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 302
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

Astringent

Acacia Arabica Stem Bark Powder

Acacia Arabica Stem Bark Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with traditional astringent benefits, but limited modern research to support strong skincare claims.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Acacia Catechu Leaf/Wood Powder

Acacia Catechu Leaf/Wood Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm irritation and tighten pores, but research is limited and it can be drying for some skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Aconitum Ciliare Root Extract

Aconitum Ciliare Root Extract

2.5

Aconitum ciliare root extract is a traditional botanical with potential soothing properties, but its safety profile is not well-established for modern skincare, and it carries a high risk of irritation if not properly processed.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Adder's Tongue Fern Extract

Ophioglossum Vulgatum Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Agrimony Flower Extract

AGRIMONIA EUPATORIA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Alangium Bark Powder

Alangium Salviifolium Bark Powder

3.5

A traditional botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but limited modern research and practical formulation data for routine skincare use.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Alpinia Formosana Leaf/Stem Powder

ALPINIA FORMOSANA LEAF/STEM POWDER

3.5

A gentle botanical powder from the ginger family that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still early and its effects in skincare are not yet well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Alpinia Formosana Seed Powder

Alpinia Formosana Seed Powder

3.5

A gentle botanical seed powder with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's mostly used as a mild physical exfoliant.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Water

Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Water

3.8

A mild, plant-derived water that may offer soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it's often used more for its light scent and hydrating feel than proven efficacy.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Alpinia Zerumbet Leaf Water

ALPINIA ZERUMBET LEAF WATER

3.8

A gentle, water-based botanical extract that may offer mild soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Alpinia Zerumbet Leaf/Stem Water

ALPINIA ZERUMBET LEAF/STEM WATER

3.8

A gentle, water-like botanical ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Angelica Dahurica Root Powder

Angelica Dahurica Root Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with traditional roots, offering antioxidant and soothing potential, though modern research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Seed Powder

Angelica Archangelica Seed Powder

3.5

Angelica seed powder is a gentle botanical exfoliant and antioxidant, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apple Root Bark Powder

Pyrus Malus Root Bark Powder

3.5

A gentle botanical powder from apple tree root bark that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it is not a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Arnica Flower Extract

ARNICA CHAMISSONIS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

Arnica flower extract can help calm redness and soothe skin, but it may cause irritation for sensitive individuals, especially on broken skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract

ASARUM SIEBOLDII ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical root extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Asparagus Lucidus Root Extract

Asparagus Lucidus Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical root extract with traditional use in East Asian medicine, showing early promise for soothing and hydrating skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Asparagus Racemosus Root Powder

Asparagus Racemosus Root Powder

3.8

A gentle Ayurvedic root powder that may help calm irritation and support skin hydration, though clinical evidence in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Astragalus Root Powder

Astragalus Membranaceus Root Powder

3.8

Astragalus Root Powder is a gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research in topical use is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Atlas Cedar Bark Water

CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK WATER

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water from Atlas cedar bark that may help calm and clarify skin, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Atractylodes Root Extract

ATRACTYLODES MACROCEPHALA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for soothing and antioxidant support, though modern cosmetic research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Atractylodes Root Powder

ATRACTYLODES MACROCEPHALA ROOT/STALK POWDER

3.5

A gentle botanical powder with traditional use in herbal medicine, offering antioxidant and soothing benefits in skincare, though modern cosmetic research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Azolla Imbricata Extract

Azolla Imbricata Extract

3.8

Azolla Imbricata Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Azuki Bean Extract

Phaseolus Angularis Seed Extract

3.8

Azuki Bean Extract offers gentle enzymatic exfoliation and antioxidant protection, making it a mild alternative to harsh physical scrubs.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Babchi Seed Powder

Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Powder

3.5

Babchi seed powder is a traditional botanical ingredient with potential brightening benefits, but it requires careful formulation due to possible skin sensitivity and limited modern safety data.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Bael Root Powder

Aegle Marmelos Root Powder

3.5

A gentle botanical powder with traditional roots, but limited modern research to back its skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Baliospermum Montanum Root Powder

BALIOSPERMUM MONTANUM ROOT POWDER

3.5

A traditional Ayurvedic root powder with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but limited modern research and a moderate irritation risk for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Baptisia Root Extract

BAPTISIA TINCTORIA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

Baptisia root extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research in cosmetics is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Barleria Prionitis Powder

Barleria Prionitis Powder

3.5

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but limited modern cosmetic research to support strong claims.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Barley Leaf/Stem Powder

Hordeum Vulgare Leaf/Stem Powder

3.8

Barley leaf/stem powder is a gentle botanical ingredient that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its topical use is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Basil Leaf Powder

Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Powder

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bearberry Leaf Powder

Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Betel Leaf Powder

Piper Betle Leaf Powder

3.5

Betel leaf powder offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits for oily or blemish-prone skin, but its potency and potential for irritation require careful formulation and patch testing.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bitter Melon Leaf Powder

Momordica Charantia Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Black Cohosh Extract

CIMICIFUGA SIMPLEX LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Astringent

Black Walnut Leaf Extract

Juglans Nigra Leaf Extract

3.5

Black Walnut Leaf Extract offers antioxidant and astringent benefits, but its use is limited by moderate irritation potential and a lack of strong clinical evidence.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Bletilla Striata Root Powder

Bletilla Striata Root Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that can help calm skin and create a soft, smooth feel, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Bletilla Striata Root Water

BLETILLA STRIATA ROOT WATER

3.8

A gentle, hydrating orchid root water with traditional soothing properties, but limited modern research to back specific skincare claims.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Blue Flag Root Extract

Iris Versicolor Root Extract

3.8

Blue Flag Root Extract is a botanical ingredient that may help soothe and tighten skin, but it has limited research and a moderate irritation risk for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Blue Lotus Flower Powder

NYMPHAEA STELLATA FLOWER POWDER

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder that may help calm skin, but scientific evidence is limited and it is best used as part of a broader soothing formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Boerhavia Repens Powder

BOERHAVIA REPENS POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with traditional roots, offering soothing and antioxidant benefits, though modern research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Absorbent

Brachiaria Mutica Powder

BRACHIARIA MUTICA POWDER

3.5

A gentle botanical powder that may offer mild soothing and absorbent benefits, but research is very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Burdock Leaf Extract

Arctium Lappa Leaf Extract

4.0

Burdock leaf extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm irritated skin and supports a healthy complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Burnet Leaf Extract

Poterium Officinale Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Butea Superba Root Powder

Butea Superba Root Powder

3.5

A traditional botanical root powder with emerging antioxidant potential, but human skincare studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Butterbur Leaf Extract

PETASITES VULGARIS LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

Butterbur leaf extract may help calm irritated skin and fight free radicals, but research on topical use is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Butterbur Root Powder

PETASITES JAPONICUS POWDER

3.8

Butterbur root powder is a gentle botanical with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Carlina Root Extract

CARLINA ACAULIS ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

Carlina Root Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and it's not a powerhouse ingredient on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Cassia Auriculata Leaf Powder

Cassia Auriculata Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and mostly traditional.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cassia Leaf/Stem Powder

Cassia Nomame Leaf/Stem Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and mostly based on traditional use.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Cassumunar Ginger Root Powder

Zingiber Cassumunar Root Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder from Thai ginger that may help calm redness and even skin tone, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cassytha Filiformis Powder

CASSYTHA FILIFORMIS POWDER

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Cat's Ear Extract

Hypochoeris Radicata Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Catnip Extract

NEPETA CATARIA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Catnip Flower Extract

Nepeta Cataria Flower Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Centella Asiatica Extract

PLANTAGO ASIATICA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.5

A well-researched botanical that calms redness, supports collagen, and strengthens the skin barrier with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Chamomile Flower Powder

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Powder

4.0

A gentle, soothing botanical powder that can calm irritated skin and add a mild exfoliating texture, but may not be suitable for those with ragweed allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review