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

Belamcanda Chinensis Root Extract

Belamcanda Chinensis Root 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

Antioxidant

Belladonna Lily Extract

Amaryllis Belladonna Flower/Leaf/Stem 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
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Bergenia Emeiensis Root Extract

Bergenia Emeiensis Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Billy Goat Weed Extract

AGERATUM CONYZOIDES FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bishop's Weed Flower Extract

Trachyspermum ammi flower 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

Bistort Root Extract

Polygonum Bistorta Root Extract

3.8

Bistort 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

Soothing agent

Bittersweet Nightshade Stem Extract

Solanum Dulcamara Stem Extract

3.0

A plant extract with potential soothing benefits, but limited research and a cautionary note due to the plant's toxicity in raw form.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Black Birch Twig Extract

Betula Lenta Twig Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Black Cohosh Root Extract

CIMICIFUGA SIMPLEX ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Black Knapweed Extract

CENTAUREA NIGRA EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Black Locust Flower Water

Robinia Pseudoacacia Flower Water

3.5

A gentle, lightly fragrant flower water that adds a subtle floral note and mild soothing feel, but lacks strong research backing for specific skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Blackhaw Viburnum Extract

VIBURNUM PRUNIFOLIUM 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

Blackthorn Wood Extract

PRUNUS SPINOSA WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with mild astringent and antioxidant benefits, best for normal to oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Blessed Thistle Extract

Cnicus Benedictus Extract

3.8

Blessed Thistle Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bletia Hyacinthina Bulb Extract

BLETIA HYACINTHINA BULB EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antimicrobial

Bloodroot Extract

Sanguinaria Canadensis Rhizome/Root Extract

3.5

Bloodroot extract may offer antimicrobial benefits for acne-prone skin, but it can be irritating and is not well-studied for cosmetic use.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Blue Cohosh Root Extract

Caulophyllum thalictroides rhizome/root

3.5

Blue Cohosh Root Extract offers antioxidant benefits but has limited safety data in cosmetics and may be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Blue Flag Iris Extract

Iris Versicolor Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with soothing and antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's best used in well-formulated products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Skin conditioning agent

Bobgunnia Wood Extract

Bobgunnia Madagascariensis Wood Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant 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

Antioxidant

Boehmeria Leaf Extract

Boehmeria Nipononivea Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Boehmeria Spicata Extract

Boehmeria Spicata Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bogbean Leaf Extract

Menyanthes Trifoliata 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

Astringent

Botanical Astringent Complex

POTENTILLA ERECTA ROOT/(HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA/ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS/SALVIA OFFICINALIS) LEAF/THYMUS VULGARIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A multi-herb botanical blend that can help tighten pores and calm skin, but its effectiveness depends heavily on the formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

British Yellowhead Extract

INULA BRITANNICA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM 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

Buchu Leaf Extract

Barosma betulina leaf extract

3.8

Buchu leaf extract is a gentle botanical with traditional use for soothing skin, but scientific evidence for its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Buchu Leaf/Twig Extract

Barosma betulina leaf/twig 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

Bugbane Extract

Cimicifuga Acerina Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it is not a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bugbane Root Extract

Actaea Heracleifolia Root Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bugleweed Leaf Extract

Ajuga Reptans Leaf Extract

3.8

Bugleweed Leaf 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

Bugloss Extract

Lycopsis arvensis fruit/leaf/root/stem extract

4.0

Bugloss extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its specific benefits in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bupleurum Falcatum Extract

BUPLEURUM FALCATUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM 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

Burdock Root Extract

Arctium Minus Root Extract

4.0

Burdock root extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm irritation and support a clear-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Burnet Root Extract

POTERIUM SANGUISORBA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Burnet Saxifrage Extract

PIMPINELLA SAXIFRAGA EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Burning Bush Root Extract

Dictamnus albus root 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 individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bursera Simaruba Bark Extract

BURSERA SIMARUBA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Anti-inflammatory

Butcher's Broom Root Extract

Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps reduce puffiness and support skin firmness, especially around the eyes.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Butterbur Root Extract

PETASITES JAPONICUS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

Butterbur root extract is a gentle botanical with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research in topical skincare is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Cajuput Leaf Extract

Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajputi Leaf Extract

3.8

A traditional botanical extract with potential soothing and clarifying 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

Calamintha Extract

CALAMINTHA OFFICINALIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with limited but promising research for soothing and antioxidant benefits in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Calamus Root Extract

Acorus Calamus Root Extract

3.5

Calamus root extract may offer soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but its safety is debated due to potential carcinogenic compounds in some varieties.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Calamus Root Water

Acorus Calamus Rhizome Water

3.5

A mild botanical water that may offer soothing benefits, but research is limited and some safety concerns exist regarding certain chemotypes.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

California Poppy Extract

ESCHSCHOLZIA CALIFORNICA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

California poppy 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

California Poppy Leaf Extract

Eschscholzia californica leaf extract

3.8

A gentle botanical 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

Calla Lily Extract

ZANTEDESCHIA AETHIOPICA FLOWER/STEM 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
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Camphor Leaf Extract

CINNAMOMUM CAMPHORA LINALOOLIFERUM LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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
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Soothing agent

Camphor Root Extract

Cinnamomum Camphora Linalooliferum Root Extract

3.5

A plant-based extract with potential soothing benefits, but limited research and a risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Campion Flower Extract

Silene Armeria/Colorata/Uniflora/Velutina/Vulgaris 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
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Canada Goldenrod Extract

SOLIDAGO CANADENSIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

Canada goldenrod extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Canadian Germander Extract

Teucrium Canadense Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with preliminary evidence for soothing and antioxidant benefits, but more research is needed to confirm its efficacy in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Canadian Mint Extract

Mentha canadensis branch/leaf extract

3.8

A mild botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide a refreshing sensation, but research on its specific benefits is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cananga Flower Extract

Cananga Odorata Macrophylla Flower Extract

3.8

A fragrant botanical extract that may offer soothing benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Canna Hybrid Root Extract

Canna Hybrid Root Extract

3.8

A gentle plant 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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Soothing Agent

Canna Indica Root Extract

Canna Indica Root Extract

3.8

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

Soothing Agent

Casearia Sylvestris Leaf Extract

Casearia Sylvestris Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cassia Artemisioides Extract

CASSIA ARTEMISIOIDES LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Cassia Italica Leaf Extract

Cassia Italica Leaf Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited compared to more studied plant extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review