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

Glyceryl Cocoate/Citrate/Lactate

GLYCERYL COCOATE/CITRATE/LACTATE

4.3

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients work better, with very low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Diarachidate

Glyceryl Diarachidate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Dibehenate

Glyceryl Dibehenate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps products feel silky and spread smoothly without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Dierucate

Glyceryl Dierucate

4.0

A gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Dihydroxystearate

Glyceryl Dihydroxystearate

4.0

A mild, plant-based emollient that improves product texture and skin feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Diisopalmitate

GLYCERYL DIISOPALMITATE

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturize and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Diisostearate

Glyceryl Diisostearate

4.0

A gentle, synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Dilaurate

Glyceryl Dilaurate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and helps blend oil and water in formulas without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Glyceryl Dilinoleate

Glyceryl Dilinoleate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Dimethylsiloxanes

Glyceryl Dimethylsiloxanes

4.0

A gentle silicone emollient that improves product texture and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Dimyristate

Glyceryl Dimyristate

4.0

A gentle emollient that helps moisturize and soften skin without feeling greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Dipalmitate

Glyceryl Dipalmitate

4.2

A gentle, palm-derived emollient that helps moisturize and soften skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate

Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate

4.3

A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics the skin's own lipids to improve softness and barrier function without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Glyceryl Diricinoleate

GLYCERYL DIRICINOLEATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Glyceryl Distearate

Glyceryl Distearate

4.0

A reliable, low-irritation emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Erucate

GLYCERYL ERUCATE

4.0

A gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores, commonly used in moisturizers and lip care.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Ethylhexanoate

Glyceryl Ethylhexanoate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Heptanoate

Glyceryl Heptanoate

4.3

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Isopalmitate

Glyceryl Isopalmitate

4.0

A gentle, synthetic emollient that helps moisturize and soften skin without clogging pores, commonly used in creams and lotions.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Isostearate

Glyceryl Isostearate

4.0

A gentle, synthetic emollient that helps moisturizers feel silky and spread easily without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Isostearate/Myristate

Glyceryl Isostearate/Myristate

4.0

A gentle emollient and emulsifier that helps soften skin and stabilize formulas, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Lanolate

Glyceryl Lanolate

4.0

A gentle, lanolin-based emollient that helps soften and protect dry skin, but may be too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Laurate Diacetate

GLYCERYL LAURATE DIACETATE

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Linoleate

Glyceryl Linoleate

4.2

A gentle, skin-friendly emollient that helps replenish moisture and support a healthy skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Linolenate

GLYCERYL LINOLENATE

4.0

A gentle, skin-softening ingredient that helps maintain the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Montanate

Glyceryl Montanate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived wax that softens skin and gives products a smooth, non-greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Glyceryl Myristate

Glyceryl Myristate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and stabilize creams without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Oleate/Elaidate

GLYCERYL OLEATE/ELAIDATE

4.0

A gentle emollient and emulsifier that helps soften skin and stabilize formulas, generally safe for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Olivate

Glyceryl Olivate

4.5

A mild, olive-derived ingredient that softens skin and helps blend water and oil in creams and lotions.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Glyceryl Olivate Oleate Estolides

Glyceryl Olivate Oleate Estolides

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Palmitate

Glyceryl Palmitate

4.0

A mild, palm-derived emollient that helps soften skin and keeps oil-and-water ingredients mixed together in creams and lotions.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Palmitate Lactate

Glyceryl Palmitate Lactate

4.0

A mild, lactic-acid-based emollient that hydrates and supports the skin barrier without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Palmitate/Stearate

Glyceryl Palmitate/Stearate

4.0

A gentle, skin-friendly emollient and emulsifier that helps moisturize and stabilize formulations without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Palmitoleate

Glyceryl Palmitoleate

4.0

A gentle, skin-softening ester that mimics natural skin lipids, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Pentadecanoate

Glyceryl Pentadecanoate

4.0

A gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Ricinoleate

Glyceryl Ricinoleate

4.2

A mild, castor-oil-derived ingredient that hydrates and smooths skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Glyceryl Stearate/Malate

Glyceryl Stearate/Malate

4.0

A gentle, dual-purpose emollient that hydrates and lightly exfoliates, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glyceryl Tallowate

Glyceryl Tallowate

3.5

Glyceryl Tallowate is a natural emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some, and its animal-derived origin raises ethical and sustainability questions.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Glyceryl Undecylenate

Glyceryl Undecylenate

4.3

A mild, multifunctional ingredient that softens skin and helps keep products fresh without harsh preservatives.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Glycol Dibehenate

Glycol Dibehenate

4.0

A gentle, synthetic wax that gives creams and balms a smooth, silky feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Glycol Dilaurate

Glycol Dilaurate

4.0

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps products feel smooth and spread easily, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Glycol Dipivalate

GLYCOL DIPIVALATE

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Glycol Distearate

Glycol Distearate

4.0

Glycol Distearate is a safe, synthetic ingredient that gives products a pearly look and a silky feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Glycol Ditallowate

Glycol Ditallowate

3.5

A gentle emollient that softens skin and thickens formulas, but may be too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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