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

Soothing Agent

Chelidonine

CHELIDONINE

2.5

Chelidonine is a plant alkaloid with potential soothing effects, but its use in cosmetics is rare and lacks strong safety data.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Cherry Leaf Powder

CERASUS YOUKOU LEAF POWDER

3.8

Cherry leaf powder is a gentle botanical ingredient that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and it is best used in rinse-off products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Chervil Extract

ANTHRISCUS CEREFOLIUM EXTRACT

3.8

Chervil extract is a mild, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Skin Conditioning

Citrus Iyo Fruit Water

CITRUS IYO FRUIT WATER

3.5

A gentle, water-like botanical extract that adds light hydration and a subtle fresh feel, but lacks strong scientific backing for specific skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Clematis Extract

Clematis Manshurica Extract

3.5

Clematis extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Cnidium Monnieri Fruit Extract

CNIDIUM MONNIERI FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still emerging and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Cnidium Seed Powder

CNIDIUM MONNIERI SEED POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm redness and provide antioxidant protection, but human skin research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Codonopsis Root Powder

CODONOPSIS PILOSULA ROOT POWDER

3.8

A mild, antioxidant-rich root powder that may help soothe and protect skin, but scientific evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Firming Agent

Coleus Barbatus Root Extract

Coleus Barbatus Root Extract

3.8

A plant-derived extract that may help temporarily tighten and firm skin, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract

Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract

3.8

A plant extract with promising antioxidant and circulation-supporting properties, but human skincare studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Comanthosphere Leaf/Stem Extract

Comanthosphace Stellipila Leaf/Stem 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

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Comfrey Leaf Extract

Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract

3.8

Comfrey leaf extract is a traditional soothing botanical, but its use in skincare is limited by safety concerns over pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) found in the whole plant.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Comfrey Leaf Powder

Symphytum Officinale Leaf Powder

3.8

Comfrey Leaf Powder is a traditional soothing botanical, but its internal use is restricted due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids; topical use in skincare is generally considered safe at low concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Comfrey Root Extract

Symphytum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract

3.8

Comfrey root extract is a traditional soothing botanical, but its use in skincare is limited by safety concerns over certain compounds.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Coptis Chinensis Root Extract

Coptis Chinensis Root/Stalk Powder

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental damage, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Cornmint Leaf Extract

Mentha Arvensis Branch/Leaf Extract

4.0

A refreshing botanical extract that can soothe skin but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals due to its natural menthol content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Cornmint Powder

Mentha Arvensis Powder

3.5

Cornmint powder adds a cooling feel and light minty scent to products, but its high menthol content can irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Costmary Leaf Extract

Chrysanthemum Balsamita Leaf Extract

3.8

Costmary leaf extract is a gentle botanical with soothing and antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Cota Tinctoria Extract

COTA TINCTORIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Cymbidium Orchid Leaf Powder

CYMBIDIUM GREAT FLOWER LEAF POWDER

3.5

A gentle botanical powder from orchid leaves that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it's mostly used for its natural appeal.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Astringent

Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf

CYMBOPOGON SCHOENANTHUS LEAF

3.8

A gentle botanical leaf ingredient that offers mild astringent and refreshing effects, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin due to natural fragrance compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Astringent

Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf Extract

CYMBOPOGON SCHOENANTHUS LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A botanical extract with astringent and antimicrobial benefits, best for oily or blemish-prone skin, but can be irritating for sensitive types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Astringent

Cypress Leaf Water

CUPRESSUS SEMPERVIRENS LEAF WATER

3.8

Cypress leaf water is a mild, aromatic botanical water that can help refresh and temporarily tighten skin, but its benefits are subtle and not backed by strong research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Daisy Flower Extract

Bellis Perennis Flower Extract

4.0

A mild, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but it's not a powerhouse ingredient on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Dandelion Root Powder

Taraxacum Officinale Root Powder

3.8

Dandelion root powder is a gentle botanical ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant benefits, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Datura Leaf Extract

DATURA STRAMONIUM LEAF EXTRACT

2.0

Datura leaf extract is a traditional botanical with potential soothing properties, but its safety profile is poor due to toxic alkaloids, making it unsuitable for routine skincare.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Dayflower Extract

COMMELINA COMMUNIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Dill Leaf Powder

Anethum graveolens leaf powder

3.5

Dill leaf powder is a gentle botanical ingredient with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Dotted Smartweed Extract

POLYGONUM PUNCTATUM 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

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Echinacea Extract

Echinacea Purpurea Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

Echinacea extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its effectiveness in skincare is supported by limited direct human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Echinacea Purpurea Extract

ECHINACEA PURPUREA LEAF/ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research on topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Echinacea Purpurea Juice

ECHINACEA PURPUREA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM JUICE

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical juice that may help calm irritation and support skin barrier function, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Eclipta Prostrata Extract

ECLIPTA PROSTRATA EXTRACT

3.8

Eclipta Prostrata Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing properties, but its benefits in skincare are supported mostly by traditional use and limited modern research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Powder

ECLIPTA PROSTRATA LEAF POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant and soothing potential, best known in traditional hair care but with limited modern clinical evidence.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Eclipta Prostrata Stem Extract

ECLIPTA PROSTRATA STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, best known from Ayurvedic tradition and emerging research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Edelweiss Flower/Leaf Water

Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Water

4.0

Edelweiss water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm and protect sensitive skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Eggplant Fruit Powder

Solanum Melongena Fruit Powder

3.8

Eggplant Fruit Powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical ingredient that may help soothe skin and provide mild exfoliation, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Elderflower Juice

Sambucus Nigra Flower Juice

4.0

Elderflower juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical water that soothes and hydrates skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or irritated complexions.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antimicrobial

Embelia Ribes Root Powder

Embelia Ribes Root Powder

3.5

A traditional root powder with promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, but limited modern safety data for cosmetic use.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Epilobium Fleischeri Extract

EPILOBIUM FLEISCHERI EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich alpine plant extract that may help calm redness and support skin barrier function, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Epilobium Roseum Extract

EPILOBIUM ROSEUM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Eugenia Operculata Leaf Powder

EUGENIA OPERCULATA LEAF POWDER

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Fennel Leaf Extract

Foeniculum Vulgare Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Feverfew Flower Powder

CHRYSANTHEMUM PARTHENIUM FLOWER POWDER

4.0

Feverfew flower powder is a gentle botanical ingredient that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, making it a popular alternative to stronger soothing agents.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Feverfew Flower/Leaf/Stem Water

Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Water

4.0

Feverfew water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm and soothe sensitive skin without the irritation risk of the whole plant.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Flax Flower Extract

Linum Usitatissimum Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from flax flowers that may help calm irritated skin, but research is limited compared to flaxseed oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Forsythia & Multi-Herb Root Extract

Forsythia Viridissima Fruit Extract / Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract / Actaea Dahurica Root Extract / Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract / Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract / Platycodon Grandiflorus Root Extract / Pueraria Montana Root Extract

4.0

A traditional herbal blend that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited and mostly based on individual ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Fragrant Solomon's Seal Rhizome Powder

Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with traditional use in East Asian skincare, offering soothing and antioxidant benefits, though modern clinical evidence is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Gmelina Root Extract

Gmelina Arborea Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Gmelina Root Powder

Gmelina Arborea Root Powder

3.5

A gentle plant-based powder that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Great Burnet Root Powder

Sanguisorba Officinalis Root/Stalk Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Grindelia Leaf

Grindelia Humilis Leaf

3.8

Grindelia Leaf is a gentle botanical extract that may help calm irritated skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Grindelia Robusta Extract

Grindelia Robusta Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Guggul Resin Extract

COMMIPHORA MUKUL RESIN POWDER

3.8

Guggul Resin Extract is a traditional botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but clinical evidence in modern skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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