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

Pongamia Root Extract

Pongamia Glabra Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Poppy Flower Extract

PAPAVER RHOEAS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Populus Tremula Flower Extract

POPULUS TREMULA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Portulaca Molokiniensis Extract

Portulaca Molokiniensis Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from a rare Hawaiian succulent that may help calm irritated skin and fight free radical damage.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Potentilla Anemonifolia Extract

POTENTILLA ANEMONIFOLIA EXTRACT

3.5

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

Poterium Officinale Root Extract

POTERIUM OFFICINALE ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical root 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

Pouzolzia Pentandra Extract

POUZOLZIA PENTANDRA 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

Pouzolzia Zeylanica Extract

POUZOLZIA ZEYLANICA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle plant extract with traditional roots, but modern skincare research is still catching up.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Prickly Ash Bark Extract

ZANTHOXYLUM AMERICANUM/CLAVA-HERCULES BARK EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is limited and it may cause sensitivity in rare cases.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ptychopetalum Bark/Root Extract

Ptychopetalum Olacoides Bark/Root Extract

3.5

A traditional Amazonian plant extract with promising antioxidant potential, but currently lacks robust human studies to confirm specific skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ptychopetalum Bark/Stem Extract

PTYCHOPETALUM OLACOIDES BARK/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle Amazonian 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

Pulsatilla Extract

Pulsatilla Tongkangensis Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Pulsatilla Root Extract

PULSATILLA CHINENSIS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use and emerging research on soothing and antioxidant benefits, but limited direct skincare studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Purple Loosestrife Extract

LYTHRUM SALICARIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract 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
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Soothing Agent

Purple Willow Bark Extract

Salix Purpurea Bark Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived alternative to salicylic acid that helps soothe and mildly exfoliate the skin without harshness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Pyrosia Hastata Extract

Pyrrosia Hastata Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Raoulia Australis Shoot Extract

Raoulia Australis Shoot Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from New Zealand that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Rauwolfia Root Extract

Rauwolfia Serpentina Root Extract

3.0

Rauwolfia Root Extract is a traditional botanical with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but its use in modern skincare is limited and lacks strong clinical evidence.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance component

Ravensara Twig Extract

RAVENSARA AROMATICA TWIG EXTRACT

3.5

A fragrant botanical extract with limited research; may offer soothing benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Red Lily Bulb Extract

Lilium Speciosum Rubrum Bulb Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Restharrow Root Extract

Ononis Arvensis Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Rice Paper Plant Extract

Tetrapanax Papyrifer Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with promising soothing and antioxidant benefits, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

River Bulrush Root Extract

Scirpus Fluviatilis Rhizome Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Rose Geranium Flower Extract

Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, rose-scented botanical extract that offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its fragrance can be a concern for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Rose Geranium Leaf Extract

Pelargonium Roseum Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, rose-scented botanical extract that offers mild antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its primary role in most products is fragrance.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Rose Geranium Stem Extract

Pelargonium Roseum Stem Extract

3.8

A mild botanical extract that adds a rosy scent and some antioxidant activity, but its benefits are not as well-studied as the essential oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Round-Leaf Sundew Extract

Drosera Rotundifolia Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rubia Cordifolia Stem Extract

RUBIA CORDIFOLIA STEM 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

Antioxidant

Rue Extract

Ruta Graveolens Leaf/Root/Stem Extract

3.5

Rue extract offers antioxidant potential but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals; use with caution.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Rue Leaf/Stem Extract

RUTA GRAVEOLENS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

Rue extract may offer astringent and soothing benefits, but its use is limited by potential skin irritation and lack of robust safety data.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Russelia Equisetiformis Extract

RUSSELIA EQUISETIFORMIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM 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

Sagebrush Extract

Artemisia Tridentata Extract

3.8

Sagebrush extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sageretia Extract

Sageretia Theezans Branch/Leaf 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

Salacia Root Extract

Salacia Madagascariensis Root Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Salix Gracilistyla Leaf Extract

Salix Gracilistyla Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sanicula Extract

Sanicula Europaea Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Sassafras Bark Extract

SASSAFRAS OFFICINALE BARK EXTRACT

3.5

Sassafras Bark Extract may offer astringent and soothing benefits, but its use is limited by safety concerns and lack of robust research.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Sassafras Bark/Root Extract

Sassafras Officinale Bark/Root Extract

2.5

Sassafras extract is a traditional botanical with potential skin benefits, but its use is limited by safety concerns related to the compound safrole, which is restricted in many countries.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Saururus Chinensis Flower Extract

Saururus Chinensis Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle plant 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
Read ingredient review

Anti-inflammatory

Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract

Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help balance oil production and calm skin, but research is mostly preliminary.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Saxifraga Leaf Powder

SAXIFRAGA STOLONIFERA LEAF POWDER

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Schkuhria Pinnata Extract

Schkuhria Pinnata Extract

3.8

Schkuhria Pinnata Extract is a gentle botanical with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it is not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sciadopitys Root Extract

Sciadopitys Verticillata Root Extract

4.0

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Scleranthus Annus Flower Extract

SCLERANTHUS ANNUUS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Scoparia Dulcis Extract

SCOPARIA DULCIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM 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

Scrophularia Root Extract

SCROPHULARIA KORAIENSIS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Scurvygrass Leaf Extract

Cochlearia Officinalis Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide mild environmental protection, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sea Lotus Extract

LOTUS MARITIMUS FLOWER/LEAF 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
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Semiaquilegia Root Extract

Semiaquilegia Adoxoides Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Senecio Cannabifolius Extract

SENECIO CANNABIFOLIUS EXTRACT

3.5

A lesser-known botanical extract that may offer soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is very limited and safety data is sparse.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Senna Leaf Extract

Senna Garrettiana Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Siberian Corispermum Extract

Corispermum Sibiricum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Siberian Ginseng Root Extract

Acanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract

4.0

A gentle antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Siberian Ginseng Stem Extract

Acanthopanax Senticosus Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract from Siberian ginseng stems that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Siberian Iris Root Extract

Iris Sibirica 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
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Antioxidant

Siberian Juniper Needle Extract

Juniperus Sibirica Needle Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, best known for its fresh, woody scent and mild soothing effects.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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