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

Avocado Seed Extract

Persea Gratissima Seed Extract

4.0

Avocado Seed Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Azafullerenedione Derivative

Docosyloxymethoxybenzyl Azafullerenedione

3.5

A novel, lab-made antioxidant that may help fight free radicals, but human research is very limited and it's mostly found in luxury products.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Azuki Bean Callus Extract

Phaseolus Angularis Callus Culture Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from azuki bean cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Azuki Bean Hairy Root Extract

Phaseolus angularis hairy root extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Azuki Bean Seed Extract

Vigna Angularis Seed Extract

4.0

Azuki bean seed extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and protect the skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Babchi Fruit Extract

Psoralea Corylifolia Fruit Extract

3.5

Babchi fruit extract is a traditional botanical with potential skin-brightening effects, but it is not well-studied in modern cosmetic science and may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bacillus Clover Soybean Ferment

Bacillus/Clover Flower/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help strengthen the skin barrier and fight oxidative stress.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Soothing Agent

Bacillus Fermented Indigo Extract

BACILLUS/POLYGONUM TINCTORIUM LEAF FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Skin conditioning agent

Bacillus Rice Lees Ferment

Bacillus/Rice Lees Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented rice ingredient that may support skin barrier and provide antioxidant benefits, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Skin conditioning agent

Bacillus Wild Rice Ferment Filtrate

Bacillus/Zizania Latifolia Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help strengthen the skin barrier and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Baical Skullcap Root Powder

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Powder

4.3

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Baicalein

Baicalein

4.2

Baicalein is a plant-based antioxidant that helps calm redness and protect skin from daily environmental damage.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Baicalin

BAICALIN

4.0

Baicalin is a gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, making it a solid addition to soothing or anti-aging formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Anti-aging

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol

4.5

A gentler, plant-based alternative to retinol that helps smooth fine lines and even skin tone without the typical irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Balloon Vine Seed Extract

CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM SEED EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Balsam Fir Extract

Abies Balsamea Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Balsam Fir Needle Extract

Abies Balsamea Needle Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bamboo Bark Extract

Phyllostachys Bambusoides Bark Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bamboo Callus Culture Extract

BAMBUSA VULGARIS CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown bamboo extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a smoother appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Bamboo Callus Extract

BAMBUSA VULGARIS CALLUS CULTURE CONDITIONED MEDIA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown bamboo extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a youthful appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Bamboo Ferment Filtrate

Phyllostachys Heterocycla Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented bamboo extract that may help calm and protect the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bamboo Flower Extract

Bambusa Vulgaris Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical 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

Bamboo Frass Extract

Phyllostachys Heterocycla Frass Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from bamboo processing byproducts that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Bamboo Juice

Phyllostachys Bambusoides Juice

4.0

A gentle, hydrating plant juice that provides light moisture and antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or dehydrated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bamboo Leaf & Shoot Extract

Phyllostachys Edulis Leaf/Shoot Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bamboo Leaf Extract

Phyllostachys Reticulata Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bamboo Meristem Cell Lysate

Phyllostachys Pubescens Meristem Cell Lysate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Bamboo Rhizome Extract

Phyllostachys Bambusoides Rhizome 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

Bamboo Shoot Bark Extract

Phyllostachys Pubescens Shoot Bark Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bamboo Shoot Sheath Extract

Phyllostachys Pubescens/Edulis Shoot Sheath 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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Antioxidant

Bamboo Stem Extract

Phyllostachys Heterocycla Stem Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Banana Flower Extract

Musa Sapientum Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Banksia Flower Extract

BANKSIA SPINULOSA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Banksia Serrata Flower Extract

BANKSIA SERRATA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Banyan Tree Bark Extract

Ficus Benghalensis Bark/Bud Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Baobab Seed Extract

Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract

4.0

Baobab Seed Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps hydrate and protect the skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Barberry Stem Extract

BERBERIS VULGARIS 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

Barklya Syringifolia Extract

Barklya Syringifolia Flower/Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Barley Extract

Hordeum Distichon Extract

4.0

Barley Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and protect the skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Barley Leaf Extract

Hordeum Vulgare Leaf Extract

4.0

Barley leaf extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Barley Leaf Powder

HORDEUM VULGARE LEAF POWDER

3.8

Barley leaf powder is a gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Barley Root Extract

Hordeum Vulgare Root Extract

3.8

Barley root extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Barley Seed Extract

SH-Barley Seed Extract

4.0

Barley Seed Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Barley Sprout Extract

Hordeum Vulgare Sprout Extract

4.0

Barley Sprout Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and protect the skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Barley Sprout Ferment

Hordeum Vulgare Sprout/Sucrose Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help strengthen the skin barrier and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Basil Extract

Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

Basil extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its effects are mild and best used as part of a broader formula.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Basil Hairy Root Extract

Ocimum Basilicum Hairy Root Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Basil Leaf and Flower Extract

OCIMUM BASILICUM FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

Basil extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research on topical use is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Basil Leaf Extract

Ocimum Basilicum Herb Extract

3.8

Basil leaf extract brings antioxidant and soothing benefits to skincare, but research on its topical effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Basil Meristem Cell Culture

OCIMUM BASILICUM MERISTEM CELL CULTURE

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant stem cell ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more youthful appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Basil Meristem Cell Extract

Ocimum Basilicum Meristem Cell Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Basil Root Extract

Ocimum Basilicum Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bauhinia Aureifolia Leaf Extract

BAUHINIA AUREIFOLIA 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

Bay Laurel Fruit Extract

Laurus Nobilis Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bay Leaf Extract

Laurus Nobilis Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant benefits, but its fragrance potential may be a concern for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bay Passionfruit Extract

Passiflora Laurifolia Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bayberry Fruit Extract

Myrica Cerifera Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bayberry Fruit/Bark Extract

MYRICA CERIFERA FRUIT/BARK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bayberry Leaf Extract

Pimenta Racemosa Fruit Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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