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

Sweet Flag Callus Extract

Acorus Calamus Callus Culture Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Sweet Gale Extract

MYRICA GALE FLOWER/FRUIT/LEAF/TWIG 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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Soothing Agent

Sweet Grass Extract

HIEROCHLOE ODORATA EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sweet Orange Callus Extract

CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Sweet Orange Fruit Extract

CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that can brighten skin and provide a light citrus scent, but may cause sensitivity in very rare cases.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sweet Orange Leaf Extract

CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract that provides antioxidant protection and a subtle tightening feel, but research on its specific skin benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sweet Orange Peel Extract

CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS PEEL EXTRACT

4.0

A fragrant, antioxidant-rich extract that can help protect skin from environmental stress, but may irritate sensitive skin due to natural citrus compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sweet Orange Seed Extract

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle antioxidant extract from sweet orange seeds that helps protect skin from environmental stress without causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sweet Pea Flower Extract

LATHYRUS ODORATUS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle floral extract with potential antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its efficacy in skincare is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sweet Pea Leaf Extract

LATHYRUS ODORATUS LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

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

Sweet Pea Seed Extract

LATHYRUS ODORATUS SEED EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sweet Potato Ferment Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/IPOMOEA BATATAS ROOT FERMENT LEES 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

Sweet Potato Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/IPOMOEA BATATAS ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Sweet Potato Leaf Extract

Ipomoea Batatas Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Sweet Potato Leaf/Stem Extract

Ipomoea Batatas Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sweet Potato Leaf/Stem Powder

Ipomoea Batatas Leaf/Stem Powder

3.8

A gentle, plant-based powder that may offer antioxidant benefits and mild exfoliation, but research on its cosmetic use is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sweet Potato Root Extract

Ipomoea Batatas Root Lees Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from sweet potatoes that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a calm complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sweet Violet Callus Powder

Viola Odorata Callus Powder

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant from violet cells that may help calm and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Sweetgum & Tribulus & Peony Root Extract

Liquidambar Styraciflua Fruit Extract, Tribulus Terrestris Fruit Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on this specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sweetgum Fruit Extract

Liquidambar Styraciflua Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Swiss Pine Wood Extract

Pinus Cembra Wood Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sword Bean Extract

CANAVALIA GLADIATA LEAF/VINE EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sword Bean Fruit Extract

Canavalia gladiata fruit extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sword Bean Pod Extract

Canavalia gladiata pod extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Sycamore Maple Extract

Acer Pseudoplatanus 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

Synechococcus Manganese Ferment

SYNECHOCOCCUS/MANGANESE FERMENT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Synurus Leaf/Stem Extract

Synurus Palmatopinnatifidus Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Syringaldehyde

SYRINGALDEHYDE

3.8

Syringaldehyde is a gentle antioxidant from plants that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Syringic Acid

Syringic Acid

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Syzygium Nervosum Fruit Extract

Syzygium Nervosum Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit 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

t-Butylhydroxylamine Acetate

T-BUTYLHYDROXYLAMINE ACETATE

3.8

A synthetic antioxidant that helps keep other active ingredients stable, but is less studied than common alternatives like vitamin E.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Tabebuia Bark Extract

Tabebuia Impetiginosa Bark Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tabebuia Leaf Extract

Tabebuia Impetiginosa Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but human skin research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tabebuia Wood Extract

Tabebuia Serratifolia Wood Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tachibana Orange Fruit Juice

CITRUS TACHIBANA/RETICULATA FRUIT JUICE

3.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit juice that may help brighten and refresh the skin, but lacks strong clinical evidence.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tachibana Peel Extract

Citrus Aurantium Tachibana Peel Extract

4.0

A gentle citrus extract that may help brighten skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tahitian Vanilla Fruit Extract

Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that adds a pleasant vanilla scent, but its skin benefits are less studied than those of other antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Taisou Ekisu

Taisou Ekisu

4.0

Taisou Ekisu (jujube extract) is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, but it is not a standout active for dramatic results.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Taiwan Fig Root Extract

Ficus Formosana Root Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Talinum Paniculatum Extract

Talinum Paniculatum Extract

3.8

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

Tambourissa Bark Extract

TAMBOURISSA TRICHOPHYLLA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich bark extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tambourissa Leaf Extract

TAMBOURISSA TRICHOPHYLLA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tamurana Fruit Extract

Citrus Tamurana Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help brighten and soothe skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tamurana Orange Peel Extract

Citrus Tamurana Peel Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tangelo Fruit Juice

CITRUS TANGELO FRUIT JUICE

3.5

A gentle fruit juice that offers mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tangerine Extract

CITRUS TANGERINA EXTRACT

4.0

Tangerine extract offers gentle antioxidant protection and a subtle brightening effect, but its benefits are mild compared to more potent vitamin C forms.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tangerine Peel Extract

CITRUS TANGERINA PEEL EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle antioxidant-rich extract that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental stressors, but its effects are mild compared to more potent actives.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Tangerine Peel Water

Citrus Reticulata Peel Water

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water from tangerine peels that offers light antioxidant benefits and a fresh scent, but its effects are mild compared to concentrated citrus extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tangeritin

Tangeritin

4.0

A gentle antioxidant from citrus that helps protect skin from environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tannic Acid

TANNIC ACID

3.8

Tannic acid is a plant antioxidant that can help soothe and tighten skin, but it may irritate sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tapirira Guianensis Leaf Extract

Tapirira Guianensis Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Taro Leaf Extract

Colocasia Esculenta Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tarragon Leaf Extract

Baccharis dracunculifolia herb extract

3.8

A gentle plant 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

Tarragon Leaf/Stem Extract

Artemisia dracunculus leaf/stem extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tartary Buckwheat Extract

POLYGONUM TATARICUM BUD/SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tartary Buckwheat Seed Extract

FAGOPYRUM TATARICUM SEED EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle antioxidant extract from Tartary buckwheat seeds that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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