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

SR-CAT Polypeptide-1

SR-CAT Polypeptide-1

3.8

A lab-engineered peptide that aims to defend skin against pollution and UV-related damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

St. John's Wort Callus Extract

HYPERICUM PERFORATUM CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

A lab-grown antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

St. John's Wort Culture Extract

HYPERICUM PERFORATUM PHYTOPLACENTA CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

A lab-grown plant cell extract that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

St. John's Wort Leaf Extract

HYPERICUM PERFORATUM LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle herbal extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but its benefits are modest and not as well-studied as some other antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Staghorn Sumac Leaf Extract

Rhus Typhina Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Astringent

Star Anise Fruit Water

ILLICIUM VERUM FRUIT WATER

3.8

A gentle, water-based star anise extract that offers mild antioxidant and astringent benefits, but research on its topical effects is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Star Apple Fruit Extract

Chrysophyllum Cainito Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Staunton's Mint Extract

Elsholtzia stauntonii 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

Stearyl Gallate

Stearyl Gallate

3.8

Stearyl Gallate is a synthetic antioxidant that helps keep oils fresh in skincare products, but it may cause skin sensitivity in rare cases.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Stemmadenia Root Extract

STEMMACANTHA CARTHAMOIDES ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sterculia Platanifolia Extract

STERCULIA PLATANIFOLIA FLOWER/LEAF/SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Stevia Ferment Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/STEVIA REBAUDIANA LEAF/STEM FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Stevia Leaf Extract

Eupatorium Rebaudianum Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Stevia Leaf/Stem Extract

Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem 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

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Antioxidant

Stevia-Turmeric Root Extract

Steviol Glycosides / Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract

3.8

A natural antioxidant blend that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on this specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Steviol Glycosides & Platycodon Extract

Steviol Glycosides/Platycodon Grandiflorus Flower/Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived blend that offers antioxidant protection and soothing benefits, ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

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Antioxidant

Stonecrop Callus Extract

HYLOTELEPHIUM CAUTICOLUM CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived 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

Strawberry Begonia Extract

SAXIFRAGA SARMENTOSA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Strawberry Callus Extract

FRAGARIA ANANASSA CALLUS 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

Strawberry Callus Powder

Fragaria Ananassa Callus Powder

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient from strawberry stem cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Strawberry Calyx Extract

Fragaria Ananassa Calyx Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from strawberry tops that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Strawberry Cinquefoil Extract

Potentilla Fragarioides Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Strawberry Flower Extract

Fragaria Ananassa Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Strawberry Fruit Extract

FRAGARIA ANANASSA/NILGERRENSIS FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help brighten and soothe skin, but benefits are mostly from whole-fruit properties rather than a single active.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Strawberry Fruit Juice

FRAGARIA CHILOENSIS FRUIT JUICE

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit juice that adds a touch of nourishment and a pleasant natural scent to skincare formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Exfoliant

Strawberry Fruit Powder

FRAGARIA ANANASSA FRUIT POWDER

3.8

Strawberry fruit powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its effectiveness depends on particle size and formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Strawberry Seed Extract

Fragaria Ananassa Seed Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Strawberry Stolon Extract

Fragaria Ananassa Stolon Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Strawberry Tree Fruit Extract

Arbutus Unedo Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical 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

Succinoyl Ascorbate Pentapeptide-6

Succinoyl Ascorbate Pentapeptide-6

4.0

A gentle, hybrid peptide-vitamin C ingredient that may support brightness and collagen, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Sudachi Fruit Extract

CITRUS SUDACHI FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

Sudachi Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich citrus extract that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental stressors, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sugar Pine Wood Extract

Pinus Lambertiana Wood Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from sugar pine wood that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Suikazura Extract

Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sulculus Diversicolor Extract

SULCULUS DIVERSICOLOR EXTRACT

3.5

A marine-derived extract with potential antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it's mostly found in high-end formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sulforaphane

Sulforaphane

4.0

A powerful plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and may support a more even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sumac Leaf/Stem Extract

Rhus Semialata Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sumac Root Extract

Rhus Semialata Root Extract

3.8

Sumac root extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Summer Savory Leaf Extract

SATUREJA HORTENSIS LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Summer Truffle Extract

Tuber Aestivum Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sunflower Flower Extract

Helianthus Annuus Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from sunflower flowers that helps soothe and protect skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sunflower Leaf/Stem Extract

HELIANTHUS ANNUUS LEAF/STEM 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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Antioxidant

Sunflower Seedcake Extract

Helianthus Annuus Seedcake Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from sunflower seeds that helps soothe and protect the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sunflower Sprout Extract

Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract

4.0

Sunflower sprout extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Skin Conditioning

Sunflower Sprout Ferment Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SPROUT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may support skin barrier function and provide antioxidant benefits, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Superoxide Dismutase

Superoxide Dismutase

4.0

Superoxide Dismutase is a powerful antioxidant enzyme that helps defend skin against oxidative stress and may support a more even, youthful-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Surfgrass Extract

Phyllospadix scouleri extract

3.8

Surfgrass extract is a gentle marine antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sweet Almond Bark Extract

PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) BARK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Sweet Almond Bud Extract

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Bud Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from sweet almond buds that may help calm and protect the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Sweet Almond Flower Extract

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Flower Extract

4.0

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

Sweet Almond Fruit Extract

PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-packed extract from almond fruit that helps protect skin from environmental stress without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sweet Almond Leaf Cell Extract

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Sweet Almond Seedcake Extract

PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) SEEDCAKE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from almond processing byproducts that helps soothe and condition the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sweet Almond Seedcoat Extract

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seedcoat Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sweet Briar Extract

Rosa Eglantaria Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

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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