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 29 of 569
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

Eyelash Conditioner

Trifluoromethyl Dechloro Ethylcloprostenolamide

TRIFLUOROMETHYL DECHLORO ETHYLCLOPROSTENOLAMIDE

3.0

A synthetic ingredient that may help eyelashes appear longer and fuller, but it comes with potential side effects and limited long-term safety data.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Ufiprazole

UFIPRAZOLE

2.5

Ufiprazole is a little-known synthetic ingredient with limited research; its benefits and safety are not well documented, so approach with caution.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Film Former

Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen

UNDECYLENOYL HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN

3.8

A gentle, semi-synthetic collagen derivative that forms a light film on skin to help retain moisture and improve texture.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Antistatic Agent

Wheat Germamidopropalkonium Chloride

Wheat Germamidopropalkonium Chloride

3.5

A gentle conditioning agent derived from wheat germ, best for rinse-off hair products, but may irritate sensitive scalps or those with wheat allergies.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Conditioning Agent

Wheat Germamidopropyl Dimethylamine

WHEAT GERMAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE

3.8

A gentle conditioning ingredient from wheat germ that helps soften hair and skin without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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Film Former

Wheat Gluten

Triticum Vulgare Gluten

3.8

Wheat gluten is a natural protein that forms a protective film on hair and skin, improving moisture retention and manageability, but it is not suitable for those with celiac disease or wheat allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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Film Former

Wheat Gluten Extract

TRITICUM VULGARE (WHEAT) GLUTEN EXTRACT

3.5

Wheat gluten extract can temporarily smooth and firm skin, but it's not a permanent anti-aging solution and may trigger reactions in those with gluten sensitivity.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Hair Conditioning Agent

Wheat Protein Conditioner

PALM/STEAR/BEHENAMIDOETHYL DIETHONIUM HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN

4.0

A gentle, protein-based conditioner that helps detangle hair and add softness without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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Hair conditioning agent

Wheat Protein Silicone Complex

LAURDIMONIUM HYDROXYPROPYL HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN/SILOXYSILICATE

4.0

A gentle conditioning agent that helps detangle and add shine without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyhaircareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Yeast & Mother of Pearl Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/MOTHER OF PEARL FERMENT LYSATE FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help improve skin texture and glow, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Yeast and Placenta Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/HORSE PLACENTA FERMENT FILTRATE

3.5

A fermented ingredient that may support skin hydration and texture, but human research is limited and ethical sourcing is a concern.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Yeast Ferment Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/CALCIUM/GERMANIUM FERMENT LYSATE EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, mineral-rich yeast ferment that may help hydrate and condition skin, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Humectant

Yeast Peptide Ferment Filtrate

Saccharomyces/Hexapeptide-11 Ferment Filtrate Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that pairs yeast fermentation with a peptide to support skin hydration and barrier function.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Yeast Wheat Germ Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/WHEAT GERM FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help support skin barrier function and hydration, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Zinc Docosahexaenoate Hydroxide

Zinc Docosahexaenoate Hydroxide

3.8

A novel zinc–omega-3 complex that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Zinc Hydrolyzed Collagen

Zinc Hydrolyzed Collagen

3.8

A hybrid ingredient that pairs collagen peptides with zinc, offering potential skin support and antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Zinc Linoleate Hydroxide

ZINC LINOLEATE HYDROXIDE

4.0

A gentle zinc-based ingredient that helps condition skin and provide mild oil control without drying.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning

Zinc Linolenate Hydroxide

Zinc Linolenate Hydroxide

3.8

A gentle zinc-based ingredient that helps condition skin and may offer mild oil-control benefits without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning

Zinc Neodecanoate

Zinc Neodecanoate

4.0

Zinc Neodecanoate is a gentle, multifunctional ingredient that helps condition skin and may offer mild antimicrobial benefits, making it a good choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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