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

Tofieldia Japonica Leaf Extract

TOFIELDIA JAPONICA LEAF 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

Tomato Callus Culture Extract

Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Callus Culture Conditioned Media

3.8

A plant-based biotech ingredient that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Tomato Calyx Extract

Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Calyx Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant from tomato leaves that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tomato Ferment Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/TOMATO FRUIT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Tomato Fruit Juice

Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Juice

3.8

Tomato fruit juice offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its effectiveness in skincare is modest compared to more concentrated vitamin C or lycopene extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tomato Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract

Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and soothe minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tomato Leaf Cell Culture Extract

Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Leaf Cell Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant from tomato leaves that helps defend skin against pollution and UV damage without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Tomato Leaf Cell Extract

Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Tomato Meristem Cell Culture Filtrate

Solanum Lycopersicum Meristem Cell Culture Conditioned Media

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Tomato Meristem Cell Extract

Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Meristem Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tonka Bean Extract

Dipteryx Odorata Bean Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's mostly used for its subtle scent.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tonka Bean Seed Extract

Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it may cause sensitivity in rare cases.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Torilis Japonica Seed Extract

Torilis Japonica Seed 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

Torreya Leaf Oil

TORREYA NUCIFERA LEAF OIL

3.8

A gentle, aromatic plant oil that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Torreya Nut Callus Extract

Torreya Nucifera Callus Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Torreya Nut Extract

Torreya Nucifera Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Totara Wood Extract

Podocarpus Totara Wood Extract

4.0

Totara Wood Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps protect skin from environmental stress while soothing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Totarol

Totarol

4.0

Totarol is a plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and can boost the effectiveness of preservatives in formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Touhi Extract

Prunus Persica (Peach) Leaf Extract

3.8

Touhi Ekisu is a gentle peach leaf extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tourmaline Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/TOURMALINE FERMENT

3.8

A fermented mineral-yeast blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Tree Peony Callus Extract

PAEONIA SUFFRUTICOSA CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from tree peony callus that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tree Peony Extract

Paeonia Suffruticosa Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tree Peony Phytoplacenta Extract

PAEONIA SUFFRUTICOSA PHYTOPLACENTA EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tri-Herb Botanical Extract

JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS FRUIT/ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS/SALVIA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical blend that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering a mild herbal scent.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Tri-Herb Leaf Extract

Artemisia Princeps Leaf/Equisetum Arvense/Houttuynia Cordata Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical blend that may help calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress, though research on the specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tri-Herbal Lotus Extract

Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract / Orostachys Japonica Extract / Saururus Chinensis Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tribulus Fruit Powder

TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS FRUIT POWDER

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tribulus Terrestris Extract

Tribulus Terrestris Fruit/Stem Extract

3.5

A plant extract with antioxidant potential, but limited research supports its topical benefits in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Skin Conditioning

Tricholoma Extract

Tricholoma Magnivelare Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom extract that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Trihydroxyaurone

Trihydroxyaurone

3.8

A gentle antioxidant from the flavonoid family that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Trihydroxychalcone

TRIHYDROXYCHALCONE

4.0

Trihydroxychalcone is a gentle antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against daily pollution and UV stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Trihydroxydihydrochalcone

Trihydroxydihydrochalcone

4.0

A gentle antioxidant that may help brighten skin and reduce signs of irritation, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Triisostearoyl Ascorbate

TRIISOSTEAROYL 3-GLYCERYL ASCORBATE

4.3

A gentle, oil-soluble vitamin C that delivers brightening and antioxidant benefits with minimal irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Trimethoxybenzylidene Pentanedione

Trimethoxybenzylidene Pentanedione

3.8

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental damage and support a more even complexion, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Triple Botanical Complex

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed/Pueraria Lobata Root/Ganoderma Lucidum Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical trio that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Triple Botanical Extract

Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit/Houttyunia Cordata/Hemerocallis Fulva Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Triple Herb Seed Extract

ARTEMISIA DRACUNCULUS SEED/ANTHEMIS NOBILIS SEED/HYPERICUM ANDROSAEMUM SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited and benefits are not guaranteed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tripterygium Wilfordii Callus Extract

Tripterygium Wilfordii Callus Extract

3.5

A plant-based extract with early research suggesting anti-inflammatory benefits, but limited human studies and potential for irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tris-BHT Mesitylene

TRIS-BHT MESITYLENE

4.0

A stable synthetic antioxidant that helps prevent oils and other ingredients from going rancid, but it's not a star active for skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Tris(Nonylphenyl) Phosphite

TRIS(NONYLPHENYL)PHOSPHITE

3.0

An effective synthetic antioxidant for preserving formulas, but its environmental and health profile raises caution.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Trisodium Resveratrol Triphosphate

Trisodium Resveratrol Triphosphate

4.0

A stabilized, water-friendly version of resveratrol that offers antioxidant protection without the stability issues of the original compound.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Tristaniopsis Laurina Leaf Extract

TRISTANIOPSIS LAURINA LEAF 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

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Antioxidant

Trolox

TROLOX

3.8

Trolox is a synthetic antioxidant that mimics vitamin E, helping to neutralize free radicals and support skin health, but it's less common in consumer products than natural vitamin E.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Tropical Pitcher Plant Extract

Nepenthes Mirabilis Pitcher Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tropolone

Tropolone

3.8

Tropolone is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and may support product stability.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Troxerutin

Troxerutin

4.0

Troxerutin is a gentle antioxidant that may help calm redness and support skin resilience, but more human studies are needed to confirm its anti-aging benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Truffle Extract

Tuber Magnatum Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Tryptophan

TRYPTOPHAN

3.8

Tryptophan is a gentle amino acid that helps hydrate skin and defend against environmental stress, but it's not a standout ingredient on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tschonoski Hornbeam Leaf Extract

Carpinus Tschonoskii Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tschonoskii Hornbeam Stem Extract

Carpinus Tschonoskii Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tuberose Callus Extract

Polianthes Tuberosa Callus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tuberose Flower Extract

Polianthes tuberosa flower extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that adds a pleasant floral scent and mild antioxidant benefits to skincare formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Tulip Bulb Extract

Tulipa Kaufmanniana Bulb Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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