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

Beach Morning Glory Extract

Ipomoea pes-caprae flower/leaf/stem extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract with traditional use for soothing skin, though modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beaked Hazel Leaf Extract

CORYLUS ROSTRATA LEAF 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

Beaked Hazel Twig Extract

Corylus Rostrata Twig Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early — it's a nice-to-have rather than a must-have ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beaked Hazelnut Seed Extract

Corylus Rostrata Seed Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bean Sprout Extract

Phaseolus Vulgaris Sprout Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help soothe and protect the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bee Balm Flower Extract

Monarda Didyma Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based 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

Bee Pollen Extract

POLLEN

3.5

Bee pollen may offer antioxidant benefits, but it can also cause allergic reactions in some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beech Bark Extract

Fagus Sylvatica Bark Extract

3.8

Beech bark extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beech Bud Extract

Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beech Flower Extract

Fagus Sylvatica Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beech Seed Extract

Fagus Sylvatica Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle antioxidant extract from beech seeds that may help calm and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beech Tree Shell Extract

Fagus Sylvatica Shell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beer Extract

BEER

3.5

Beer extract may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beet Leaf Powder

Beta Vulgaris Leaf Powder

3.5

Beet leaf powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beet Sprout Extract

Beta Vulgaris Sprout Extract

4.0

Beet sprout extract is a gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beetroot Extract

Beta Vulgaris Root Extract

4.0

Beetroot extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a healthy glow.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Belleric Myrobalan Fruit Water

Terminalia Bellerica Fruit Water

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit water that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a balanced complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bengal Psilanthus Leaf Cell Extract

PSILANTHUS BENGALENSIS LEAF CELL CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Benzofuran Derivative

HYDROXYMETHOXYPHENYL PROPYLMETHYLMETHOXYBENZOFURAN

3.5

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is limited and it's not widely used.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Benzyl Ursolate

Benzyl Ursolate

3.8

Benzyl Ursolate is a promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient, but research is still early and it's not widely used in mainstream products.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antioxidant

Berchemia Lineata Leaf Extract

Berchemia Lineata Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle plant 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

Berchemia Lineata Root Extract

BERCHEMIA LINEATA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant-root 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

Bergamot Fruit Extract

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract

3.5

Bergamot fruit extract adds a pleasant citrus scent and antioxidant benefits, but its phototoxic compounds mean it must be used in low concentrations or with the furocoumarins removed.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bergamot Leaf Cell Extract

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant from bergamot leaves that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Bergamot Leaf Extract

MONARDA DIDYMA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bergamot Mint Extract

Monarda Didyma Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bergenia Ciliata Root Extract

Bergenia Ciliata Root Extract

3.8

A gentle plant-root 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

Bergenia Leaf Extract

Bergenia Crassifolia Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm minor irritation, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bergenia Root Extract

Bergenia Crassifolia Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bergenin

Bergenin

3.8

Bergenin is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Berry & Herb Ferment Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/(BLUEBERRY/RASPBERRY/STRAWBERRY/CRANBERRY/EUTERPE OLERACEA) FRUIT/THYME/ROSEMARY/VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS/ROSA CANINA/CYMBOPOGON SCHOENANTHUS/ERIOCEPHALUS PUNCTULATUS FERMENT

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may help soothe and protect skin with antioxidants, though research on the specific blend is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Berry Root & Fruit Complex

BERBERIS VULGARIS ROOT/FRAGARIA CHILOENSIS FRUIT/LYCIUM CHINENSE FRUIT/MORUS NIGRA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Colorant

Beta-Carotene

CI 75130

4.0

A natural orange-red pigment that also provides antioxidant benefits, but its color can be unstable in some formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beta-Pinen-3-Ol

BETA-PINEN-3-OL

3.8

A plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but its use is limited by potential irritation at higher levels.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beta-Pinene

BETA-PINENE

3.8

Beta-Pinene is a plant-derived antioxidant and scent ingredient that can help protect skin from environmental stress, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Betony Extract

Stachys Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Betulin

Betulin

4.0

Betulin is a gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, but it's not a heavy-duty anti-ager.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Betulinic Acid

Betulinic Acid

3.8

Betulinic acid is a gentle plant-based antioxidant that may help calm irritation and support skin barrier function, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bidens Tripartita Extract

Bidens Tripartita Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Skin conditioning

Bifida & Skullcap Ferment Extract

Bifida/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Ferment Lysate Extract Filtrate

4.0

A fermented probiotic-antioxidant hybrid that may help calm sensitive skin and reinforce the skin barrier over time.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Skin conditioning agent

Bifida Deer Antler Ferment Filtrate

Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Deer Antler Extract

3.8

A fermented probiotic and deer antler blend that may help calm and strengthen the skin barrier, but human research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

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Antioxidant

Bifida Ferment Filtrate Complex

BIFIDA/HYDROLYZED MILK/LACTOSE/SODIUM ASCORBATE/SILICON FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented probiotic-like ingredient that may help support skin barrier function and provide antioxidant benefits, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Skin conditioning

Bifida Ginseng Ferment Filtrate

Bifida/Panax Ginseng Root Cell Culture Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented blend that may help strengthen the skin barrier and calm sensitivity, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Bilberry Bud Extract

VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS BUD EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bilberry Fruit Extract

Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bilberry Fruit Water

VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS FRUIT WATER

4.0

Bilberry fruit water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bilberry Fruit/Leaf Extract

Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bilberry Leaf Cell Extract

Vaccinium Myrtillus Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps shield skin from pollution and UV damage without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bilberry Stem Extract

VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS STEM EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bilimbi Leaf Extract

Averrhoa Bilimbi Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Birch Bark Extract

Betula Allegheniensis Bark Extract

4.0

Birch Bark Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Birch Twig Extract

Betula Pendula Twig Extract

3.8

Birch twig extract offers gentle antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its specific effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bird Cherry Extract

Prunus Padus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bird of Paradise Seed Extract

Strelitzia Nicolai Seed Aril Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bis-Ferulamidobutane

Bis-Ferulamidobutane

4.0

A stable, synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental damage and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate

BIS-GLYCERYL ASCORBATE

4.3

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative 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

Bis-Hydroxybenzyl Sulfide

Bis-Hydroxybenzyl Sulfide

3.8

A synthetic antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, but research is still limited compared to more established antioxidants like vitamin C or E.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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