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

Szechuan Lovage Root Extract

LIGUSTICUM CHUANXIONG 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
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Soothing Agent

Tagetes Erecta Root Extract

TAGETES ERECTA ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Tagetes Minuta Flower Extract

TAGETES MINUTA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Taiwan Meadowsweet Extract

Filipendula Formosa Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Botanical Extract

Tanacetum Cinerariifolium Root Extract

TANACETUM CINERARIIFOLIUM ROOT EXTRACT

2.5

A botanical root extract with insect-repelling history, but its use in skincare is limited and may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance component

Tangerine Leaf Water

CITRUS RETICULATA LEAF WATER

3.5

A gentle, aromatic water from tangerine leaves that adds a light citrus scent and mild antioxidant benefits to skincare, but lacks strong clinical research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Tansy Extract

Jacobaea vulgaris extract

3.5

Tansy extract is a plant-based ingredient with antioxidant potential, but its use in skincare is still emerging and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Astringent

Tansy Flower Extract

Tanacetum Vulgare Flower Extract

3.5

Tansy flower extract offers astringent and soothing benefits, but its use in skincare is limited by potential skin irritation and lack of robust safety data.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Tarragon Root Extract

Artemisia Dracunculus Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Tatarinow's Aster Root Extract

Aster Tataricus Root/Rhizome Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Tayuya Root Extract

Cayaponia Tayuya Root Extract

3.8

Tayuya Root Extract is a gentle botanical with traditional anti-inflammatory uses, but modern skincare evidence is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Tecoma Curialis Bark Extract

Tecoma Curialis Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle bark 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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Soothing agent

Thuja Bark Extract

Thuja Occidentalis Bark Extract

3.5

Thuja Bark Extract may offer soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but its use in skincare is still emerging and requires caution due to potential skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antimicrobial

Thuja Leaf/Stem Extract

Thuja Occidentalis Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A traditional botanical extract with some antimicrobial promise, but limited modern research and a moderate risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Thuja Root Extract

Thuja Occidentalis Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Astringent

Thuja Stem Extract

Thuja Occidentalis Stem Extract

3.5

A plant extract with traditional astringent uses, but limited modern research on its effectiveness and safety in skincare.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Tiarella Polyphylla Extract

Tiarella Polyphylla Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with early research suggesting soothing and antioxidant benefits, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Tiger Lily Flower Extract

CALOCHORTUS TOLMIEI FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Tiger Lily Root Extract

Lilium Tigrinum Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Tormentil & Thyme Botanical Blend

POTENTILLA ERECTA ROOT/LEAF/THYMUS VULGARIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical blend with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on this specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Astringent

Tormentil Root Extract

POTENTILLA ERECTA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle astringent root extract that can help tighten pores and calm minor skin irritation without stripping moisture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Touki Extract

TOUKI

4.0

Touki is a gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and support a more even tone, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Tree of Heaven Bark Extract

Ailanthus altissima bark extract

3.5

A botanical extract with traditional astringent uses, but limited modern research on its skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Trientalis Europaea Flower Extract

Trientalis Europaea Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Triteleia Ixioides Extract

TRITELEIA IXIOIDES EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Turpeth Leaf/Stem Extract

Operculina turpethum leaf/stem extract

3.5

A traditional Ayurvedic plant extract with early evidence of antioxidant and soothing benefits, but limited modern cosmetic research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Valeriana Celtica Extract

Valeriana Celtica Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited compared to more common skincare ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Verbena Extract

Verbena Officinalis Flower/Leaf Extract

3.8

Verbena extract is a gentle botanical ingredient that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited compared to more studied antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Verbena Flower Extract

VERBENA OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

Verbena flower extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Verbena Flower/Leaf Water

VERBENA OFFICINALIS FLOWER/LEAF WATER

3.8

A gentle, aromatic botanical water that may offer mild astringent and soothing benefits, but lacks strong clinical evidence for major skin improvements.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Verbena Leaf Extract

Verbena Officinalis Leaf Extract

3.8

Verbena Leaf Extract offers gentle soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research on its topical effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Verbena Leaf/Stem Water

VERBENA OFFICINALIS LEAF/STEM WATER

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water that may help tone and refresh skin, but its benefits are largely anecdotal and not backed by strong clinical evidence.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Vernonia Leaf Extract

Vernonia Appendiculata Leaf Extract

3.5

A plant extract with early research suggesting antioxidant and soothing benefits, but human skin studies are very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Viola Yedoensis Extract

VIOLA YEDOENSIS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical 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

Soothing agent

Violet Willow Extract

Salix daphnoides bud/leaf/stem extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Virginia Nightshade Extract

Solanum Virginianum Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Visnaga Vera Extract

Visnaga Vera Fruit/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Waltheria Indica Leaf Extract

WALTHERIA INDICA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Water Mint Leaf Extract

Mentha Aquatica 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

Soothing agent

Western Dock Extract

Rumex Occidentalis Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

White Dead Nettle Extract

LAMIUM ALBUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM 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

Soothing Agent

White Dead Nettle Flower Extract

Lamium Album Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, but clinical evidence is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

White Dead Nettle Leaf Extract

LAMIUM ALBUM LEAF 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

Soothing Agent

White Mugwort Flower Extract

ARTEMISIA HERBA-ALBA FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

White Peony Root Extract

Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract

4.1

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

White Poplar Bark Extract

Populus Alba Bark 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

White Sweet Clover Extract

MELILOTUS ALBUS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM 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 extract
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Antioxidant

White Water Lily Root Extract

Nymphaea Alba Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract 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

Whitlow Grass Extract

Draba nemorosa Extract

3.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract with limited but promising research for soothing and protecting the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Wild Bergamot Extract

Monarda fistulosa extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but human skin research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Wild Cherry Bark Extract

Prunus Virginiana Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited compared to more established ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Wild Geranium Extract

GERANIUM MACULATUM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Wild Ginger Root Extract

Asarum Sieboldii Rhizome/Root Extract

3.5

A traditional botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and some species contain compounds of concern.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Wild Indigo Root Extract

BAPTISIA TINCTORIA ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

Wild Indigo Root Extract is a gentle botanical with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research in cosmetics is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Wild Mustard Flower Extract

Sinapis Arvensis Flower Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Wild Pansy Flower Juice

VIOLA TRICOLOR FLOWER JUICE

4.0

A gentle, soothing botanical juice that helps calm irritated skin and provides antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Wild Sarsaparilla Root Extract

Aralia nudicaulis Root Extract

3.5

A gentle plant root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Exfoliant

Willow Bark Extract

Salix Tetrasperma Bark Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based alternative to salicylic acid that helps exfoliate and calm the skin without harshness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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