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 626
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

Surfactant

Potassium Olivoyl Hydrolyzed Olive Protein

POTASSIUM OLIVOYL (ALANINE/ARGININE/ASPARAGINE/ASPARTIC ACID/GLUTAMIC ACID/ GLYCINE/ISOLEUCINE/LEUCINE/LYSINE/METHIONINE/PHENYLALANINE/PROLINE/SERINE/THREONINE/TRYPTOPHAN/TYROSINE/VALINE)

4.5

A mild, plant-based surfactant that effectively cleanses while respecting the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Potassium Olivoyl PCA

POTASSIUM OLIVOYL PCA

4.5

A mild, olive-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while respecting the skin barrier — ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Potassium Olivoyl/Lauroyl Amino Acids

POTASSIUM LAUROYL/OLIVOYL (ALANINE/ARGININE/ASPARAGINE/ASPARTIC ACID/GLUTAMIC ACID/LYCINE/ISOLEUCINE/LEUCINE/LYSINE/METHIONINE/PHENYLALANINE/PROLINE/SERINE/THREONINE/TRYPTOPHAN/TYROSINE/VALINE)

4.5

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while respecting the skin barrier — ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Potassium Sunflowerseedate

POTASSIUM SUNFLOWERSEEDATE

4.3

A mild, soap-like cleanser derived from sunflower oil that effectively removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Potassium Taurine Laurate

Potassium Taurine Laurate

4.3

A gentle, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Potassium Trideceth-19 Carboxylate

POTASSIUM TRIDECETH-19 CARBOXYLATE

4.0

A gentle, effective cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Potassium Trideceth-7 Carboxylate

POTASSIUM TRIDECETH-7 CARBOXYLATE

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses without over-drying, making it suitable for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Potassium Tsubakiate

POTASSIUM TSUBAKIATE

4.0

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Potassium Undecylenoyl Glutamate

POTASSIUM UNDECYLENOYL GLUTAMATE

4.3

A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-16/PEG-2 Lauryl Ether Sulfate

SODIUM PPG-16/PEG-2 LAURYL ETHER SULFATE

3.5

A mild-to-moderate synthetic cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Rapeseed Glucoside

Rapeseed Glucoside

4.5

A mild, biodegradable surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Rapeseed Sophorolipids

Sophorolipids

4.3

A mild, eco-friendly surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sekken Soji

Sekken Soji

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived cleanser that creates a mild foam and helps remove dirt without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Soapberry Ferment Extract

SAPINDUS MUKOROSSI FRUIT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based ferment that cleanses without stripping and offers antioxidant benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Soapberry Fruit Extract

Sapindus Trifoliatus Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin, making it a great alternative to harsh sulfates.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Soapberry Fruit Powder

SAPINDUS MUKOROSSI FRUIT POWDER

4.0

A gentle, plant-based cleanser that creates a mild lather without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Soapberry Seed Extract

SAPINDUS MUKOROSSI SEED EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Soapwort Root Powder

Saponaria Officinalis Root Powder

4.0

A gentle, plant-based cleanser that creates a mild foam without harsh detergents, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium Arganamphoacetate

Sodium Arganamphoacetate

4.0

A gentle, argan-oil-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium Arganate

Sodium Arganate

4.0

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium Avocadoate

Sodium Avocadoate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium Babassu Sulfate

SODIUM BABASSU SULFATE

4.0

A gentle, plant-based surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin, making it a popular choice for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium Babassuamphoacetate

Sodium Babassuamphoacetate

4.3

A gentle, plant-based surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium Babassuate

Sodium Babassuate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium Butoxyethoxy Acetate

Sodium Butoxyethoxy Acetate

3.8

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but may cause irritation for very sensitive skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium C10-15 Pareth Sulfate

Sodium C10-15 Pareth Sulfate

3.8

A milder alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin as harshly.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium C10-16 Alkyl Sulfate

Sodium C10-16 Alkyl Sulfate

3.8

A moderately strong cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium C10-16 Pareth-2 Sulfate

SODIUM C10-16 PARETH-2 SULFATE

3.5

A milder alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate that effectively cleanses but can still be drying for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium C11-15 Alkyl Sulfate

SODIUM C11-15 ALKYL SULFATE

3.5

An effective but potentially drying cleanser that can strip natural oils; best for oily skin or occasional use.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium C11-15 Pareth-7 Carboxylate

SODIUM C11-15 PARETH-7 CARBOXYLATE

4.0

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that effectively cleanses while being kinder to sensitive skin than traditional sulfates.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate

SODIUM C12-13 ALKYL SULFATE

3.5

A strong, effective cleanser that can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, but is generally safe in rinse-off formulas.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate

SODIUM C12-13 PARETH SULFATE

3.5

A gentler alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate, but still a strong cleanser that may strip moisture for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium C12-14 Olefin Sulfonate

Sodium C12-14 Olefin Sulfonate

3.5

A strong, effective cleanser that can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, but is generally safe for normal skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium C12-14 Pareth-3 Sulfate

SODIUM C12-14 PARETH-3 SULFATE

3.5

A milder alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate that effectively cleanses but may still be drying for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate

SODIUM C12-15 ALKYL SULFATE

3.5

A strong, effective cleanser that can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, but is generally safe in rinse-off products.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium C12-15 Pareth-7 Sulfonate

SODIUM C12-15 PARETH-7 SULFONATE

3.8

A gentle cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium C12-15 Pareth-8 Carboxylate

SODIUM C12-15 PARETH-8 CARBOXYLATE

4.0

A gentle, effective cleanser that removes impurities without over-drying, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Sodium C12-18 Alkyl Sulfate

Sodium C12-18 Alkyl Sulfate

3.5

A strong but effective cleanser that can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, best suited for oily or normal skin types in rinse-off formulas.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review