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 2,268
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

Emollient

Ethyl Minkate

Ethyl Minkate

3.5

A lightweight emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some, and raises ethical concerns due to its animal origin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethyl Morrhuate

ETHYL MORRHUATE

3.8

Ethyl Morrhuate is a gentle emollient from cod liver oil that helps soften skin without clogging pores, but its benefits are similar to many other oils.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Ethyl Myristate

Ethyl Myristate

3.5

Ethyl Myristate is a lightweight emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for acne-prone individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethyl Oleate

Ethyl Oleate

4.0

Ethyl Oleate is a lightweight emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, but it may clog pores for some people.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethyl Olivate

Ethyl Olivate

4.0

Ethyl Olivate is a gentle, olive-derived emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Ethyl Palmate

Ethyl Palmate

4.0

A gentle, lightweight emollient that helps skin feel soft without a greasy residue.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethyl Palmitate

Ethyl Palmitate

3.8

A lightweight emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethyl Pelargonate

Ethyl Pelargonate

4.0

A lightweight synthetic ester that softens skin and improves product feel, with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethyl PG-Acetal Levulinate

Ethyl PG-Acetal Levulinate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethyl Ricinoleate

Ethyl Ricinoleate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from castor oil that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethyl Stearate

Ethyl Stearate

4.0

A gentle emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethyl Turtlate

Ethyl Turtlate

3.5

A gentle synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, but it's not a standout ingredient for specific skin concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethyl Undecylenate

ETHYL UNDECYLENATE

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethyl Wheat Germate

Ethyl Wheat Germate

4.0

A gentle, wheat-derived emollient that helps soften and condition skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Ethyl Ximenynate

Ethyl Ximenynate

3.8

A gentle plant-derived emollient that helps soothe and soften skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Acetoxystearate

Ethylhexyl Acetoxystearate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Behenate

Ethylhexyl Behenate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Benzoate

Ethylhexyl Benzoate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products glide on smoothly and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Caprate

Ethylhexyl Caprate

4.5

A silky, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and smooths skin, ideal for oily or combination types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Caprylate/Caprate

Ethylhexyl Caprylate/Caprate

4.2

A silky, non-greasy emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for oily and combination skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Coco-Oleate Estolide

ETHYLHEXYL COCO-OLEATE ESTOLIDE

4.3

A lightweight, plant-based emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for oily and sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Cocoate

Ethylhexyl Cocoate

4.2

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut oil that softens skin and helps other ingredients spread smoothly.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate

Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, but may clog pores for some.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Isobutyrate

ETHYLHEXYL ISOBUTYRATE

3.8

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps skin feel smooth without greasiness, generally well-tolerated.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Isononanoate

Ethylhexyl Isononanoate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Isopalmitate

Ethylhexyl Isopalmitate

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without greasiness, but may clog pores for some.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Isostearate

Ethylhexyl Isostearate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients spread smoothly.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Laurate

Ethylhexyl Laurate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Linoleoyl Stearate

Ethylhexyl Linoleoyl Stearate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Meadowfoamate

Ethylhexyl Meadowfoamate

4.5

A silky, non-greasy emollient derived from meadowfoam seed oil that hydrates and smooths skin with a lightweight feel.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Myristate

Ethylhexyl Myristate

3.8

A lightweight emollient that gives a silky feel but may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Oleate

Ethylhexyl Oleate

4.0

A silky, non-greasy emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Oleate Estolides

Ethylhexyl Oleate Estolides

4.3

A lightweight, silky emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for oily and combination skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Olivate

Ethylhexyl Olivate

4.3

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from olive oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Palmitate

Ethylhexyl Palmitate

3.8

A lightweight, silky emollient that helps products spread easily, but may clog pores for some skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Pelargonate

Ethylhexyl Pelargonate

4.0

A silky, lightweight emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for oily and combination skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Polyricinoleate

ETHYLHEXYL POLYRICINOLEATE

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without greasiness.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Ricinoleate

Ethylhexyl Ricinoleate

4.0

A silky, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyl Stearate

Ethylhexyl Stearate

3.8

A lightweight synthetic emollient that makes products feel silky, but may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexylglyceryl Behenate

Ethylhexylglyceryl Behenate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexylglyceryl Palmitate

Ethylhexylglyceryl Palmitate

4.0

A gentle, lightweight emollient that softens skin without a greasy feel, making it a good choice for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylhexyloxyglyceryl Palmitate

Ethylhexyloxyglyceryl Palmitate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and smooths skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for sensitive and oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Ethylpentyl Dioxolane

2-Ethylpentyl-1,3-dioxolane

3.5

A synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Euryale Ferox Seed Oil

EURYALE FEROX SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Evening Primrose & Palm Oil Esters

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL/PALM OIL AMINOPROPANEDIOL ESTERS

3.8

A gentle emollient that combines the fatty acid benefits of evening primrose oil with a stable, esterified form for smoother skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Evening Primrose Oil

Oenothera Biennis Oil

4.0

Evening primrose oil is a gentle, nourishing oil that helps soothe dry or sensitive skin and supports a healthy moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Evergreen Blackberry Seed Oil

Rubus Laciniatus Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Farnesene

Farnesene

3.8

Farnesene is a plant-derived emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without feeling greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Fenugreek Seed Oil

TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM SEED OIL

3.8

Fenugreek seed oil is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and soothe the skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal with limited clinical research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Fermented Argan Oil Complex

Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented argan oil ingredient that may help soothe and condition the skin with a lower risk of clogging pores than plain argan oil.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Emollient

Fermented Argan Seedcake Oil

MONASCUS/ARGANIA SPINOSA SEEDCAKE FERMENT OIL

4.0

A fermented argan oil that boosts antioxidant power and skin softness, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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