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

Lapsana Communis Extract

Lapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for soothing skin, but limited modern research to back strong claims.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Large-Leaved Linden Bark Extract

Tilia Platyphyllos Bark Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Large-Leaved Linden Flower Extract

Tilia Platyphyllos Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that helps calm irritated skin and provides mild protection from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Large-Leaved Linden Leaf Extract

Tilia Platyphyllos Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Lavandin Grosso Herb Extract

LAVANDULA HYBRIDA GROSSO HERB EXTRACT

3.8

A fragrant botanical extract with mild soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but may irritate sensitive skin due to its essential oil content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Lavender Flower Extract

Lavandula Officinalis Flower/Extract

3.8

Lavender flower extract adds a pleasant scent and may offer mild soothing effects, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and has limited proven skincare benefits.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Lavender Hybrid Herb Extract

LAVANDULA HYBRIDA ABRIAL HERB EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but its fragrance can be a concern for sensitive noses.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Leafy Spurge Extract

EUPHORBIA ESULA EXTRACT

3.5

Leafy spurge extract is a botanical ingredient with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, 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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Fragrance component

Lemon Eucalyptus Leaf/Twig Water

EUCALYPTUS CITRIODORA LEAF/TWIG WATER

3.5

A fragrant botanical water that can refresh and lightly tone skin, but may cause irritation for sensitive types due to natural essential oil components.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Lemon Mint Leaf Extract

Mentha Citrata Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and add a light herbal scent, but research on its benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Lemon Verbena Flower Extract

Lippia Citriodora Flower Extract

3.8

A mild botanical extract that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Lemon Verbena Water

Lippia Citriodora Water

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water that adds a light citrus scent and mild astringent feel, but lacks strong clinical evidence for major skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Lemongrass Leaf Water

Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf Water

3.8

A gentle, naturally fragrant water that offers mild astringent and refreshing benefits, but its primary role in most products is scent and sensory appeal.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Leptactina Flower Extract

Leptactina Senegambica Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Lespedeza Capitata Extract

Lespedeza Capitata Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Liatris Leaf Extract

Liatris Odoratissima Leaf Extract

3.5

A fragrant botanical extract with mild skin-conditioning potential, but limited research on its cosmetic benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Ligusticum Acutilobum Branch Extract

LIGUSTICUM ACUTILOBUM BRANCH EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Ligusticum Striatum Root Extract

LIGUSTICUM STRIATUM ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still emerging and benefits may vary by formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Lilac Flower Extract

Syringa Vulgaris Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may offer antioxidant benefits and a pleasant floral scent, but research on its skincare effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Lilac Flower Water

Syringa Vulgaris Flower Water

3.5

A gentle, lightly fragrant floral water that adds a pleasant scent and mild soothing feel to skincare, but has limited proven benefits beyond hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Lilium Polyphyllum Flower Extract

LILIUM POLYPHYLLUM FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract from the Himalayas that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Lily Bulb Extract

Lilium Brownii Bulb/Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Lily of the Valley Extract

CONVALLARIA MAJALIS EXTRACT

3.5

A fragrant flower extract with mild antioxidant potential, but its main role in skincare is scent—and it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Lily of the Valley Root Extract

CONVALLARIA MAJALIS BULB/ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited human studies and a known skin sensitization risk in some individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Lime Flower & Cleavers Extract

CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA FLOWER/GALIUM APARINE EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Lime Flower Extract

Citrus Aurantifolia Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that adds a light citrus scent and a touch of antioxidant support, but research on its direct skin benefits is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Linden Flower & Leaf Extract

Tilia Europaea Flower/Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and provides antioxidant protection without common irritants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Lindheimer Primrose Flower Extract

Oenothera Lindheimeri Flower Extract

3.8

A mild, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Liriope Root Extract

Liriope Muscari Root Extract

4.0

Liriope root extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and support hydration, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Liriosma Ovata Wood Extract

Liriosma Ovata Wood Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance component

Litsea Cubeba Leaf Extract

Litsea Cubeba Leaf Extract

3.8

A fragrant botanical extract with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, but its strong essential oil content may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Loeselia Mexicana Leaf Extract

LOESELIA MEXICANA LEAF 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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Antioxidant

Luffa Leaf Extract

Luffa Cylindrica Leaf Extract

3.8

Luffa Leaf Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Macropiper Excelsum Leaf Extract

MACROPIPER EXCELSUM LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Madonna Lily Bulb Extract

Lilium Candidum Bulb 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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Fragrance

Madonna Lily Flower Water

LILIUM CANDIDUM FLOWER WATER

3.8

A gentle, lightly astringent floral water that adds a subtle lily scent and soothing feel to skincare products, but has limited research on specific skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Biondii Flower Extract

Magnolia Biondii Flower Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Mahonia Aquifolium Extract

MAHONIA AQUIFOLIUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing benefits, best for those looking for natural support in calming and protecting the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Maidenhair Fern Extract

Adiantum Pedatum Extract

3.8

A gentle fern 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

Male Fern Root Extract

Dryopteris Filix-Mas 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
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Antioxidant

Mandrake Root Extract

Mandragora Officinarum Root Extract

2.5

Mandrake root extract is a botanical ingredient with a long history in folklore but very limited modern scientific support for skincare benefits.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Marigold Extract

TAGETES PATULA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Marjoram Leaf Water

ORIGANUM MAJORANA LEAF WATER

3.8

A gentle, aromatic botanical water that may offer mild antioxidant and soothing benefits, but lacks strong clinical evidence for specific skincare effects.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Marsh Cinquefoil Extract

Hydrolyzed Comarum Palustre Root/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Martagon Lily Bulb Extract

Lilium Martagon Bulb Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Masterwort Leaf Extract

PEUCEDANUM OSTRUTHIUM LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

Masterwort Leaf 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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Soothing agent

Matico Leaf Extract

Piper angustifolium leaf extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Meadow Rue Flower Extract

Thalictrum Occidentale Flower Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Meadowsweet Flower Extract

Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with soothing and antioxidant benefits, ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antimicrobial

Melaleuca Bracteata Leaf Extract

MELALEUCA BRACTEATA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A botanical extract with antimicrobial potential, but limited human studies and a risk of skin irritation at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Melothria Root Extract

Melothria Heterophylla Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract

MENTHA ARVENSIS PIPERASCENS HERB EXTRACT

3.8

A refreshing mint extract that can provide a cooling sensation, but may irritate sensitive skin due to its menthol content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Mentha Cardiaca Herb Extract

Mentha Cardiaca Herb Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Mexican Giant Hyssop Extract

Agastache Mexicana Flower/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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Soothing Agent

Micromeria Chamissonis Extract

Micromeria Chamissonis Flower/Leaf/Stem 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
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Antioxidant

Mint Bush Leaf Extract

Prostanthera Rotundifolia Leaf 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
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