollution and UV damage while supporting a calmer, more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Quercetin Caprylate

Quercetin Caprylate

4.0

A stabilized, oil-friendly version of quercetin that offers antioxidant protection with better skin absorption.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Quercus Glauca Seed Extract

Quercus Glauca Seed 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

Quercus Glauca Stem Extract

QUERCUS GLAUCA STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Quercus semecarpifolia Bark Extract

QUERCUS SEMECARPIFOLIA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Quercus Serrata Extract

Quercus Serrata Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Quercus Serrata Seed Extract

Quercus Serrata Seed 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

Quince Flower Extract

Pyrus Cydonia Flower Extract

3.8

Quince flower extract is a mild botanical with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's mainly used as a gentle skin conditioner.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Quince Fruit Extract

Pyrus Cydonia Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and provide light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Quinoa Flower/Leaf Extract

Chenopodium Quinoa Flower/Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Quinoa Husk Extract

Chenopodium Quinoa Husk Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Radish Sprout Extract

RAPHANUS SATIVUS SPROUT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from pollution and UV damage, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Radish Sprout Powder

RAPHANUS SATIVUS SPROUT POWDER

3.8

Radish sprout powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ramaria Formosa Extract

RAMARIA FORMOSA FRUITING BODY EXTRACT

3.8

A mushroom-derived extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it is not a proven skincare powerhouse.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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