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

Pentadecane

Pentadecane

4.0

Pentadecane is a lightweight, natural emollient that gives skincare products a silky feel without clogging pores, making it a great choice for oily and sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pentadecyl Alcohol

Pentadecyl Alcohol

4.0

Pentadecyl alcohol is a gentle, non-drying fatty alcohol that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pentaerythrityl Cocoate

Pentaerythrityl Cocoate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that hydrates and softens skin with a lightweight, non-greasy finish.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pentaerythrityl Dioleate

PENTAERYTHRITYL DIOLEATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pentaerythrityl Distearate

PENTAERYTHRITYL DISTEARATE

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky on skin, with a very low risk of irritation or clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pentaerythrityl Ester Blend

PENTAERYTHRITYL STEARATE/ISOSTEARATE/ADIPATE/HYDROXYSTEARATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pentaerythrityl Stearate

PENTAERYTHRITYL STEARATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pentaerythrityl Tetraester

Pentaerythrityl Tetra C5-10 Acid Esters

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without greasiness, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pentaerythrityl Tetraester Blend

Pentaerythrityl Tetrabebenate/Benzoate/Ethylhexanoate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate

Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pentaerythrityl Tetramyristate

Pentaerythrityl Tetramyristate

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, commonly used to create a smooth, silky finish in creams and makeup.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pentaerythrityl Tetraoleate

Pentaerythrityl Tetraoleate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves the feel of creams and lotions without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate

PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps creams and lotions feel silky and spread easily without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pentaerythrityl Trioleate

PENTAERYTHRITYL TRIOLEATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pequi Kernel Oil

Caryocar Villosum Kernel Oil

4.0

A gentle, nourishing oil rich in oleic and palmitoleic acids that helps soften and protect the skin without feeling overly greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Perennial Ryegrass Fruit Oil

LOLIUM PERENNE FRUIT OIL

3.8

A gentle, plant-based oil that helps soften and smooth skin without feeling greasy, though research on its unique benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Perennial Ryegrass Leaf Oil

LOLIUM PERENNE LEAF OIL

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived oil that helps soften skin and provides antioxidant benefits, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Perfluorodimethylcyclohexane

PERFLUORODIMETHYLCYCLOHEXANE

3.8

A lightweight, non-greasy synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly and can enhance the feel of sunscreens and serums.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Perfluorodimethylethylpentane

PERFLUORO DIMETHYLETHYLPENTANE

3.8

A lightweight, fast-evaporating synthetic liquid that helps products glide on smoothly without leaving a greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Perilla Flower Oil

PERILLA FRUTESCENS FLOWER OIL

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from perilla flowers that helps soften skin and may calm irritation, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Perilla Seed Oil

PERILLA OCYMOIDES SEED OIL

4.0

A nourishing, non-greasy oil that hydrates and calms skin, with a good safety profile for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phenethyl Dimethicone

PHENETHYL DIMETHICONE

4.0

Phenethyl Dimethicone is a lightweight silicone that smooths skin, reduces tackiness, and helps products glide on without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phenoxyethyl Caprylate

Phenoxyethyl Caprylate

4.0

Phenoxyethyl Caprylate is 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

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phenoxyethyl Propionate

PHENOXYETHYL PROPIONATE

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phormium Tenax Seed

Phormium Tenax Seed

3.8

A gentle, plant-based emollient with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phormium Tenax Seed Oil

Phormium Tenax Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil that helps soften and smooth skin without feeling heavy, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phosphatidylcholine

PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE

4.3

A skin-friendly phospholipid that hydrates and helps other ingredients penetrate more effectively.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollientdelivery agent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phosphatidylglycerol

Phosphatidylglycerol

4.5

A gentle, skin-identical phospholipid that supports barrier function and hydration without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollienthumectant
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning Agent

Phosphatidylinositol

Phosphatidylinositol

4.0

A gentle, skin-identical lipid that supports barrier function and hydration without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Phosphatidylserine

PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE

4.0

Phosphatidylserine is a gentle, skin-identical lipid that helps strengthen the moisture barrier and soothe dryness, but its anti-aging benefits are still being studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantemollient
Read ingredient review

Skin Barrier Support

Phytosphingosine Lactate

Phytosphingosine Lactate

4.3

Phytosphingosine lactate is a skin-friendly lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and gently helps calm blemishes without harshness.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectantemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phytosterol Ester Emollient

Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phytosterol Esters

C10-40 Isoalkyl Acid Phytosterol Esters

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to support barrier function and improve moisture retention.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Skin Barrier Support

Phytosterols

PHYTOSTEROLS

4.3

Phytosterols are plant-based lipids that mimic your skin's natural fats, helping to repair and reinforce the moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phytosteryl Butyrate

Phytosteryl Butyrate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that supports the skin barrier and soothes dryness without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides

Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides

4.2

A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to improve moisture and comfort without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phytosteryl Canolate

Phytosteryl Canolate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to support moisture retention and barrier function.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phytosteryl Caprylate/Caprate

Phytosteryl Caprylate/Caprate

4.3

A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to soften and support the barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleate

Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning Agent

Phytosteryl Glucoside/Glucosylceramide

Phytosteryl Glucoside/Glucosylceramide

4.3

A gentle, plant-based lipid duo that mimics your skin's natural fats to strengthen the moisture barrier and soothe dryness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollientskin-identical
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phytosteryl Glutamate Ester

PHYTOSTERYL/BEHENYL/OCTYLDODECYL/ISOSTEARYL LAUROYL GLUTAMATE

4.0

A gentle, multi-functional ester that helps soften skin and support the moisture barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Phytosteryl Hydroxystearate

Phytosteryl Hydroxystearate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review