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 676
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

Abronia Villosa Leaf Extract

Abronia Villosa Leaf Extract

3.5

A gentle, plant-based extract with early evidence of soothing and antioxidant benefits, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Abrus Precatorius Root Extract

Abrus Precatorius Root Extract

3.0

A traditional botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but safety concerns around the plant's seeds limit its use in modern cosmetics.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Abrus Root Extract

Abrus Fruticulosus Root Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Acacia Catechu Wood Extract

ACACIA CATECHU WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that helps tighten pores and fight free radicals, but research is mostly lab-based.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Acacia Farnesiana Extract

Acacia Farnesiana Flower/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Acacia Farnesiana Flower Extract

Acacia Farnesiana Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Achyrocline Satureioides Extract

ACHYROCLINE SATUREIOIDES FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Acorus Gramineus Rhizome Extract

Acorus Gramineus Rhizome Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early and mostly lab-based.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Adenophora Stricta Root Extract

Adenophora Stricta Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Adonis Palaestina Flower Extract

ADONIS PALAESTINA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is very limited and it's not a well-studied ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Agrimony Leaf Extract

Agrimonia Eupatoria Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Agrimony Root Extract

AGRIMONIA EUPATORIA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

Agrimony root extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Alangium Bark Extract

Alangium Salviifolium Bark Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Aletris Root Extract

ALETRIS FARINOSA ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical root extract with a history in traditional wellness, but limited modern research to support specific skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Aleurites Montanus Leaf Extract

Aleurites Montanus Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Alisma Extract

Alisma Plantago Aquatica Extract

3.8

Alisma Extract is a gentle botanical that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Skin conditioning agent

Almond Kernel Extract

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Kernel Extract

4.0

Almond Kernel Extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps soothe and condition the skin, making it a good fit for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Alpinia Calcarata Extract

Alpinia Calcarata Rhizome/Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract from the ginger family that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Alpinia Intermedia Leaf/Stem Water

Alpinia Intermedia Leaf/Stem Water

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ambrosia Peruviana Leaf Extract

AMBROSIA PERUVIANA LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A plant extract with potential antioxidant benefits, but limited research and a possible allergy risk for those sensitive to ragweed.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

American Elm Flower Extract

ULMUS AMERICANA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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 extract
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Soothing agent

American Groundnut Root Extract

Apios Americana Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

American Linden Flower Extract

Tilia Americana Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that helps calm irritated skin and provides mild protection against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

American Pennyroyal Extract

HEDEOMA PULEGIOIDES (AMERICAN PENNYROYAL) EXTRACT

2.0

American pennyroyal extract is a fragrant botanical that poses notable skin irritation risks and is not recommended for routine skincare use.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

American Prickly Ash Bark Extract

ZANTHOXYLUM AMERICANUM BARK EXTRACT

3.5

A traditional botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but limited modern research and a moderate risk of skin irritation for sensitive types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

American Spikenard Extract

Aralia Racemosa Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Androsace Umbellata Extract

ANDROSACE UMBELLATA EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits for skin is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Acutiloba Flower Extract

ANGELICA ACUTILOBA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still limited compared to more studied antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Acutiloba Leaf Extract

Angelica Acutiloba Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, best for sensitive or dry skin types looking for mild plant-based support.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Angelica Extract

Angelica Furcijuga Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on this specific species is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance component

Aniba Rosaeodora Amazonica Wood Extract

ANIBA ROSAEODORA AMAZONICA WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A fragrant botanical extract with limited research on skin benefits; best for those who enjoy natural scents and have no fragrance sensitivities.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Aniba Rosaeodora Root Extract

ANIBA ROSAEODORA ROOT EXTRACT ACETYLATED

3.5

A gentle botanical extract from rosewood root that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and sustainability concerns exist.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance Component

Aniba Rosodora Wood Extract

ANIBA ROSODORA WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A fragrant wood extract with mild skin-conditioning potential, but limited research and moderate irritation risk mean it's best for those without sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Annual Fleabane Flower Extract

ERIGERON ANNUUS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Annual Mercury Extract

Mercurialis Annua Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with promising anti-inflammatory benefits, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Anthurium Flower Extract

Anthurium Andraeanum Flower Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Apple Mint Leaf Extract

Mentha Suaveolens Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ardisia Crenata Leaf Extract

Ardisia Crenata Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Areca & Clove Stem Extract

Areca Catechu Seed/Eugenia Caryophyllus Stem Extract

3.5

A traditional botanical blend with astringent and antimicrobial potential, but limited modern safety data and moderate irritation risk.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Astringent

Areca Catechu Shell Extract

ARECA CATECHU SHELL EXTRACT

2.5

Areca catechu shell extract is a traditional botanical with astringent properties, but its use in modern skincare is limited by a lack of safety data and potential for irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Skin-conditioning agent

Arisaema Root Extract

Arisaema Consanguineum Root Extract

3.0

Arisaema Root Extract is a traditional botanical with very limited modern cosmetic research; its safety and efficacy are not well-established for skincare.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract

ARTEMISIA CAPILLARIS FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

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 extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Artemisia Gmelinii Extract

ARTEMISIA GMELINII EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Artemisia Pallens Extract

ARTEMISIA PALLENS HERB EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Artemisia Pallens Flower Extract

ARTEMISIA PALLENS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Artemisia Umbelliformis Extract

ARTEMISIA UMBELLIFORMIS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from alpine wormwood that may help calm irritated skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Arthraxon Hispidus Extract

Arthraxon Hispidus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

A gentle plant extract with early research suggesting antioxidant benefits, but human skincare studies are very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Asarum Root Extract

ASARUM HETEROTROPOIDES ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it may cause sensitivity in rare cases.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Ash Bark Extract

Fraxinus Excelsior Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle bark extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Asian Yarrow Extract

Achillea Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ayapana Extract

EUPATORIUM AYAPANA EXTRACT

3.8

Ayapana 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 extract
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Leaf and Stem Extract

Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Barosma Betulina Root Extract

Barosma Betulina Root Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bay Leaf Water

Laurus Nobilis Leaf/Stem Water

3.8

A gentle, aromatic botanical water that may offer mild soothing and antioxidant benefits, but lacks strong clinical evidence for specific skincare claims.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Astringent

Bayberry Bark Extract

Myrica Cerifera Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with astringent and soothing potential, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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