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

Farfugium Japonicum Stem Extract

Farfugium Japonicum Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Fibraurea Recisa Root Extract

FIBRAUREA RECISA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical root 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

Field Bindweed Extract

CONVOLVULUS ARVENSIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with limited research, possibly offering soothing and antioxidant benefits for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Field Scabious Extract

SCABIOSA ARVENSIS EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Figwort Root Extract

Scrophularia Buergeriana Root Extract

3.8

A gentle plant 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
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Soothing Agent

Filipendula Glaberrima Extract

Filipendula Glaberrima Extract

3.8

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

Fireweed Flower Extract

OXALIS HEDYSAROIDES FLOWER

3.8

A mild 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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Soothing agent

Forget-Me-Not Extract

MYOSOTIS SYLVATICA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

A mild, plant-based extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Foxtail Grass Extract

Vulpia myuros 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
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Soothing Agent

Fragrant Ginger Extract

Zingiber Aromaticus Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with soothing and antioxidant potential, though research is still emerging compared to better-studied ginger relatives.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Freesia Extract

Freesia Armstrongii Extract

3.5

Freesia Extract is a gentle botanical 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

Fritillaria Bulb Extract

Fritillaria Verticillata Bulb Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Fumitory Extract

Fumaria Officinalis Extract

3.8

Fumitory extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human studies are limited and it is not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Gentiana Acaulis Extract

GENTIANA ACAULIS FLOWER/LEAF 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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Soothing Agent

Gentiana Prostrata Extract

Gentiana Prostrata 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
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Soothing Agent

Gentianella Riojae Extract

Gentianella Riojae Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Geranium Macrorrhizum Extract

GERANIUM MACRORRHIZUM HERB EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing benefits, best for normal to combination skin looking for a mild astringent boost.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Gileadensis Bud Extract

COMMIPHORA GILEADENSIS BUD EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Glacial Artemisia Extract

Artemisia Glacialis Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich alpine extract that may help calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Gleditsia Australis Thorn Extract

GLEDITSIA AUSTRALIS THORN 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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Soothing Agent

Gnaphailum Extract

GNAPHALIUM POLYCEPHALUM EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Goat's Beard Root Extract

Aruncus Dioicus Root Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Golden Lily Bulb Extract

Notholirion Bulbuliferum Bulb Extract

3.8

A gentle plant 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

Goldenseal Root Extract

Hydrastis Canadensis Root Extract

3.5

Goldenseal root extract is a traditional botanical with potential soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but its use in modern skincare is limited by a lack of strong clinical evidence and potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Grevillea Flower Extract

GREVILLEA SPECIOSA 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

Antioxidant

Gromwell Root Extract

LITHOSPERMUM OFFICINALE ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Ground Ivy Extract

Glechoma Hederacea Flower/Leaf/Stem 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

Groundsel Extract

SENECIO VULGARIS EXTRACT

3.5

Groundsel extract is a botanical ingredient with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but its use in skincare is limited and requires caution due to possible skin sensitivity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Gumweed Extract

Grindelia Camporum Flower/Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Harebell Extract

Campanula rotundifolia extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Havardia Mexicana Bark Extract

Havardia Mexicana Bark Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Hedge Bindweed Extract

Calystegia sepium extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract

HEDYCHIUM CORONARIUM ROOT 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
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Hemp Nettle Extract

GALEOPSIS TETRAHIT FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Herbal Root & Bark Complex

Coptis Chinensis Rhizome/Phellodendron Chinense Bark/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root/Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract

4.0

A traditional herbal blend that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is mostly lab-based.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Heteropyxis Natalensis Leaf Extract

HETEROPYXIS NATALENSIS LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Hibiscus Abelmoschus Extract

Hibiscus Abelmoschus Extract

4.0

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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Soothing agent

Himalayan Balsam Flower Extract

IMPATIENS GLANDULIFERA FLOWER 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

Soothing agent

Hogweed Extract

HERACLEUM SPHONDYLIUM EXTRACT

3.5

Hogweed extract is a botanical ingredient with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but its use is limited by a moderate risk of skin irritation and a lack of robust research.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Honey Locust Wood Extract

Gleditsia Triacanthos Wood Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Honeysuckle & Licorice Root Extract

LONICERA JAPONICA FLOWER/ROOT/GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical blend that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress, but its effectiveness depends heavily on formulation and concentration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Honeysuckle Flower Extract

LONICERA CAPRIFOLIUM FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, ideal for sensitive and reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Honeysuckle Leaf Extract

LONICERA JAPONICA LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Horehound Extract

Marrubium Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hornbeam Bud Extract

Carpinus Betulus Bud 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
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Soothing Agent

Hornbeam Flower Extract

Carpinus Betulus Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hornbeam Leaf Extract

CARPINUS CORDATA LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Horopito Leaf Extract

Pseudowintera colorata leaf 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
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Soothing agent

Horse Chestnut Bark Extract

Aesculus Hippocastanum Bark Extract

4.0

Horse chestnut bark extract is a gentle botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but its effectiveness in skincare is still being studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Horse Chestnut Flower Extract

AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM/PAVIA FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Horsemint Extract

Mentha Longifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Horsetail & Arnica & Chamomile Flower Extract

EQUISETUM ARVENSE/(ARNICA MONTANA/CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA) FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but individual plant sensitivities are possible.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Horsetail Extract

EQUISETUM HYEMALE LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

Horsetail extract is a gentle botanical rich in silica and antioxidants, often used to soothe and support skin barrier function.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Hoya Lacunosa Flower Extract

Hoya Lacunosa Flower Extract

3.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract with limited research but a good safety profile for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Hyacinth Extract

Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract

3.5

Hyacinth Extract adds a pleasant floral scent to products but has limited proven skincare benefits beyond fragrance.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Hyacinth Root Extract

Hyacinthus Orientalis Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm redness and support the skin's moisture barrier, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Hydrangea Root Extract

Hydrangea Macrophylla Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review