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 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

Conditioning Agent

Dilinoleamidopropyl Dimethylamine

Dilinoleamidopropyl Dimethylamine

4.0

A gentle conditioning ingredient that improves softness and manageability without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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Hair Conditioning Agent

Dimethicone PG-Diethylmonium Chloride

Dimethicone PG-Diethylmonium Chloride

3.8

A silicone-based conditioning ingredient that smooths hair and reduces static, but may build up on fine or low-porosity hair over time.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyhaircareconditioning agent
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Conditioning Agent

Dimethicone Propyl PG-Betaine

Dimethicone Propyl PG-Betaine

4.0

A gentle silicone derivative that conditions hair and skin without the heavy feel of traditional silicones.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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Hair Conditioning Agent

Dimethiconol Cysteine

Dimethiconol Cysteine

3.8

A silicone-cysteine hybrid that helps smooth hair and reduce frizz with a lighter feel than traditional silicones.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyhaircareconditioning agent
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Antistatic Agent

Dimethyl Behenamine

Dimethyl Behenamine

4.0

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps detangle hair and soften skin without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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Conditioning Agent

Dimethyl Hydrogenated Tallowamine

Dimethyl Hydrogenated Tallowamine

3.5

A conditioning agent that can soften hair and skin but may be too heavy for oily or acne-prone types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Antistatic Agent

Dioleoylisopropyl Dimonium Methosulfate

Dioleoylisopropyl Dimonium Methosulfate

3.8

A synthetic conditioning agent that helps reduce static and improve softness in hair and skin, but may feel heavy for very fine hair.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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Hair Conditioning Agent

Dipalmitoyl Cystine

Dipalmitoyl Cystine

3.8

A gentle amino-acid derivative that may help strengthen hair and support skin barrier function, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Disodium Guanylate

Disodium Guanylate

3.5

Disodium guanylate is a gentle skin-conditioning ingredient that helps improve product texture and hydration, but its benefits are subtle and best appreciated in well-formulated products.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Antistatic Agent

Disoydimonium Chloride

Disoydimonium Chloride

3.8

A gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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Antistatic Agent

Ditridecyldimonium Chloride

Ditridecyldimonium Chloride

3.5

A synthetic conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair, but may cause irritation for sensitive scalps.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyhaircareconditioning agent
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Antistatic Agent

Dodecylbenzyltrimonium Chloride

Dodecylbenzyltrimonium Chloride

3.5

An effective conditioning and antistatic agent for hair, but can be irritating for sensitive skin or eyes.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Duck Embryo Extract

DUCK EMBRYO EXTRACT

3.5

Duck embryo extract is a novel, protein-rich ingredient that may support skin hydration and texture, but scientific evidence is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Conditioning agent

Earthworm Conditioned Soil

EARTHWORM CONDITIONED SOIL

3.0

Earthworm conditioned soil is a novel natural ingredient with potential skin-soothing and mineral-rich properties, but scientific evidence is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Conditioning Agent

Egg Extract

OVUM

3.5

Egg extract is a natural ingredient that can temporarily smooth and soften skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal and it may cause allergic reactions in some people.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Film Former

Egg Shell Membrane Powder

EGG SHELL MEMBRANE POWDER

3.8

Egg shell membrane powder is a natural source of collagen and elastin that may help support skin firmness and hydration, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Egg Yolk Extract

LUTEUM OVI EXTRACT

3.8

Egg Yolk Extract is a gentle, nutrient-packed ingredient that helps moisturize and condition skin, but it may not suit those with egg allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Egg Yolk Powder

LUTEUM OVI POWDER

3.8

Egg yolk powder is a natural moisturizer rich in lipids and proteins, but may be comedogenic for some skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Abalone Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/LEUCONOSTOC/SACCHAROMYCES ABALONE FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

3.8

A novel fermented marine ingredient that may offer antioxidant and moisturizing benefits, but research is still emerging and it may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning

Fermented Apple & Protein Complex

SACCHAROMYCES/APPLE FRUIT/HYDROLYZED CONCHIOLIN PROTEIN/SUCROSE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical-protein blend that may help soothe and condition skin, though research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Argan Oil Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Barley Lees Complex

ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/BARLEY LEES FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging and it's not a proven miracle worker.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Bean Oil Complex

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/PHASEOLUS ANGULARIS SEED OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented oil extract that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Grape & Rice Complex

Bacillus/Monascus/Grape Sprout/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Horsetail & Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/EQUISETUM ARVENSE LEAF/SOYBEAN SEED FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Jujube & Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/ZIZYPHUS JUJUBA FRUIT/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may support skin hydration and antioxidant defense, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Lavender & Rice Bran Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA SPROUT/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still early and individual results can vary.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Mineral Yeast Extract

Saccharomyces/Magnesium/Potassium/Sodium/Sulfur/Zinc Ferment Lysate Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, mineral-rich yeast ferment that supports skin barrier function and hydration without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Exfoliant

Fermented Nut & Seed Complex

Aspergillus/Walnut Seed/Peach Seed/Apricot Seed/Prunus Mume Seed Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented seed complex that helps soften and smooth skin without harsh scrubbing, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Olive & Soybean Complex

Pseudozyma Epicola/Olive Fruit Oil/Soybean Flour Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help soften and condition skin while providing antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Pomegranate & Rice Bran Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/PUNICA GRANATUM FRUIT/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical blend that may help support skin barrier function and provide antioxidant benefits, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Rapeseed Extract

Hydrolyzed Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Rapeseed Acid Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that may help soften and condition skin with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Rice & Royal Jelly Complex

Bacillus/Monascus/Rice Bran/Royal Jelly Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and condition skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Exfoliant

Fermented Rice & Soy Milk Filtrate

ASPERGILLUS/RICE/SOYMILK FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps soften and smooth skin without harsh scrubbing, ideal for those who want mild exfoliation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantconditioning agent
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Humectant

Fermented Rice & Yeast Extract

HYDROLYZED ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/RICE FERMENT LEES EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and condition skin by delivering amino acids and peptides from rice and yeast.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Rice Germ Oil Complex

CANDIDA BOMBICOLA/GLUCOSE/RICE GERM OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps soften and condition skin without common irritants, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Royal Jelly & Green Tea Complex

BACILLUS/ROYAL JELLY/GREEN TEA/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented blend that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early and individual results can vary.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantconditioning agent
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Skin conditioner

Fermented Soapberry Oil Complex

Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Oil Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical oil complex that may help balance skin microflora and provide gentle conditioning without heavy residue.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Exfoliant

Fermented Soybean Milk Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/MILK SOLIDS/SOYBEAN OIL FERMENT

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that lightly exfoliates and nourishes skin, suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Yeast & Placenta Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/BLACK STRAP POWDER/PLACENTAL EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented ingredient blend that may support skin hydration and texture, but evidence is limited and the placental component raises ethical and sourcing questions.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Fermented Yeast Peptide Complex

Pichia/R-Leucosporidium Polypeptide-1 Conditioned Media

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived yeast ferment that may help support skin barrier function and hydration, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Humectant

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented yeast extract that helps improve skin texture and hydration, popular in Korean skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantconditioning agent
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