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

Silver Vine Extract

ACTINIDIA POLYGAMA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

Silver vine extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help calm and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Silver Vine Fruit Extract

ACTINIDIA POLYGAMA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Silver Vine Leaf Extract

Actinidia Polygama Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Silver Wattle Extract

Acacia Dealbata Flower/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Silver Wattle Flower Extract

Acacia Dealbata Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Silver Wattle Leaf Extract

Acacia dealbata leaf extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Silybin

Silybin

4.0

A plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Silybin Maltoside

Silybin Maltoside

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Silylated Grape Seed Extract

T-BUTYL DIMETHYL SILYL GRAPE SEED EXTRACT

3.5

A modified grape seed extract that may offer antioxidant benefits with improved stability, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sinapic Acid

Sinapic Acid

4.0

Sinapic acid is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even skin tone, but it is less studied than vitamin C or ferulic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Siphonostegia Chinensis Extract

SIPHONOSTEGIA CHINENSIS 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

Skullcap Callus Culture Extract

SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS CALLUS CULTURE

4.3

A lab-grown antioxidant from skullcap root that helps calm skin and fight environmental damage without the need for wild harvesting.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Skullcap Extract

Scutellaria Galericulata Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Skullcap Leaf Extract

Scutellaria Galericulata Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Skullcap Root Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical extract that offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is mostly lab-based and individual results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Skullcap Sprout Extract

Scutellaria Baicalensis Sprout Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help soothe and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Small-Leaf Raspberry Fruit Extract

RUBUS PARVIFOLIUS FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Smilax China Fruit Extract

Smilax China Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Smoke Tree Branch/Leaf Oil

Cotinus coggygria branch/leaf oil

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from the smoke tree that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Smoke Tree Leaf Extract

Cotinus Coggygria Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though human skin research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Smooth Sumac Extract

Rhus Glabra Bark/Berry/Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Snow Lichen Extract

Flavocetraria Nivalis Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Snow Lotus Callus Extract

Saussurea Involucrata Callus Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Snowberry Fruit Extract

Symphoricarpos Albus Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Snowberry Leaf Extract

Symphoricarpos Albus Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based 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

Snowdrop Seed Extract

Galanthus Nivalis Seed Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Soapwort Callus Extract

SAPONARIA PUMILA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Sodium Acetyl Cysteinate

SODIUM ACETYL CYSTEINATE

3.8

A gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support collagen, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Ascorbate

Sodium Ascorbate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Ascorbyl Glucoside

SODIUM ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE

4.3

A gentle, stable form of vitamin C that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the irritation of pure L-ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

4.5

A gentle, stable form of vitamin C that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the irritation of pure ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Dimer Coenzyme A

Sodium Dimer Coenzyme A

3.5

A synthetic coenzyme that may support skin cell energy and antioxidant defenses, but research in cosmetics is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Dimyristoyl Glyceryl Ascorbate

Sodium Dimyristoyl Glyceryl Ascorbate

4.3

A gentle, stabilized vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the sting of pure ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Distearyl Glyceryl Ascorbate

SODIUM DISTEAROYL GLYCERYL ASCORBATE

4.3

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the sting of pure L-ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Erythorbate

Sodium Erythorbate

4.0

A gentle, stable antioxidant that helps brighten skin and extend product shelf life without the irritation of pure vitamin C.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Ethylhexylglyceryl Ascorbate

SODIUM ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERYL ASCORBATE

4.3

A gentle, stabilized vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the sting or instability of pure L-ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Ferulate

Sodium Ferulate

4.3

Sodium Ferulate is a stable, water-soluble antioxidant that helps shield skin from pollution and UV stress, often used alongside vitamins C and E for enhanced protection.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Fructoborate

Sodium Fructoborate

3.8

A gentle antioxidant complex that may help calm skin and support a healthy glow, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Grape Seed Extract Phosphate

SODIUM GRAPE SEED EXTRACT PHOSPHATE

4.0

A stabilized, water-friendly version of grape seed extract that offers antioxidant protection without the staining or instability of the raw extract.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Humectant

Sodium Hyaluronate Ferulate

Sodium Hyaluronate Ferulate

4.3

A promising hybrid molecule that pairs deep hydration with antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging compared to its parent ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Iodide

Sodium Iodide

3.5

Sodium iodide is a trace mineral salt that may offer mild antioxidant benefits in skincare, but its role is limited and not well-studied for topical use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Isoferulate

Sodium Isoferulate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Methylesculetin Acetate

Sodium Methylesculetin Acetate

4.0

A gentle synthetic antioxidant that helps defend skin from daily environmental damage, but research on its long-term benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Pyruvate

Sodium Pyruvate

4.0

Sodium pyruvate is a gentle antioxidant and humectant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports hydration, but it is not a standout ingredient on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sodium Riboflavin Phosphate

Sodium Riboflavin Phosphate

4.0

A stable, water-soluble form of vitamin B2 that helps protect skin from oxidative stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Silver Thioctoyl Hyaluronate

SODIUM SILVER THIOCTOYL HYALURONATE

3.5

A novel hybrid ingredient that pairs hyaluronic acid's hydration with silver's antimicrobial and thioctic acid's antioxidant properties, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Thioctoyl Hyaluronate

Sodium Thioctoyl Hyaluronate

4.0

A hybrid ingredient that pairs hyaluronic acid's hydration with alpha-lipoic acid's antioxidant power, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Thiosulfate

SODIUM THIOSULFATE

3.8

Sodium thiosulfate is a gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that helps stabilize formulas, neutralize free radicals, and provide mild exfoliation without harshness.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sodium Urocanate

SODIUM UROCANATE

3.8

Sodium urocanate is a natural skin antioxidant that may help shield skin from UV damage, but its effectiveness in finished products is still being studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sodium Ursolate

Sodium Ursolate

3.8

Sodium Ursolate is a gentle plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight signs of aging, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Soft Rush Extract

Juncus Effusus Stalk Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Solanum Undatum Fruit Extract

Solanum Undatum Fruit 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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Antioxidant

Sophora Bark & Leaf Extract

Sophora Microphylla Bark/Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical 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

Sophora Flower Extract

Sophora Tetraptera Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical 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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