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

Mirabilis Jalapa Extract

MIRABILIS JALAPA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

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

Mirabilis Jalapa Flower Extract

MIRABILIS JALAPA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Mock Orange Flower Extract

Philadelphus Coronarius Flower Extract

3.5

A gentle flower extract with potential antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and it's mainly used for its pleasant fragrance and traditional appeal.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Moldavian Balm Extract

Dracocephalum moldavica flower/leaf/stem extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical 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

Mondia Whitei Root Extract

Mondia Whitei Root Extract

3.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract with traditional use but limited modern cosmetic research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Mongolian Artemisia Leaf Extract

Artemisia Mongolia Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, traditional herb extract that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Mosla Herb Extract

Mosla Dianthera Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Mountain Everlasting Extract

Antennaria Dioica Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Mountain Wormwood Extract

Artemisia Montana Leaf 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

Mugwort Extract

Artemisia Vulgaris Herb Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Mullein Flower/Stem Extract

VERBASCUM PULVERULENTUM FLOWER/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Mullein Leaf Extract

VERBASCUM THAPSUS LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Multi-Herb Root & Leaf Extract

Acorus gramineus root/stem/Arisaema amurense/Asparagus cochinchinensis root/Cyperus rotundus fruit/Gastrodia elata root/Morus alba leaf/Sorbus commixta/Trichosanthes kirilowii root/Ulmus davidiana root/Xanthium strumarium fruit extract

3.8

A traditional botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but individual ingredient concentrations and overall efficacy are not well-studied in cosmetic formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Musk Mallow Flower Extract

Malva Moschata Flower Extract

3.8

A mild 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

Musk Mallow Leaf Extract

Malva Moschata Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based 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

Musk Mallow Root Extract

Malva Moschata Root 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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Antioxidant

Narcissus Bulb Extract

NARCISSUS TAZETTA BULB EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Narcissus Flower Extract

NARCISSUS POETICUS FLOWER 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

Narrowleaf Dock Extract

Rumex Stenophyllus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical 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

Nasturtium Flower Extract

Tropaeolum Majus Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Nasturtium Flower/Leaf Extract

Tropaeolum majus flower/leaf extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Natsudaidai Flower Water

CITRUS NATSUDAIDAI FLOWER WATER

3.5

A gentle, citrus-scented floral water that offers mild astringent and refreshing benefits, but lacks strong scientific backing for specific skin improvements.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Neem Bark & Seed Extract

Azadirachta Indica Bark/Seed Extract

4.0

A traditional botanical extract that may help calm irritation and support a balanced complexion, though more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Neem Flower Extract

MELIA AZADIRACHTA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

Neem flower extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Neem Leaf Extract

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

4.0

Neem leaf extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its strong herbal scent and limited high-quality human studies mean it's best used as a supporting ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Neolepisorus Fortunei Root Extract

Neolepisorus Fortunei Root Extract

3.8

A gentle fern root 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

New Jersey Tea Extract

CEANOTHUS AMERICANUS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with soothing and 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

Niaouli Flower/Leaf Extract

Melaleuca Leucadendron Viridiflora Flower/Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract from the niaouli tree that may help calm and purify skin, though research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Odorikosou Extract

Odorikosou Ekisu

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

Ophiopogon Japonicus Seed Extract

OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS SEED EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, best for sensitive or dry skin looking for extra comfort.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Oregon Grape Extract

BERBERIS AQUIFOLIUM 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

Oregon Grape Root Extract

MAHONIA AQUIFOLIUM ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but clinical evidence in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Oriental Sweetgum Resin Extract

Liquidambar Orientalis Resin Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Ormenis Multicaulis Extract

Ormenis Multicaulis 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

Orris Root Extract

Iris Germanica Florentina Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional soothing and astringent properties, but limited modern research to back strong skincare claims.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Oxalis Hedysaroides Extract

Oxalis Hedysaroides Extract

3.5

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

Oxeye Daisy Extract

LEUCANTHEMUM VULGARE FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Oxeye Daisy Seed Extract

LEUCANTHEMUM VULGARE SEED 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

Pale Licorice Root Extract

Glycyrrhiza Pallidiflora Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm redness and provide antioxidant protection, though research is less extensive than for other licorice extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Paris Verticillata Leaf Extract

Paris Verticillata Leaf Extract

3.5

A traditional herbal extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but human skin research is very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Paulownia Extract

PAULOWNIA IMPERIALIS BARK/FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from the Paulownia tree that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Pelargonium Graveolens Extract

PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS STEM LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, aromatic botanical extract that may help balance oily skin and provide mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Pelargonium Sidoides Root Extract

PELARGONIUM SIDOIDES ADVENTITIOUS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Pellitory Extract

PARIETARIA OFFICINALIS 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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Fragrance

Pennyroyal Herb Extract

Mentha Pulegium Herb Extract

1.5

Pennyroyal extract is a traditional herb with a strong scent, but it carries notable safety risks and is rarely recommended in modern skincare.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Peony Bark and Sap Extract

PAEONIA LACTIFLORA BARK/SAP EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Peppermint & Nettle Leaf Extract

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may help soothe and refresh the skin, but its benefits are largely based on traditional use rather than strong clinical evidence.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Phellodendron Bark Extract

Phellodendron Chinense Bark Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, best for those with sensitive or stressed skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Phlomis Root Extract

Phlomis Koraiensis Root Extract

3.8

A gentle plant-root extract with early research suggesting antioxidant and soothing benefits, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Picrasma Excelsa Wood Extract

PICRASMA EXCELSA WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for soothing skin and supporting a balanced microbiome, though modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Picrasma Quassioides Fruit Extract

PICRASMA QUASSIOIDES FRUIT 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

Antioxidant

Pimpinella Extract

PIMPINELLA GUSTAVOHEGIANA EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Piper Umbellatum Root Extract

PIPER UMBELLATUM ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, though human skin research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Astringent

Pipsissewa Leaf Extract

Chimaphila Umbellata Leaf Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with traditional astringent and soothing uses, but limited modern research to confirm efficacy in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Pithecellobium Tenue Wood Extract

Pithecellobium Tenue Wood Extract

3.8

A gentle wood extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited — best used as a supporting ingredient in soothing formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antimicrobial

Plumbago Zeylanica Extract

Plumbago Zeylanica Flower/Root Extract

3.5

A traditional botanical extract with promising antimicrobial properties, but limited modern research and potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Plumbago Zeylanica Flower Extract

PLUMBAGO ZEYLANICA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

A botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited human studies and possible skin sensitivity concerns.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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