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

Hypoxis Aurea Root Extract

Hypoxis Aurea Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Hypoxis Bulb Extract

Hypoxis Hemerocallidea Bulb Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Impatiens Balsamina Extract

IMPATIENS BALSAMINA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM 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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Antioxidant

Indian Cassia Leaf Extract

Cinnamomum Tamala Leaf Extract

3.5

A fragrant botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin due to natural aromatic compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Indian Fig Bark Extract

Ficus Indica Bark Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Indian Strawberry Extract

Fragaria Indica Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Inula Viscosa Extract

INULA VISCOSA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antimicrobial

Iodized Garlic Extract

IODIZED GARLIC EXTRACT

2.5

Iodized garlic extract is a traditional ingredient with antimicrobial claims, but it is rarely used in modern skincare because of its strong odor, high irritation potential, and lack of reliable cosmetic safety data.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Irakusa Extract

IRAKUSA NE EKISU

3.5

Irakusa Extract is a gentle botanical with potential soothing benefits, but research is limited and its exact identity is unclear from the label.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Iris Florentina Root Extract

IRIS FLORENTINA ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight free radicals, but its benefits are backed by limited human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Skin conditioning agent

Iris Germanica Root Extract

Iris Germanica Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm and condition skin, 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

Isatis Root Extract

Isatis Tinctoria Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Isodon Trichocarpus Extract

Isodon Trichocarpus 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
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Antioxidant

Isodonis Japonica Extract

Isodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk 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

Ivy Leaf/Stem Extract

HEDERA HELIX LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A botanical extract with traditional use for soothing and firming, but limited modern research and a moderate risk of skin irritation for sensitive types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Ivy Stem Extract

Hedera Helix (Ivy) Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but its benefits are modest and not a cure-all.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Hair conditioning agent

Jaborandi Leaf Extract

Pilocarpus Pennatifolius Leaf Extract

3.5

Jaborandi leaf extract is a traditional botanical with potential scalp-stimulating benefits, but clinical evidence is limited and it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Japanese Ampelopsis Root Extract

Ampelopsis Japonica Root 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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Antioxidant

Japanese Cinnamon Bark Extract

Cinnamomum Japonicum Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited human studies and a moderate risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Japanese Ginseng Root Extract

Panax Japonicus Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited compared to more studied ginseng varieties.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Japanese Hogfennel Extract

Peucedanum Japonicum 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
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Antioxidant

Japanese Hogfennel Root Extract

PEUCEDANUM JAPONICUM ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Japanese Mugwort Extract

Artemisia Japonica Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps calm irritated skin and provides antioxidant protection, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Japanese Onychium Extract

Onychium Japonicum Extract

3.8

A gentle fern 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

Japanese Thistle Extract

CNICUS JAPONICUS EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Japanese Water Lily Root Extract

NUPHAR JAPONICUM ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Japanese White Birch Bark Extract

Betula Platyphylla Japonica Bark Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich bark extract that helps calm and protect the skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Jasmine Extract

JASMINUM OFFICINALE EXTRACT

3.8

Jasmine extract adds a pleasant floral scent and may offer mild soothing benefits, but its main role in skincare is fragrance.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Jasmine Flower and Leaf Extract

JASMINUM OFFICINALE FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, fragrant botanical extract that adds a pleasant scent and mild soothing benefits to skincare, but its active effects are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Jasmine Flower Extract

Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, fragrant botanical extract that adds a pleasant scent and mild soothing benefits to skincare products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance component

Java Citronella Herb Extract

Cymbopogon Winterianus Herb Extract

3.5

A botanical extract with a fresh, lemony scent and mild astringent action, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Jehol Lovage Extract

LIGUSTICUM JEHOLENSE FLOWER/ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Job's Tears Extract

CAREX KOBOMUGI EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps soothe skin and support a more even tone, ideal for sensitive or dull-looking skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Job's Tears Root Extract

Coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen root extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Joe Pye Weed Extract

EUPATORIUM PURPUREUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM 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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Astringent

Juliana Bark Extract

Juliana Adstringens Bark Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical astringent that may help tighten pores and calm skin, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Juncus Decipiens Stem Extract

JUNCUS DECIPIENS STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Juniper Berry & Leaf Water

Juniperus Communis Fruit/Leaf Water

3.8

A gentle, aromatic botanical water that adds a fresh scent and mild antioxidant benefits to skincare, but its direct skin effects are not well-studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Kalanchoe Leaf Extract

KALANCHOE GASTONIS-BONNIERI LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Kalanchoe Spathulata Extract

Kalanchoe Spathulata Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though clinical evidence in humans is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Kangaroo Apple Leaf Extract

Solanum Aviculare Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Kanokosou Extract

Kanokosou Ekisu

3.5

Kanokosou extract is a gentle botanical with potential soothing benefits, but research is limited and it's not a proven powerhouse.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Kenilworth Ivy Extract

LINARIA CYMBALARIA 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

Antioxidant

Kidney Vetch Extract

ANTHYLLIS VULNERARIA 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
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Soothing agent

Kidney Vetch Flower Extract

ANTHYLLIS VULNERARIA FLOWER 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

Kina Ekisu

Kina Ekisu

3.8

Kina Ekisu is a gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research in cosmetics is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Korean Herb Root Complex

Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Cnidium Officinale Rhizome Extract

3.8

A traditional herbal root blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but clinical evidence on skin is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Korean Monk's Hood Flower Extract

Aconitum Austrokoreense Flower Extract

3.5

A rare botanical extract with potential antioxidant benefits, but limited research and a known toxicity concern in the raw plant family require careful processing and low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Korean Prickly Ash Extract

ZANTHOXYLUM COREANUM BRANCH/LEAF 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

Korean Pulsatilla Root Extract

Pulsatilla Koreana Root 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

Korean Willow Stem Extract

Salix Gracilistyla Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Astringent

Krameria Root Extract

Krameria Cistoides Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical astringent that may help tighten pores and calm skin, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Kummerowia Striata Root Extract

KUMMEROWIA STRIATA ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical root extract with traditional use for soothing skin, but modern cosmetic evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Kurzhi Branch/Leaf Extract

Sterculia platanifolia branch/leaf extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Astringent

Lady's Mantle Leaf Extract

Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help tighten pores and calm skin, but most benefits come from traditional use rather than strong clinical studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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