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

Siberian Motherwort Extract

Leonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Siberian Motherwort Leaf Extract

Leonurus Sibiricus Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Sichuan Pepper Extract

ZANTHOXYLUM BUNGEANUM BARK/FRUIT/FLOWER/STALK 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 extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sida Cordifolia Root Extract

Sida Cordifolia Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sigesbeckia Extract

Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though 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

Sikkim Primrose Flower Extract

PRIMULA SIKKIMENSIS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin, but research is limited and benefits are not well-documented.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Silene Colorata Extract

SILENE COLORATA EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Silene Uniflora Extract

SILENE UNIFLORA FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Silk Tree Bark & Seed Extract

Albizia Julibrissin Bark/Seed 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 extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Silk Tree Bark Extract

Albizia Julibrissin Bark 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 extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Silk Tree Extract

Albizia Julibrissin Branch/Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Silk Tree Flower Extract

Albizia Julibrissin Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Silver Nailwort Leaf Extract

Paronychia Argentea Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Smilacina Japonica Extract

Smilacina Japonica 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 extract
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Antioxidant

Smilax China Bark Extract

Smilax China (China Root) Bark Extract

3.8

Smilax China Bark Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Smilax Medica Root Extract

Smilax Medica Root Extract

3.8

A gentle plant root extract with traditional use for soothing skin, but modern research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Smilax Utilis Root Extract

Smilax Utilis Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical root extract with traditional use for soothing skin, though modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Smooth Hydrangea Root Extract

Hydrangea Arborescens Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Solanum Mammosum Fruit Extract

Solanum Mammosum Fruit Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with limited research; may offer soothing and antioxidant benefits but is not a proven powerhouse.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Solomon's Seal Rhizome Extract

Polygonatum Multiflorum Rhizome/Root Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract

SOPHORA ANGUSTIFOLIA ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sophora Japonica Branch Extract

Sophora Japonica Branch Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Sophora Japonica Root Extract

Sophora Japonica Root Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Soursop Bark Extract

Annona Muricata Bark Extract

3.5

A plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but human research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Southernwood Extract

Artemisia Abrotanum Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sow Thistle Juice Extract

Sonchus Oleraceus Juice 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

Antioxidant

Spatholobus Bark Extract

SPATHOLOBUS PARVIFLORUS BARK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Speedwell Extract

Veronica Officinalis 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

Spergularia Rubra Extract

SPERGULARIA RUBRA EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Firming agent

Spilanthes Extract

SPILANTHES ACMELLA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

Spilanthes extract is a natural botanical that may help temporarily tighten and smooth the skin, often compared to a milder, plant-based alternative to synthetic peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Spilanthes Leaf Extract

Spilanthes Acmella Leaf Extract

3.8

A plant extract that may temporarily tighten and smooth skin, but research is limited and effects are subtle.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Spiny Restharrow Root Extract

Ononis Spinosa Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical root extract with soothing and antioxidant potential, best suited for sensitive or irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

St. John's Wort Extract

HYPERICUM PERFORATUM EXTRACT

3.8

A soothing botanical extract with antioxidant benefits, but may increase sun sensitivity in high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Star of Bethlehem Bulb Extract

ORNITHOGALUM UMBELLATUM BULB EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Stellaria Extract

STELLERA CHAMAEJASME FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

A traditional herbal extract with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, but limited modern safety data means caution is warranted.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Stellaria Leaf/Stem Extract

STELLERA CHAMAEJASME LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Stemona Root Extract

Stemona Sessilifolia Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional roots and emerging research for soothing and antioxidant benefits in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Stenoloma Chusanum Extract

Stenoloma Chusanum Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle fern extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and mostly traditional.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract

STEPHANIA TETRANDRA ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

A traditional herbal root extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research in cosmetics is still emerging and quality can vary.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Stillingia Root Extract

STILLINGIA SYLVATICA ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

Stillingia Root Extract is a gentle botanical with traditional soothing and antimicrobial uses, but modern cosmetic research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Stoechas Lavender Extract

LAVANDULA STOECHAS FLOWER/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited human studies on its skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Strawberry Root Extract

Fragaria Ananassa Root Extract

3.5

A gentle plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Strawflower Extract

XEROCHRYSUM BRACTEATUM 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 extract
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Antioxidant

Summer Snowflake Bulb Extract

LEUCOJUM AESTIVUM BULB 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 extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sundew Extract

Drosera Ramentacea Extract

3.5

A gentle plant extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Sutherlandia Leaf Extract

Sutherlandia Frutescens Leaf Extract

3.8

Sutherlandia leaf extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Swallowwort Extract

Vincetoxicum atratum extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Swallowwort Root Extract

VINCETOXICUM HIRUNDINARIA ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical root extract with antioxidant potential, but limited human research to support specific skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sweet Cicely Extract

Myrrhis Odorata Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sweet Clover Leaf Extract

Melilotus Officinalis Leaf 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 extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sweet Flag Root Extract

Acorus Gramineus Root/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sweet Goldenrod Extract

Solidago Odora Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is limited compared to more established plant extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sweet Vernal Grass Extract

Anthoxanthum Odoratum Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it's primarily used for its pleasant vanilla-like scent.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Sweet Violet Extract

VIOLA ODORATA FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A mild, plant-derived extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sweet Violet Flower Extract

VIOLA ODORATA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A mild, plant-based extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sweet Woodruff Extract

ASPERULA ODORATA FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Swertia Japonica Extract

SWERTIA JAPONICA POWDER

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 extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sycamore Bark Extract

Platanus Occidentalis Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Symplocos Bark Extract

SYMPLOCOS RACEMOSA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

Symplocos Bark Extract is a gentle botanical with traditional soothing and astringent benefits, but modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review