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

Apricot Kernel Oil

Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil

4.3

Apricot kernel oil is a gentle, non-greasy moisturizer that softens skin without clogging pores, making it a favorite for sensitive and oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Apricot Kernel Oil Glycol Esters

APRICOT KERNEL OIL PROPYLENE GLYCOL ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Apricot Kernel Oil PEG-6 Esters

APRICOT KERNEL OIL PEG-6 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps moisturize and stabilize formulas, but may raise concerns for those avoiding PEG compounds.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Apricot Kernel Oil PEG-8 Esters

APRICOT KERNEL OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, water-friendly emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin soft without a greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Apricot Kernel Wax

Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Wax

4.3

A gentle, plant-based wax that helps lock in moisture and gives products a smooth, creamy texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Arachidic Acid

ARACHIDIC ACID

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived fatty acid that helps soften skin and stabilize formulas without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Arachidonic Acid

ARACHIDONIC ACID

3.5

Arachidonic acid is a natural omega-6 fatty acid that may support skin barrier function and reduce signs of aging, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and has limited research in topical use.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Emollient

Arachidyl Alcohol

Arachidyl Alcohol

4.0

A gentle fatty alcohol that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Arachidyl Behenate

Arachidyl Behenate

4.5

Arachidyl Behenate is a gentle, plant-based wax that makes creams feel silky and helps stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Arachidyl Erucate

Arachidyl Erucate

4.0

Arachidyl Erucate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Arachidyl Glycol

Arachidyl Glycol

4.0

Arachidyl Glycol is a gentle emollient that softens and smooths skin without clogging pores, making it a safe choice for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Arachidyl Glycol Isostearate

ARACHIDYL GLYCOL ISOSTEARATE

4.0

A gentle, synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without common irritation or clogging concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Arachidyl Propionate

ARACHIDYL PROPIONATE

4.0

Arachidyl propionate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Argan Fruit Unsaponifiables

Argania Spinosa Fruit Unsaponifiables

4.0

A gentle, lipid-rich fraction of argan fruit that helps soothe and support the skin barrier without the heavy feel of pure oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Argan Oil

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

4.5

Argan oil is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, making it a popular choice for all skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Argan Oil Esters

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil / Hydrogenated Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Esters

4.3

A stable, skin-friendly emollient derived from argan oil that moisturizes without feeling greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Argan Oil Glycereth-8 Esters

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Glycereth-8 Esters

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that combines the nourishing properties of argan oil with a lighter, non-greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Argan Oil Isostearyl Esters

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Isostearyl Esters

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Astrocaryum Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

Astrocaryum Vulgare Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

4.3

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Astrocaryum Seed Butter

Astrocaryum Vulgare Seed Butter

4.3

A nourishing Amazonian butter that softens skin without feeling greasy, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Aurantiochytrium Oil

Aurantiochytrium limacinum oil

4.3

A nourishing, algae-based oil that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Australian Finger Lime Seed Oil

Citrus Australasica Seed Oil

4.0

A lightweight, nutrient-rich oil that moisturizes without clogging pores, but research on its unique benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Avocado Butter

PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) FRUIT BUTTER

4.3

Avocado butter is a deeply moisturizing, nutrient-rich emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, making it a great choice for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Avocado Fruit Powder

Persea gratissima fruit powder

3.8

A gentle, nutrient-rich powder that can help soften and soothe skin when used in rinse-off or leave-on formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Avocado Oil

Persea Gratissima Oil

4.5

Avocado oil is a gentle, nutrient-packed emollient that deeply moisturizes and soothes dry or sensitive skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Avocado Oil PEG-8 Esters

AVOCADO OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, water-dispersible emollient that softens skin without a heavy greasy feel, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Avocado Oil Unsaponifiables

Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil Unsaponifiables

4.3

A gentle, research-backed emollient from avocado oil that supports skin barrier repair without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Avocado Sterols

Persea Gratissima Sterols

4.2

Avocado sterols are a gentle, plant-based lipid that helps strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Avocado Wax

Persea Gratissima Wax

4.0

A gentle, plant-based wax that adds richness and stability to balms and creams without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Babassu Acid

BABASSU ACID

4.0

Babassu Acid is a gentle, plant-derived fatty acid that cleanses and softens skin without stripping moisture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollientsurfactant
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Emollient

Babassu Oil

Orbignya Speciosa Kernel Oil

4.3

Babassu oil is a gentle, non-comedogenic plant oil that moisturizes without clogging pores, making it a great choice for oily and sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Babassu Oil Glycereth-8 Esters

BABASSU OIL GLYCERETH-8 ESTERS

4.3

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from babassu oil that softens skin and helps other ingredients absorb better.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Babassu Oil PEG-8 Esters

ORBIGNYA OLEIFERA SEED OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Bacaba Fruit Oil

Oenocarpus Bacaba Fruit Oil

4.0

Bacaba Fruit Oil is a gentle, plant-based emollient rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, ideal for dry or sensitive skin, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Balanites Seed Oil

BALANITES ROXBURGHII SEED OIL

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Banksia Serrata Seed Oil

BANKSIA SERRATA SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores, though research on its benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Baobab Oil

Adansonia Digitata Oil

4.3

Baobab oil is a gentle, non-greasy moisturizer rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, suitable for most skin types including sensitive and oily skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Baobab Oil PEG-8 Esters

ADANSONIA DIGITATA SEED OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, water-friendly version of baobab oil that helps soften skin and hair without a greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Baobab Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

4.3

A gentle, eco-friendly emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Baobab Seed Oil

Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil

4.3

Baobab seed oil is a gentle, non-greasy emollient rich in essential fatty acids that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Barklya Syringifolia Seed Oil

Barklya Syringifolia Seed Oil

3.8

A gentle, plant-based emollient oil that helps soften and smooth skin, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Barley Wax

HORDEUM VULGARE CERA

4.0

Barley Wax is a gentle, plant-derived wax that helps lock in moisture and gives products a smooth, creamy feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Bassia Butter

BASSIA BUTYRACEA SEED BUTTER

4.0

A gentle, plant-based butter that helps lock in moisture and soften skin without feeling overly greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Batyl Alcohol

Batyl Alcohol

4.0

Batyl alcohol is a gentle emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Batyl Isostearate

Batyl Isostearate

4.0

A gentle, synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without common irritation concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Batyl Stearate

Batyl Stearate

3.8

Batyl Stearate is a gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth skin, but it's less common and less researched than traditional moisturizing ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Bay Laurel Fruit Oil

Laurus Nobilis Fruit Oil

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps soften and soothe the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Bayberry Fruit Wax

Myrica Cerifera Fruit Wax

4.0

A natural plant wax that gives lip balms and solid creams a smooth, firm texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Bean Palmitate

Bean Palmitate

3.8

Bean Palmitate is a gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, with low irritation and comedogenic risk.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Beeswax

CERA ALBA

4.3

Beeswax is a gentle, natural ingredient that helps lock in moisture and create a protective film on the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Behenic Acid

Behenic Acid

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived fatty acid that helps thicken formulas and soften skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Behenoxy Dimethicone

Behenoxy Dimethicone

4.0

A gentle silicone that smooths and softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Behenyl Alcohol

BEHENYL ALCOHOL

4.5

Behenyl alcohol is a gentle, plant-derived fatty alcohol that thickens and stabilizes formulas without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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