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

Antioxidant

Hedychium Coronarium Flower Extract

HEDYCHIUM CORONARIUM FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide light fragrance, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Skin Conditioning

Hibiscus Flower and Seed Water

Hibiscus Abelmoschus Flower/Seed Water

3.8

A gentle, hydrating botanical water that adds a touch of antioxidant protection and a pleasant natural scent to skincare products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Holly Leaf Powder

Ilex Aquifolium Leaf Powder

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Firming agent

Hordenine

HORDENINE

3.5

Hordenine may offer temporary firming effects by constricting blood vessels, but evidence is limited and it can cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Horse Chestnut Fruit Powder

AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM FRUIT POWDER

4.0

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm skin and support microcirculation, but raw forms can be irritating if not properly processed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Horsetail Leaf Powder

EQUISETUM ARVENSE LEAF POWDER

3.8

A gentle, mineral-rich botanical powder that can help soothe skin and absorb excess oil, but its benefits are modest and best suited for combination or oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Horsetail Powder

Equisetum Arvense Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help soothe skin and provide antioxidant benefits, but research is limited compared to more studied ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Houttuynia Cordata Extract

HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

4.3

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm redness and provides antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Hybrid Rose Flower Extract

Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract

4.0

A mild, fragrant rose extract that can help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but its benefits are largely from the whole flower complex rather than a single active.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Hydrangea Flower Extract

DEFATTED HYDRANGEA MACROPHYLLA FLOWER

3.8

A mild botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Skin conditioning agent

Hygrophila Ringens Seed

Hygrophila Ringens Seed

3.5

A gentle botanical seed ingredient with limited research, likely offering mild soothing and moisturizing benefits for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Indian Barberry Root Powder

BERBERIS ARISTATA ROOT POWDER

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder that may help calm skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Indian Nightshade Root Powder

Solanum Indicum Root Powder

3.5

A traditional botanical root powder with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but limited modern research supports its efficacy in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Indian Sarsaparilla Root Powder

Hemidesmus indicus root powder

3.8

A gentle Ayurvedic root powder that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though clinical evidence is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Ira Kusa Extract

Ira Kusa Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use in Japanese skincare, offering soothing and antioxidant benefits, though modern scientific evidence is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Iris Pallida Root Extract

IRIS PALLIDA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Isatis Root Powder

Isatis Tinctoria Root 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

Ivy Geranium Extract

Pelargonium Peltatum 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
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Soothing Agent

Ivy Leaf Water

Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf Water

3.8

A mild botanical water that may help calm skin and tighten pores, but research is limited and it's not a powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Japanese Cedar Stem Powder

Cryptomeria japonica stem powder

3.5

A gentle botanical powder from Japanese cedar stems that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it's best used in rinse-off products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Japanese Grape Root Powder

Ampelopsis Japonica Root Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with traditional use for soothing skin, but modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Japanese Lily Extract

Lilium Japonicum Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Japanese Yam Root Powder

DIOSCOREA JAPONICA ROOT POWDER

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Jatamansi Root Extract

NARDOSTACHYS JATAMANSI RHIZOME/ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Jatropha Leaf Powder

JATROPHA CURCAS LEAF POWDER

3.5

A plant-based powder with early evidence of antioxidant activity, but limited human studies and potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Job's Tears Seed Extract

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but clinical evidence on its standalone benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Juniper Wood Water

Juniperus Communis Wood Water

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water from juniper wood that adds a fresh scent and mild purifying feel to skincare products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Jute Leaf Powder

Corchorus Capsularis Powder

3.8

A gentle, plant-based powder that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Kantakari Fruit Powder

Solanum Xanthocarpum Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant and soothing potential, best known from traditional Ayurvedic use but with limited modern cosmetic research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Kudzu Root Powder

Pueraria Mirifica Root Powder

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Large-Leaved Linden Extract

Tilia Platyphyllos Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance

Lavender Extract

Lavandula Angustifolia Herb Extract

3.8

Lavender Extract adds a pleasant scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin and is not a proven treatment for skin conditions.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance

Lavender Flower-Leaf-Stem Extract

LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

Lavender extract adds a pleasant scent and mild soothing feel to products, but can be irritating for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance component

Lavender Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice

LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM JUICE

3.8

A gentle, aromatic botanical water that adds a subtle lavender scent and a touch of soothing potential to skincare formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance

Lavender Hybrid Flower Extract

LAVANDULA HYBRIDA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with a pleasant lavender scent, but may irritate sensitive skin due to natural fragrance compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Lavender Leaf Extract

Lavandula Latifolia Herb Extract

3.8

A fragrant lavender leaf extract that can soothe skin and fight free radicals, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals due to its natural essential oil content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Ledebouriella Root Extract

LEDEBOURIELLA SESELOIDES ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for calming skin, but modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Lemon Balm Leaf Powder

Melissa Officinalis Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, but its effectiveness depends on formulation and concentration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Astringent

Lemongrass Extract

Cymbopogon Flexuosus Herb Extract

3.8

Lemongrass extract can help tone oily skin and provide a fresh scent, but it may irritate sensitive skin due to its natural citral content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Astringent

Lemongrass Leaf

Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf

3.8

Lemongrass leaf offers a fresh scent and mild astringent feel, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Astringent

Lemongrass Leaf/Stem Extract

Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

Lemongrass extract adds a fresh scent and mild astringent action, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Leonurus Artemisia Powder

Leonurus Artemisia Powder

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Leptadenia Reticulata Leaf Powder

LEPTADENIA RETICULATA LEAF POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with traditional use in Ayurveda, offering soothing and antioxidant benefits, but with limited modern cosmetic research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Lesser Celandine Extract

RANUNCULUS FICARIA EXTRACT

3.5

A botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but limited human research and a known risk of skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Leucas Cephalotes Leaf Extract

LEUCAS CEPHALOTES LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin, but scientific research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Lily Flower Extract

Lilium Parvum Flower Extract

3.8

A mild botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Linden Flower Extract

Tilia Vulgaris Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and provides antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Loquat Leaf Powder

Eriobotrya japonica leaf powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant benefits, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Lotus Flower Powder

Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that can help calm skin and provide mild antioxidant protection, but its benefits are modest compared to more concentrated extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Macropiper Excelsum Leaf Powder

MACROPIPER EXCELSUM LEAF POWDER

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Madonna Lily Flower Extract

Lilium Candidum Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Magnolia Bud Powder

Magnolia Denudata Bud Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance

Mandarin Orange Water

CITRUS NOBILIS WATER

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water from mandarin oranges that offers mild skin conditioning and a refreshing feel, but lacks strong scientific backing for major skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Meadowsweet Flower Water

Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Water

3.8

A mild botanical water that can help calm and refresh skin, but its astringent properties may be too drying for very sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Meadowsweet Root Extract

Spiraea Ulmaria Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract from meadowsweet root that may help calm skin and tighten pores, but research is limited compared to more studied soothing ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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