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

Rubia Cordifolia Root Powder

Rubia Cordifolia Root Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it may stain lighter fabrics or skin temporarily.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Sabatia Angularis Extract

SABATIA ANGULARIS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, though research is limited and it is not a standout ingredient on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Sage Leaf Water

Salvia Officinalis Leaf Water

3.8

Sage Leaf Water offers gentle astringency and antioxidant benefits, making it a nice addition to toners and mists for normal to oily skin, but it's not a powerhouse active.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Texturizer

Sago Palm Leaf Powder

Cycas Revoluta Leaf Powder

3.5

A plant-based powder that may offer gentle exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its use in skincare is still emerging and requires caution due to potential irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sakura Flower Extract

PRUNUS SPECIOSA (CHERRY) FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

A mild, fragrant flower extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Sandalwood Extract

SANTALUM ALBUM (SANDALWOOD) EXTRACT

4.0

Sandalwood extract is a gentle, aromatic botanical that helps calm skin and provides antioxidant protection, but its benefits are best supported by traditional use rather than extensive modern clinical studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Sasa Veitchii Leaf Powder

SASA VEITCHII LEAF POWDER

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder from Japanese bamboo that may help soothe and protect skin, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Saw Palmetto Fruit Powder

Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm inflammation and balance oil production, but its effects are mild and best for supporting overall skin health.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Sea Blite Powder

Suaeda Maritima Flower/Leaf/Stem Powder

3.5

A gentle botanical powder from a salt-tolerant plant, offering antioxidant benefits but with limited research in cosmetic use.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Sea Fennel Powder

Crithmum Maritimum Powder

4.0

Sea fennel powder is a gentle botanical ingredient that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Sea Mayweed Powder

Matricaria Maritima Powder

3.8

A gentle, plant-based powder that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sedum Acre Extract

Sedum Acre Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Siberian Catmint Extract

Nepeta Sibirica Flower/Leaf/Stem 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

Soothing Agent

Sida Cordifolia Root Powder

Sida Cordifolia Root Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical root powder with traditional soothing and antioxidant potential, though modern cosmetic evidence is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Simaruba Amara Extract

SIMARUBA AMARA EXTRACT

3.8

Simaruba Amara Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Skullcap Flower Powder

SCUTELLARIA LATERIFLORA FLOWER POWDER

4.0

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Smilax Glabra Root Extract

Smilax Glabra Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical root extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though clinical evidence in skincare is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Smilax Lancefolia Root Powder

Smilax Lancefolia Root/Stalk Powder

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Solomon's Seal Rhizome Powder

Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm and condition the skin, but scientific evidence is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sophora Japonica Flower Powder

SOPHORA JAPONICA FLOWER POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder rich in antioxidants that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stressors, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sophora Root Powder

Sophora Flavescens Root Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Spearmint Extract

Mentha Spicata Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

Spearmint extract offers a refreshing, soothing feel with mild astringent benefits, but its fragrance components can irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Spearmint Leaf Extract

Mentha Viridis Leaf Extract

3.8

Spearmint Leaf Extract offers gentle soothing and antioxidant benefits, but its effects are mild and best suited for normal to oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Spearmint Leaf Juice

Mentha Viridis Leaf Juice

3.8

Spearmint Leaf Juice offers a gentle, minty refresh for normal to oily skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal and it may cause sensitivity in very reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Spearmint Leaf Powder

Mentha Viridis Leaf Powder

3.8

Spearmint leaf powder offers gentle astringent and soothing benefits, but its effectiveness in skincare is not well-studied and may vary by formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Spice & Herb Leaf Water Blend

CINNAMOMUM CASSIA BARK/SYZGIUM AROMATICUM BUD/ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF/THYMUS VULGARIS LEAF WATER

3.8

A fragrant botanical water blend that can add antioxidant and soothing properties, but may be irritating for sensitive skin due to essential oil components.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Spike Lavender Extract

LAVANDULA SPICA HERB EXTRACT

3.8

Spike lavender extract adds a fresh herbal scent and may offer mild soothing effects, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its essential oil content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Stemona Root Powder

Stemona Sessilifolia Root Powder

3.5

A gentle botanical powder with traditional use for soothing skin, but modern cosmetic evidence is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Stereospermum Root Powder

STEREOSPERMUM SUAVEOLENS ROOT POWDER

3.5

A traditional botanical root powder with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but scientific research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Stinging Nettle Extract

Urtica Dioica Extract

3.8

Stinging Nettle Extract is a gentle botanical that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but its benefits are modest and not as well-studied as some other plant extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Stinging Nettle Leaf Powder

Urtica Dioica Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, but its benefits in skincare are not yet strongly backed by clinical studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Strawberry Begonia Water

Saxifraga Sarmentosa Water

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Swallowwort Root Powder

Vincetoxicum Atratum Root Powder

3.5

A traditional botanical root powder with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but clinical evidence in cosmetics is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Syringa Oblata Bark/Leaf Powder

Syringa Oblata Bark/Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle plant powder that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research on its specific effects in skincare is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tabebuia Bark Powder

Tabebuia Avellanedae Bark Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Tangerine Fruit Water

CITRUS TANGERINA FRUIT WATER

3.8

Tangerine fruit water is a gentle, water-based botanical that adds light hydration and a subtle citrus scent, but its benefits beyond fragrance are not well-studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antimicrobial

Tea Tree Leaf Powder

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Powder

3.8

Tea tree leaf powder can help purify oily or blemish-prone skin, but it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Thuja Orientalis Powder

Thuja Orientalis Branch/Leaf Powder

3.5

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Thyme Flower/Leaf/Stem Water

Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf/Stem Water

4.0

Thyme water is a mild, fragrant botanical water that can add a subtle antimicrobial boost and a pleasant herbal scent to skincare, but it is not a potent active ingredient on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Thyme Leaf & Stem Powder

Thymus Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Powder

3.8

Thyme powder brings antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits to skincare, but its gritty texture limits it mostly to rinse-off products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Tiger Lily Extract

Lilium Tigrinum Extract

3.8

Tiger lily extract is a gentle botanical ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tinospora Cordifolia Stem Powder

TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA STEM POWDER

3.8

A traditional Ayurvedic botanical that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but clinical skincare evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tinospora Tuberculata Powder

TINOSPORA TUBERCULATA POWDER

3.5

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a skincare staple.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Tougarashi Extract

Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract

3.5

Tougarashi extract may offer a warming, tingling sensation and antioxidant benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and has limited research backing its cosmetic use.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Tulip Flower Water

TULIPA GESNERIANA FLOWER WATER

3.5

A gentle, lightly fragrant floral water that adds a subtle botanical touch to skincare, but with limited research on specific skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Firming Agent

Turkestanica Extract

Ajuga Turkestanica Extract

4.0

A botanical extract that may help improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines, with generally low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Turmeric Leaf Powder

Curcuma Longa Leaf Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Valerian Root Extract

Valeriana Officinalis Rhizome/Root Extract

3.5

Valerian root extract is a gentle botanical with potential calming and antioxidant benefits, but research in skincare is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Viola Prionantha Powder

VIOLA PRIONANTHA POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with traditional soothing and antioxidant potential, but clinical evidence is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Virginia Grapefern Extract

Botrychium Virginianum Extract

3.8

A gentle fern extract with antioxidant potential, best for soothing sensitive or irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Water Horsetail Extract

Equisetum fluviatile 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
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

White Ginger Lily Powder

HEDYCHIUM CORONARIUM POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder 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

White Mulberry Leaf Powder

Morus Alba Leaf Powder

4.0

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but its benefits are not as well-studied as mulberry fruit or root extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

White Peony Root Powder

Paeonia Albiflora Root Powder

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

White Water Lily Extract

NYMPHAEA ALBA FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review