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

Phytosteryl Isostearate

Phytosteryl Isostearate

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

Phytosteryl Macadamiate

Phytosteryl Macadamiate

4.3

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps restore the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Phytosteryl Nonanoate

Phytosteryl Nonanoate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics natural skin lipids to support a healthy moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Phytosteryl Rice Branate

Phytosteryl Rice Branate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and smooth skin while supporting the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Phytosteryl Ricinoleate

Phytosteryl Ricinoleate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Pine Nut Oil

Pinus Pinea Kernel Oil

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy oil that hydrates and helps protect the skin barrier, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Pine Seed Ferment Oil

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/PINUS KORAIENSIS SEED FERMENT OIL FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented oil that moisturizes and soothes skin while providing antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Emollient

Pine Seed Oil

Pinus Pinaster Seed Oil

4.0

A nourishing, non-greasy oil that helps soften skin and defend against environmental stress without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Pinus Parviflora Seed Oil

Pinus Parviflora Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy plant oil that hydrates and helps protect the skin barrier, suitable for most skin types including sensitive and oily skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Pistachio Seed Oil

PISTACIA VERA SEED OIL

4.0

Pistachio seed oil is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Platonia Seed Butter

PLATONIA INSIGNIS SEED BUTTER

4.0

A nourishing plant butter that softens and protects skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Plum Seed Oil

Prunus Domestica Seed Oil

4.3

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Poly C30-45 Olefin

POLY(C30-45 OLEFIN)

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy synthetic oil that helps skin feel smooth and silky without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Film Former

Poly(C4-12 Olefin)

POLY(C4-12 OLEFIN)

3.8

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Poly(Dimer Almond Oil)

POLY(DIMER ALMOND OIL)

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Poly(Dimer Grapeseed Oil)

POLY(DIMER GRAPESEED OIL)

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Poly(Dimer Hempseed Oil)

POLY(DIMER HEMPSEED OIL)

4.0

A gentle, plant-based polymer that helps lock in moisture and gives products a silky feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollientfilm-former
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Emollient

Polydecene

Polydecene

4.0

A silky, lightweight synthetic oil that hydrates without greasiness, ideal for oily or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Polyester Emollient Blend

POLYPENTAERYTHRITYL C5-10 ACID ESTERS

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that spreads easily and leaves a silky finish without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Film Former

Polyglyceryl Ester Copolymer

POLYGLYCERYL-2 ISONONANOATE/DIMER DILINOLEATE COPOLYMER

4.0

A gentle, biodegradable polymer that improves product feel and wear without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollientfilm-former
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Emollient

Polyglyceryl-2 Ester Blend

POLYGLYCERYL-2 TETRABEHENATE/MACADAMIATE/SEBACATE

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived ester that softens skin and helps stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Polyglyceryl-4 Punicate

Polyglyceryl-4 Punicate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften skin and may offer antioxidant benefits, but research on its specific effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Polyglyceryl-6 Kukui Nut Seedate

Polyglyceryl-6 Citrullus Lanatus (Kukui Nut) Seedate

4.3

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Polyglyceryl-6 Tricaprylate

Polyglyceryl-6 Tricaprylate

4.3

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Pomegranate Glycerides

Punica Granatum Glycerides

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Pomegranate Seed Oil Esters

Punica Granatum Seed Oil Hydroxyphenethyl Esters

4.0

A stabilized, water-friendly version of pomegranate seed oil that offers antioxidant and moisturizing benefits with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Pomegranate Stearyl Esters

Punica Granatum Seed Oil Stearyl Esters

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps soften skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Poppy Seed

PAPAVER RHOEAS SEED

3.8

Poppy seed is a gentle, natural emollient with antioxidant properties, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Poppy Seed Oil

PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM SEED OIL

4.0

Poppy seed oil is a gentle, non-greasy emollient rich in omega-6 fatty acids that helps soften and soothe dry skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Pork-Derived Ingredient Complex

Pork-Derived Ingredient Complex

3.5

Pork-derived ingredients like collagen and glycerin are effective moisturizers, but may not suit vegans or those with religious or ethical restrictions.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Pork-Derived Ingredients

Not applicable (varies by ingredient)

3.0

Pork-derived ingredients like collagen and elastin can provide moisturizing and film-forming benefits, but they are not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with religious dietary restrictions.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

PPG-10 Caprylyl Ether

PPG-10 Caprylyl Ether

4.0

A gentle, synthetic emollient that improves product texture and skin feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

PPG-10 Cetyl Ether

PPG-10 Cetyl Ether

4.0

A gentle synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves the feel of creams and lotions without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

PPG-10 Jojoba Acid

PPG-10 Jojoba Acid

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

PPG-10 Jojoba Alcohol

PPG-10 JOJOBA ALCOHOL

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

PPG-10 Oleyl Ether

PPG-10 Oleyl Ether

3.8

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps products feel smooth and non-greasy, but offers no active skincare benefits on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

PPG-12 Dimethicone

PPG-12 Dimethicone

4.0

A gentle silicone that makes products feel silky and smooth without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

PPG-12-PEG-50 Lanolin

PPG-12-PEG-50 Lanolin

3.8

A versatile, low-irritation lanolin derivative that helps blend oil and water while softening skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollientemulsifier
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Emollient

PPG-15 Isostearate

PPG-15 Isostearate

3.8

A synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily, but may be slightly clogging for acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

PPG-15 Stearate

PPG-15 Stearate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

PPG-17 Dioleate

PPG-17 Dioleate

3.5

A synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily, but offers no active skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

PPG-2 Dimethicone

PPG-2 Dimethicone

4.0

A gentle silicone that smooths skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

PPG-2 Isostearate

PPG-2 Isostearate

3.8

A synthetic emollient that improves texture and spreadability, but may be moderately pore-clogging for some skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

PPG-2 Lanolin Alcohol Ether

PPG-2 Lanolin Alcohol Ether

3.8

A gentle, lanolin-derived emollient that softens skin but may be too heavy for oily or acne-prone types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate

PPG-2 MYRISTYL ETHER PROPIONATE

4.0

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores, commonly used in moisturizers and cleansers.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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