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

Melissa Leaf Water

MELISSA OFFICINALIS LEAF WATER

3.8

A mild, aromatic botanical water that can soothe the skin and provide antioxidant benefits, but its effects are gentle and not a substitute for targeted treatments.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Mimosa Bark Powder

Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Powder

3.8

Mimosa Bark Powder is a gentle botanical ingredient that may help calm and protect sensitive or irritated skin, though scientific research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Mimosa Leaf Powder

Mimosa Tenuiflora Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Mimosa Pudica Leaf Extract

MIMOSA PUDICA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with promising soothing and antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Mugwort Powder

Artemisia Caruifolia Powder

3.8

Mugwort powder is a gentle botanical ingredient that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Mulberry Leaf Powder

Morus Australis Leaf Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Mullein Extract

VERBASCUM THAPSUS EXTRACT

3.8

Mullein 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

Myrrh Resin Extract

Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract

3.8

Myrrh Resin Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and support a healthy-looking complexion, though more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Narcissus Poeticus Extract

NARCISSUS POETICUS 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

Neem Bark Extract

Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract

4.0

Neem bark extract is a gentle botanical that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Neem Branch/Leaf Extract

Melia Azadirachta Branch/Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Neem Leaf Powder

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Powder

3.8

Neem leaf powder is a gentle botanical that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, but its effectiveness in commercial skincare is not as well-studied as some other ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

New Zealand Flax Extract

Phormium Tenax Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm redness and support skin barrier repair, though human clinical data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Noni Leaf Powder

MORINDA CITRIFOLIA LEAF POWDER

3.8

Noni leaf powder is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance

Orange Flower Extract

CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, aromatic flower extract that adds a light citrus scent and mild antioxidant benefits to skincare formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Oubaku Extract

PHELLODENDRON AMURENSE BARK EXTRACT

3.8

Oubaku extract is a gentle botanical with potential soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Oxalis Leaf Extract

Oxalis Hedysaroides Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance Component

Palmarosa Herb Extract

CYMBOPOGON MARTINI SOFIA HERB EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with a pleasant rose-like scent and mild astringent effects, but limited research on its standalone skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance Component

Palmarosa Leaf Extract

Cymbopogon Martini Herb Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that adds a pleasant herbal scent and may offer mild soothing benefits, but its active effects are not well-studied in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Panax Notoginseng Root Powder

PANAX NOTOGINSENG ROOT POWDER

4.0

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm redness and defend against environmental stress, but its benefits are not as well-studied as some other plant extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Parsley Leaf Powder

PETROSELINUM SATIVUM LEAF POWDER

3.8

Parsley Leaf Powder brings antioxidant and soothing benefits to skincare, but its effectiveness in finished products depends heavily on formulation and concentration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Parsnip Root Extract

PASTINACA SATIVA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Patchouli Leaf Water

Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Water

3.8

Patchouli Leaf Water offers a gentle, aromatic way to refresh skin with mild astringent and soothing benefits, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Astringent

Pelargonium Graveolens Leaf Extract

PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with astringent and soothing properties, often used for its pleasant rose-like scent and potential to balance oily skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Peltophorum Bark Powder

Peltophorum dasyrhachis bark powder

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Peony Root Extract

Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm redness and support a balanced complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Peony Root Powder

Paeonia Lactiflora Root Powder

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Peony Root Water

PAEONIA SUFFRUTICOSA ROOT WATER

4.0

Peony Root Water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical water that helps soothe and protect the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or redness-prone skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Peppermint Extract

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

Peppermint extract adds a cooling tingle and fresh scent to products, but can irritate sensitive skin if used too strong.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Peppermint Leaf Extract

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract

3.8

Peppermint leaf extract adds a refreshing tingle to skincare but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Persimmon Leaf Powder

Diospyros Kaki Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it is rarely used as a standalone active.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Persimmon Leaf Water

Diospyros Kaki Leaf Water

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical water that hydrates and soothes skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited compared to more studied ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Phormium Tenax Root Extract

Phormium Tenax Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, best for soothing sensitive or irritated skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Component

Pimenta Acris Leaf Powder

Pimenta Acris Leaf Powder

3.5

A botanical powder with mild astringent and aromatic properties, but limited research and potential for skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance

Pimenta Acris Leaf Water

Pimenta Acris Leaf Water

3.8

A fragrant botanical water with mild astringent properties, but limited research and potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Pitanga Leaf Powder

EUGENIA UNIFLORA LEAF POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder from pitanga leaves that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its cosmetic use is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Plectranthus Tomentosa Extract

PLECTRANTHUS TOMENTOSA EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Pothomorphe Leaf Extract

Pothomorphe umbellata leaf extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Prunella Vulgaris Extract

PRUNELLA VULGARIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, though more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Prunus Davidiana Flower Extract

PRUNUS DAVIDIANA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Skin Conditioning

Prunus Speciosa Leaf Water

PRUNUS SPECIOSA LEAF WATER

3.8

A mild, antioxidant-rich botanical water that hydrates and soothes, but with limited scientific research backing its specific benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Pueraria Lobata Root Powder

PUERARIA LOBATA ROOT POWDER

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance

Pyrethrum Flower Extract

TANACETUM CINERARIIFOLIUM FLOWER EXTRACT

2.5

Pyrethrum flower extract is a potent natural insecticide that is rarely used in skincare due to a high risk of skin irritation and allergy.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Astringent

Quassia Wood Powder

QUASSIA AMARA WOOD POWDER

3.8

Quassia Wood Powder is a gentle botanical astringent that may help calm skin and reduce excess oil, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antimicrobial

Quassin

Quassin

3.8

Quassin is a plant-derived compound with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Red Raspberry Leaf Powder

RUBUS IDAEUS LEAF POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its topical effects is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Absorbent

Red Sandalwood Powder

PTEROCARPUS SANTALINUS WOOD POWDER

3.8

Red sandalwood powder is a gentle botanical ingredient that can help soothe skin and provide mild antioxidant benefits, but its effectiveness depends on formulation and particle size.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Rhododendron Anthopogon Flower Powder

Rhododendron Anthopogon Flower Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may offer soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it primarily serves as a natural fragrance or texture enhancer.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Rosa Rugosa Bud Powder

Rosa Rugosa Bud Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Rose Bud Extract

Rosa Damascena Bud Extract

4.0

A gentle, fragrant rose extract that helps calm skin and fight free radicals, but its benefits are mostly from its antioxidant and soothing compounds rather than dramatic anti-aging effects.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Rose Centifolia Bud Extract

Rosa Centifolia Bud Extract

4.0

A mild, fragrant rose extract that helps calm skin and fight free radicals, but its benefits are subtle and not as potent as some other antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Rosemary Leaf Powder

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Powder

3.8

Rosemary Leaf Powder adds gentle exfoliation and antioxidant protection, but its gritty texture and potential for irritation in high amounts mean it's best used in rinse-off products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Round-Leaf Sundew Powder

Drosera Rotundifolia Powder

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review