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

Sasa Veitchii Leaf Extract

SASA VEITCHII LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Saskatoon Berry Extract

AMELANCHIER ALNIFOLIA FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may soothe irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Saskatoon Berry Flower Extract

AMELANCHIER ALNIFOLIA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Satsuma Ferment Filtrate

Citrus Unshiu Fruit Juice Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented citrus extract that may help brighten and protect skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Satsuma Mandarin Fruit Powder

Citrus Unshiu Fruit Powder

3.8

A gentle fruit powder that offers mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its effects are not as well-studied as more common citrus extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliantantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin-Conditioning Agent

Satsuma Mandarin Fruit Water

Citrus Unshiu Fruit Water

3.5

A gentle, water-based citrus extract that adds light antioxidant benefits and a subtle natural scent, but its effects are mild and not well-studied in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Satsuma Mandarin Peel Extract

CITRUS UNSHIU PERICARP EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich peel extract that can help brighten skin and protect against environmental stress without common citrus irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Saururus Chinensis Extract

SAURURUS CHINENSIS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Saw Palmetto Fruit Water

Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Water

3.8

A gentle, water-based botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Saxifraga Cespirosa Extract

SAXIFRAGA CESPITOSA EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Saxifraga Extract

SAXIFRAGA ROTUNDIFOLIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Saxifraga Oppositifolia Extract

SAXIFRAGA OPPOSITIFOLIA EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Schinus Molle Fruit Extract

Schinus Molle Fruit 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

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Schinus Molle Leaf Extract

Schinus Molle Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Schinus Molle Seed Extract

Schinus Molle Seed Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Schisandra Berry Extract

Schizandra Sphenanthera Fruit Extract

4.0

Schisandra berry extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Schisandra Berry Powder

Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Powder

4.0

Schisandra Berry Powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps protect skin from environmental stress while supporting a calm, even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Schisandra Callus Extract

Schisandra Chinensis Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle antioxidant extract from the schisandra berry plant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a calm, even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Schisandra Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/LEUCONOSTOC/POLYSORBATE 80/SCHISANDRA CHINENSIS FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT LYSATE FILTRATE

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Schisandra Phytoplacenta Extract

Schisandra Chinensis Phytoplacenta Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Schisandra Seed Extract

Schisandra Chinensis Seed Extract

4.0

Schisandra Seed Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Schisandrin

Schisandrin

4.0

Schisandrin is a plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a calmer, more resilient complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Schizandra Nigra Fruit Extract

Schizandra Nigra Fruit Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Schizothrix Calcicola Extract

Schizothrix Calcicola Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sciadopitys Verticillata Extract

SCIADOPITYS VERTICILLATA BRANCH/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract from the Japanese umbrella pine that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Scirpus Extract

SCIRPUS TABERNAEMONTANI EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sclareolide

Sclareolide

4.0

Sclareolide is a gentle antioxidant from clary sage that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, making it a nice addition to anti-aging and soothing formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Scoparone

SCOPARONE

3.8

Scoparone is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research in cosmetics is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Scutellaria Root Extract

Scutellaria Galericulata Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress without causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Aster Extract

Aster Tripolium Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Bamboo Extract

Phyllospadix iwatensis extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Blite Extract

Suaeda Maritima Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Buckthorn Callus Extract

HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from sea buckthorn callus cells that may help soothe and protect the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Buckthorn Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented fruit extract that helps soothe and protect the skin with antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Buckthorn Ferment Oil

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.3

A fermented sea buckthorn oil that combines natural antioxidants with probiotic benefits for soothing and nourishing the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Buckthorn Fruit Water

Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Water

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water from sea buckthorn fruit that hydrates and soothes skin without the oiliness of the seed oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Buckthorn Kernel Extract

HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES KERNEL EXTRACT

4.3

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Buckthorn Leaf Powder

Hippophae Rhamnoides Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder that may help calm skin and provide mild exfoliation, though research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Buckthorn Seed Powder

HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES SEED POWDER

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich powder that can help soothe and lightly exfoliate skin without stripping it.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Fennel Callus Culture Filtrate

Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant from sea fennel that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Fennel Callus Extract

CRITHMUM MARITIMUM CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from sea fennel callus that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a calm, even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Firefly Ferment

PYROCYSTIS NOCTILUCA LYSATE

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich algae ferment that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Grape Fruit Extract

Coccoloba uvifera fruit extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Hare Ferment Filtrate

Bacillus/Kuroda's Sea Hare Extract Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A novel fermented marine ingredient with antioxidant potential, but human studies are scarce and it's best used as a supporting rather than star ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Holly Callus Culture Filtrate

ERYNGIUM MARITIMUM CALLUS CULTURE FILTRATE

4.0

A lab-grown sea holly extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Holly Callus Extract

ERYNGIUM MARITIMUM CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a calm complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Kale Extract

Crambe Maritima Extract

3.8

Sea kale extract 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

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Kale Leaf Extract

Crambe Maritima Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Lavender Extract

Limonium Narbonense Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

Sea lavender extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Rocket Extract

Cakile Maritima Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Thrift Extract

ARMERIA MARITIMA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Seaweed Extract Complex

ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM/FUCUS VESICULOSUS/HIZIKIA FUSIFORME/KJELLMANIELLA GYRATA/LESSONIA NIGRESCENS/SACCHARINA ANGUSTATA/SACCHARINA JAPONICA/UNDARIA PINNATIFIDA EXTRACT

4.0

A nourishing seaweed blend that hydrates, soothes, and protects skin with antioxidants, but its complex sourcing may vary in potency.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Seaweed Ferment Complex

Saccharina angustata/Undaria pinnatifida extract

4.0

A gentle seaweed blend that hydrates and provides antioxidant protection, ideal for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sedum Dendroideum Extract

Sedum Dendroideum Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sedum Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/SEDUM KAMTSCHATICUM LEAF/STEM FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle fermented plant extract with antioxidant potential, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sedum Purpureum Extract

Sedum Purpureum Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review