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

Behenyl Beeswax

Behenyl Beeswax

4.0

Behenyl Beeswax is a gentle, plant-derived wax that helps thicken and stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Behenyl Behenate

Behenyl Behenate

4.2

Behenyl behenate is a gentle, plant-based wax that gives products a smooth, creamy texture without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Behenyl Benzoate

Behenyl Benzoate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and spreadability without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate Complex

BEHENYL/DIMER DILINOLEYL/GLYCERYL/PHYTOSTERYL DIMER DILINOLEATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Behenyl Erucate

BEHENYL ERUCATE

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps lock in moisture and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Behenyl Isostearate

Behenyl Isostearate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and gives a silky feel to creams and lip products without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Behenyl Olivate

Behenyl Olivate

4.3

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Behenyl/Isostearyl Beeswax

BEHENYL/ISOSTEARYL BEESWAX

4.0

A gentle, plant-friendly wax alternative that helps create smooth, stable textures in balms and creams.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Benzyl Laurate

Benzyl Laurate

4.0

Benzyl Laurate is 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

Benzyl Octanoate

Benzyl Octanoate

3.8

Benzyl Octanoate is a gentle emollient and fragrance component that helps soften skin and improve product texture, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Bilberry Seed Oil

VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS SEED OIL

4.2

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that helps moisturize and protect the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Bis-Capryloyloxypalmitamido Isopropanol

BIS-CAPRYLOYLOXYPALMITAMIDO ISOPROPANOL

3.5

A synthetic emollient that helps improve skin feel and may support the delivery of other ingredients, but research on its specific benefits is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Bis-Cetyl Cetyl Dimethicone

Bis-Cetyl Cetyl Dimethicone

4.0

A gentle silicone emollient that improves product feel and spreadability with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Succinate

BIS-ETHOXYDIGLYCOL SUCCINATE

3.8

A gentle 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

Bisdilinoleate

Bisdilinoleate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Bitter Almond Kernel Oil

Prunus Amygdalus Amara Kernel Oil

4.0

A rich, nourishing oil that softens skin but may clog pores for some — best for dry or normal skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Bitter Almond Oil

Prunus Amygdalus Amara (Bitter Almond) Kernel Oil

3.8

A rich emollient oil that softens skin but may be moderately comedogenic for acne-prone types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Bitter Orange Flower Wax

Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Wax

4.0

A gentle, natural wax that softens skin and adds a subtle floral scent, but its benefits are mainly textural and aromatic rather than active.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Black Currant & Olive Oil Esters

Black Currant Seed Oil/Olive Oil/Aminopropanediol Esters

4.0

A gentle, stable emollient that combines the fatty acid benefits of black currant seed oil and olive oil in a non-greasy ester form.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Black Currant Bud Wax

RIBES NIGRUM BUD WAX

4.0

A natural, plant-based wax that adds structure and a silky feel to balms and creams without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Black Raspberry Seed Oil

Rubus Occidentalis Seed Oil

4.3

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for normal to dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Blackberry Seed Oil

Rubus Glaucus Seed Oil

4.0

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that helps nourish and protect the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Blackcurrant Bud Oil

RIBES NIGRUM BUD OIL

4.0

A nourishing, antioxidant-rich oil from blackcurrant buds that helps soften and protect the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Blackcurrant Bud Wax

RIBES NIGRUM BUD CERA

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived wax that helps lock in moisture and gives products a smooth, non-greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Blackcurrant Seed Oil

RIBES NIGRUM FRUIT OIL

4.3

Blackcurrant Seed Oil is a gentle, nourishing oil rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Bladderwrack Oil

Fucus Vesiculosus Thalle Oil

4.0

A gentle, nutrient-packed seaweed oil that hydrates and protects skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Blue Lotus Flower Oil

NYMPHAEA COERULEA FLOWER OIL

3.8

A gentle, aromatic oil that adds a touch of luxury to skincare, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal and backed by limited research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Blueberry Seed Oil

VACCINIUM CORYMBOSUM SEED OIL

4.3

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and helps protect skin from environmental stress without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Boletus Edulis Oil

Boletus Edulis Whole Plant Oil

3.8

A novel mushroom oil that provides light moisture and antioxidant support, but research is limited and it may be hard to find.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Borage Ethyl Esters

BORAGO OFFICINALIS ETHYL ESTER

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that delivers essential fatty acids to support skin barrier function and soothe dryness.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Borage Seed Oil Amides

BORAGE SEED OIL AMINOPROPANEDIOL AMIDES

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient derived from borage seed oil that helps strengthen the skin barrier and calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Borage Seed Oil Dimethicone Esters

BORAGE SEED OIL PEG-7 DIMETHICONE ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that blends the nourishing profile of borage oil with the elegant feel of silicone — great for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Borage Seed Oil Esters

BORAGE SEED OIL/HYDROGENATED BORAGE SEED OIL ESTERS

4.3

A gentle, nourishing emollient that strengthens the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Bottle Gourd Seed Oil

Lagenaria Sphaerica Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, with emerging research on its antioxidant potential.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Brain Lipids

Brain Lipids

3.5

Brain lipids are rich in fatty acids and phospholipids that can help moisturize and support the skin barrier, but sourcing and ethical concerns limit their use.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Brazil Nut Oil

Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil

4.0

Brazil nut oil is a nourishing emollient rich in selenium and fatty acids, but its moderate comedogenic rating means it may not suit all skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Brazil Nut Oil PEG-8 Esters

Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters

3.8

A gentle, water-soluble emollient derived from Brazil nut oil, ideal for adding slip and softness without greasiness.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Brazilian Pepper Fruit Oil

Schinus Terebinthifolia Fruit Oil

3.8

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that may help soothe and protect the skin, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Brazilian Pepper Seed Oil

Schinus Terebinthifolius Seed Oil

3.8

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that may help soothe and moisturize skin, but its comedogenic potential means it's best for normal to dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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