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

Rambutan Extract

Nephelium lappaceum branch/fruit/leaf extract

3.8

Rambutan extract is 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

Raoulia Australis Callus Extract

Raoulia Australis Callus Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from New Zealand that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Rapeseed Extract

Brassica Napus Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that helps soothe and condition the skin without common irritants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Rapeseed Flower Extract

Brassica Napus Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower 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

Rapeseed Sprout Extract

BRASSICA NAPUS SPROUT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Raponticin Glucoside

Raponticin Glucoside

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Raspberry Callus Powder

RUBUS IDAEUS CALLUS POWDER

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich powder from raspberry cells that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Raspberry Fruit Water

RUBUS IDAEUS FRUIT WATER

3.8

Raspberry Fruit Water offers gentle antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its effects are mild compared to concentrated extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Raspberry Ketone

RASPBERRY KETONE

3.8

Raspberry ketone adds a sweet scent and mild antioxidant benefits to skincare, but its effects are subtle and not a substitute for proven antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Raspberry Ketone Glucoside

Raspberry Ketone Glucoside

3.8

A gentle, water-soluble antioxidant that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Ravenala Aril Extract

Ravenala Madagascariensis Aril Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from the traveler's palm that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ravenala Leaf Extract

Ravenala Madagascariensis Leaf 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

Ravenala Leaf/Stem Extract

RAVENALA MADAGASCARIENSIS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Ravenala Stem Extract

Ravenala Madagascariensis Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract from the traveler's palm that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Rebaudioside A

REBAUDIOSIDE A

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but its skincare benefits are still being studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Recombinant Synechococcus Polypeptide-1

R-SYNECHOCOCCUS POLYPEPTIDE-1

4.0

A lab-made peptide from a marine microbe that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Recombinant Thioredoxin-1

R-Escherichia Coli Thioredoxin-1

3.8

A biotech antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV stress, but human skincare research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Red Belted Polypore Extract

Phellinus Ribis Extract

3.8

A mushroom 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

Red Clover Juice

TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE FLOWER/LEAF/STEM JUICE

3.8

Red Clover Juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Clover Leaf Extract

Trifolium Pratense Leaf Extract

4.0

Red Clover Leaf Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Clover Seed Extract

TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE SEED EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Clover Symbiosome Extract

Trifolium Pratense Symbiosome Extract

4.0

A lab-grown red clover extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Red Currant Callus Extract

RIBES RUBRUM CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Red Currant Callus Powder

RIBES RUBRUM CALLUS POWDER

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Currant Fruit Extract

RIBES RUBRUM FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a brighter, more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Currant Fruit Water

RIBES RUBRUM FRUIT WATER

3.8

Red Currant Fruit Water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that adds a touch of hydration and skin-soothing benefits, but its effects are mild and best as part of a broader formula.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Kangaroo Paw Flower Extract

Anigozanthos Manglesii Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Mangrove Callus Extract

Rhizophora Mangle Callus Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Red Osier Dogwood Extract

CORNUS STOLONIFERA LEAF/STEM 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

Red Pepper Callus Extract

Capsicum Annuum Callus Culture Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from red pepper cells that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Pepper Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/CAPSICUM ANNUUM FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented red pepper extract that may provide antioxidant support, but research is limited and it may not suit very sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Red Pepper Fruit Extract

Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract

3.5

A plant extract that can boost circulation and provide antioxidants, but may cause stinging or irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Pepper Fruit Juice

Capsicum Annuum Fruit Juice

3.5

A natural fruit juice with antioxidant potential, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin due to natural capsaicin traces.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Pepper Fruit Meristem Cell

Capsicum Annuum Fruit Meristem Cell

3.8

A gentle plant stem cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Raspberry Bud Extract

Rubus Idaeus Bud Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from raspberry buds that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Raspberry Callus Extract

RUBUS IDAEUS CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from red raspberry cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress and soothe irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Raspberry Fruit Extract

RUBUS IDAEUS FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

Red Raspberry Fruit Extract is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stressors and may soothe irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Raspberry Leaf Cell Culture

Rubus Idaeus Leaf Cell Culture

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant from raspberry cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Red Raspberry Seed Extract

Rubus Idaeus Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Seaweed Extract

Polysiphonia lanosa extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Water Lily Flower Extract

NYMPHAEA RUBRA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower 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

Red Yeast Rice & Yam Ferment

Monascus/ Dioscorea Japonica Root Ferment Extract Filtrate

3.8

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Red Yeast Rice Ferment

Monascus/Oryza Sativa Ferment

3.8

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Redbud Flower Extract

Cercis Chinensis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Redwood Leaf Cell Extract

Sequoia Sempervirens Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Rehmannia Root Extract

Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract

3.8

A gentle herbal extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skin research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reindeer Lichen Extract

MESOPHYLLUM LICHENOIDES EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reishi & Apple Ferment Extract

Ganoderma Amboinense (Mushroom)/Apple Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented blend that may help soothe and protect the skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reishi & Bellflower Root Ferment

Ganoderma Lucidum/Platycodon Grandiflorus Root Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Reishi & Hovenia Ferment Extract

Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi) / Hovenia Dulcis Branch/Stem Extract Ferment Mycelium Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reishi & Willow Ferment Extract

Ganoderma Lucidum/Salix Gracilistyla Leaf/Stem Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reishi & Willow Stem Ferment

Ganoderma Lucidum/Salix Gracilistyla Stem Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reishi Ferment Filtrate

Ganoderma Lucidum Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented reishi mushroom extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reishi Mushroom Extract

Ganoderma Neo-Japonicum Fruiting Body Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reishi Mushroom Stem Extract

Ganoderma Lucidum Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress—great for sensitive or aging skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reishi Mushroom Stem Powder

Ganoderma Lucidum Stem Powder

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom powder that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its topical benefits is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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