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

Antioxidant

Crinum Asiaticum Seed Extract

Crinum Asiaticum Seed Extract

3.5

A botanical extract with some antioxidant potential, but limited research and a known toxicity concern in its raw form require cautious use in skincare.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Crisp Pelargonium Leaf Extract

Pelargonium Crispum Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help tighten pores and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited and it's mainly used for its pleasant scent.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cryptolepis Buchanani Extract

Cryptolepis Buchanani Flower/Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cudweed Extract

GNAPHALIUM AFFINE FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm irritated skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Culilawan Leaf Extract

Cinnamomum Culilawan Leaf Extract

3.8

A fragrant leaf extract with antioxidant potential, but limited human research and a moderate risk of skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cundurango Root Extract

Marsdenia Cundurango Root Extract

3.8

Cundurango Root 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

Curly Mint Leaf Extract

Mentha Spicata Crispa Herb Extract

3.8

Curly Mint Leaf Extract is a gentle botanical that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Cusparia Bark Extract

CUSPARIA FEBRIFUGA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is limited and it's best used as part of a broader formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Cyperus Articulatus Root

Cyperus Articulatus Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, aromatic root 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

Cyperus Scariosus Root Extract

CYPERUS SCARIOSUS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Cypress Bark Extract

Cupressus Sempervirens Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help tighten pores and provide antioxidant protection, though research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Dactylorhiza Fuchsii Extract

DACTYLORHIZA FUCHSII EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Daffodil Flower Extract

Narcissus Pseudonarcissus Flower 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

Daffodil Root Extract

NARCISSUS PSEUDONARCISSUS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract from daffodil roots 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

Daisy & Everlasting Flower Extract

Bellis Perennis Flower/Helichrysum Italicum Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical duo that may help calm redness and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited to lab studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Dandelion Root Extract

Taraxacum Sinicum Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Daphne Genkwa Bud Extract

Daphne Genkwa Bud Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Daphne Kiusiana Extract

Daphne Kiusiana 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

David Elm Root Extract

Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Defatted Viburnum Opulus Flower

DEFATTED VIBURNUM OPULUS FLOWER

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Desmodium Oldhamii Extract

Desmodium Oldhamii Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Dipteryx Odorata Seed Water

Dipteryx Odorata Seed Water

3.8

A gentle, naturally fragrant water from tonka bean seeds that adds a subtle scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but lacks strong research for skin-specific effects.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Disporum Sessile Leaf Extract

Disporum Sessile Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Dracontium Longipes Extract

Dracontium Longipes Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Drumstick Primula Leaf Extract

Primula Denticulata Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Duboisia Leaf Extract

DUBOISIA LEICHHARDTII LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it may be unfamiliar to many consumers.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Dwarf Nettle Extract

Urtica Urens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

Dwarf nettle extract is a gentle botanical ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Dwarf Nettle Leaf Extract

Urtica Urens Leaf Extract

3.8

Dwarf nettle 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

Fragrance Component

Eastern Red Cedar Wood Extract

Juniperus Virginiana Wood Extract

3.8

A fragrant wood extract with mild antioxidant potential, best suited for those who enjoy natural, woody scents and have no sensitivity to essential oils.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Echinacea Leaf Extract

ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but its benefits are not as well-studied as some other plant extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Echinops Giganteus Root Extract

Echinops Giganteus Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Echium Lycopsis Root Extract

Echium Lycopsis Root Extract

3.8

A gentle root extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, though research is limited and it's not a powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Elephantopus Mollis Leaf Extract

ELEPHANTOPUS MOLLIS LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle plant extract with promising antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare research is very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Embelia Ribes Root Extract

EMBELIA RIBES ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

A traditional botanical extract with promising antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, but more human skincare studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Emmeisou Ekisu

Emmeisou Ekisu

3.8

A gentle botanical extract from Japanese mugwort that may help calm redness and support skin barrier function, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Enkleia Thorelii Root Extract

Enkleia Thorelii Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is very limited — treat it as a nice-to-have rather than a hero ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ephedra Distachya Extract

EPHEDRA DISTACHYA EXTRACT

3.2

Ephedra Distachya Extract is a botanical ingredient with potential antioxidant benefits, but its use in skincare is not well-studied and may pose irritation risks for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Ephedra Sinica Root Extract

EPHEDRA SINICA ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

A plant root extract with potential soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but limited research and possible irritation risk for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Ephedra Sinica Water

EPHEDRA SINICA WATER

3.0

Ephedra Sinica Water may offer soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but its safety in skincare is not well-established and it may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Erica Arborea Root Extract

Erica Arborea 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

Erythrina Variegata Leaf Extract

Erythrina Variegata 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 large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Eucalyptus Alba Leaf Extract

Eucalyptus Alba Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited compared to more common eucalyptus species.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance component

Eucalyptus Dives Leaf Extract

EUCALYPTUS DIVES LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A botanical extract with a fresh, minty scent that may help clarify oily or blemish-prone skin, but can be irritating for sensitive types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Eucalyptus Dunnii Leaf Extract

EUCALYPTUS DUNNII 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

Fragrance component

Eucalyptus Pulverulenta Leaf Water

EUCALYPTUS PULVERULENTA LEAF WATER

3.8

A gentle, aromatic leaf water that adds a subtle eucalyptus scent and mild soothing feel, but lacks strong clinical backing for skin benefits.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Eucalyptus Radiata Extract

EUCALYPTUS RADIATA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

Eucalyptus radiata extract offers a refreshing, purifying boost for oily or congested skin, but its natural essential oil content can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Eucalyptus Smithii Leaf Extract

Eucalyptus Smithii Leaf Extract

3.8

A plant extract with antimicrobial and soothing potential, but may irritate sensitive skin due to its essential oil content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Eupatorium Fortunei Extract

EUPATORIUM FORTUNEI EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Eupatorium Lindleyanum Extract

EUPATORIUM LINDLEYANUM 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

Antioxidant

Euphorbia Lathyris Seed Extract

EUPHORBIA LATHYRIS SEED EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Euphorbia Supina Stem Extract

EUPHORBIA SUPINA STEM EXTRACT

3.5

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

Evening Primrose Leaf Extract

OENOTHERA BIENNIS LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited compared to the seed oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Evening Primrose Root Extract

OENOTHERA BIENNIS ROOT 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

Excoecaria Bicolor Leaf Extract

EXCOECARIA BICOLOR LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A mangrove leaf extract with early research suggesting antioxidant benefits, but limited human studies and potential for skin sensitivity in rare cases.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fabiana Imbricata Extract

Fabiana Imbricata 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

Antioxidant

False Nettle Extract

Boehmeria Pannosa Branch/Leaf 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
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Farfugium Japonicum Extract

Farfugium Japonicum 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