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

Rice Bran Wax

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax

4.0

Rice bran wax is a gentle, plant-based wax that adds texture and moisture to products without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Rice Bran Wax Ethyl Esters

Rice Bran Wax Ethyl Esters

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps create a smooth, non-greasy feel in skincare and makeup, with a very low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Rice Ferment Lipids

SACCHAROMYCES/RICE FERMENT LIPIDS

4.2

A gentle, fermented lipid complex that helps reinforce the skin barrier and improve moisture retention without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Emollient

Rice Germ Oil

ORYZA SATIVA GERM OIL

4.0

Rice germ oil is a lightweight, antioxidant-rich emollient that hydrates and protects skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Ricinoleic Acid

RICINOLEIC ACID

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived fatty acid that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Rosa Multiflora Seed Oil

Rosa Multiflora Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy seed oil that hydrates and supports skin barrier function with a favorable fatty acid profile.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Rosa Roxburghii Seed Oil

Rosa Roxburghii Seed Oil

4.3

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Rose Damascena Flower Wax

Rosa Damascena Flower Wax

4.0

A gentle, fragrant wax that softens skin and adds a natural rose scent, but offers limited active benefits beyond moisturizing.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Rose Flower Wax

Rosa Hybrid Flower Wax

4.0

A gentle, natural wax that adds texture and a subtle rose scent to balms and creams, but offers limited active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Rosehip Flower Oil

Rosa Canina Flower Oil

3.8

A gentle, fragrant flower oil that adds a light emollient feel and subtle rose scent, but offers less documented antioxidant activity than rosehip seed oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Rosehip Oil

Rosa Moschata Oil

4.3

Rosehip oil is a gentle, non-greasy plant oil that hydrates and provides antioxidant support, but it's not a cure-all and may not suit very oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Rosehip Oil PEG-8 Esters

Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters

4.0

A water-friendly version of rosehip oil that delivers fatty acids without the greasy feel, ideal for lightweight hydration and gentle cleansing.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosa Moschata Seed Oil

4.5

Rosehip seed oil is a lightweight, non-greasy oil rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that helps hydrate, soothe, and support skin barrier function.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Rosemary Flower Wax

ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS FLOWER WAX

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived wax that adds texture and moisture to skincare without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Rowan Seed Oil

SORBUS AUCUPARIA SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, nutrient-rich oil that softens skin and supports barrier function, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Ruttnera Lamellosa Oil

RUTTNERA LAMELLOSA OIL

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil from microalgae that hydrates and supports the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Safflower Glyceride

SAFFLOWER GLYCERIDE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Safflower Oleosomes

CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS OLEOSOMES

4.0

Safflower oleosomes are a gentle, plant-based moisturizing ingredient that mimics the skin's own lipid structure, offering lightweight hydration without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Salmon Oil

SALMON OIL

3.8

Salmon oil is a nourishing emollient that helps soften and soothe dry skin, but its fishy scent and moderate comedogenic risk may not suit everyone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Santalum Spicatum Seed Oil

SANTALUM SPICATUM SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy oil that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sapote Seed Butter

Pouteria Sapota Seed Butter

4.0

A gentle, plant-based butter that hydrates and softens skin without feeling overly greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sapote Seed Oil

Pouteria Sapota Seed Oil

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sapucainha Oil Derivative

Hydroxycyclohexyl Ethyltrisiloxane Sapucainhate

3.8

A novel silicone-like emollient from sapucainha oil that provides a silky, non-greasy feel with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Saw Palmetto Fruit Oil

Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Oil

3.8

A plant-based oil that helps soften skin and may support a balanced complexion, but can be pore-clogging for some.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Schisandra Fruit Oil

Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Oil

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps soften skin and protect against environmental stress without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Seal Oil

Phoca vitulina oil

3.5

Seal oil is a moisturizing marine oil with omega-3s, but its use raises ethical and sustainability concerns, and it may clog pores for some.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Seed Oils

Seed Oils (various)

4.0

Seed oils are versatile moisturizers that help soften and protect the skin, but their comedogenic potential varies widely by type.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sesame Oil Glycereth-8 Esters

SESAME OIL GLYCERETH-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without heavy greasiness.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Sesame Seed Butter

Sesamum Indicum Seed Butter

4.0

Sesame seed butter is a gentle, natural emollient that softens and conditions skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sesqui-C12-16 Alkanes

Sesqui-C12-16 Alkanes

4.2

A silky, plant-derived emollient that helps products spread smoothly without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Shark Liver Oil

SQUALENE (from shark liver oil)

3.5

Shark liver oil is a rich source of squalene, a natural emollient that hydrates and protects skin, but ethical and sustainability concerns have led many brands to switch to plant-based alternatives.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Shea Butter

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter

4.5

A deeply nourishing, non-irritating butter that softens and protects the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Shea Butter Cetyl Esters

Shea Butter Cetyl Esters

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve the feel of creams and balms.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Shea Butter Decyl Esters

Shea Butter Decyl Esters

4.3

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that delivers shea butter's moisturizing benefits without the heavy feel, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Shea Butter Ethyl Esters

Shea Butter Ethyl Esters

4.3

A silky, non-greasy emollient derived from shea butter that moisturizes without the heavy feel of traditional shea butter.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Shea Butter Extract

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract

4.3

A nourishing extract from shea butter that hydrates and softens skin without feeling overly greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Shea Butter Glyceride

Shea Butter Glyceride

4.3

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from shea butter that softens skin and helps maintain moisture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Shea Butter Oleyl Esters

Shea Butter Oleyl Esters

4.3

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves skin softness without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Shea Butter PEG-8 Esters

Shea Butter PEG-8 Esters

4.0

A water-friendly version of shea butter that hydrates and helps blend oils and water in your products, with a lighter feel than traditional shea butter.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Shea Butter Unsaponifiables

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Unsaponifiables

4.3

A powerhouse fraction of shea butter that soothes, repairs, and strengthens the skin barrier without the heavy, greasy feel of whole shea butter.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Shea Nut Extract

Butyrospermum Parkii Nut Extract

4.0

A gentle, nourishing extract from shea nuts that helps soften and soothe the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Shea Oil

Butyrospermum Parkii Oil

4.3

Shea oil is a gentle, non-greasy moisturizer that softens skin and helps restore its natural barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sheep Milk

SHEEP MILK

3.8

Sheep milk is a gentle, naturally moisturizing ingredient that can soothe and soften skin, but it's not a miracle cure and may not suit those with dairy allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Occlusive

Silicones

Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Amodimethicone, and other silicone polymers

3.8

Silicones are safe, non-comedogenic film-formers that give a smooth feel, but they can cause buildup and may not suit all skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Silk Lipids

Bombyx Lipida

4.0

A gentle, naturally-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Silkworm Chrysalis Oil

Bombyx Mori Chrysalis Oil

3.8

A unique, fatty-acid-rich oil that moisturizes and may support skin barrier function, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Silver Fir Leaf Wax

Abies Alba Leaf Wax

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived 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

Skin Lipids

Skin Lipids

4.0

Skin lipids are a gentle, effective way to support your skin's natural barrier and lock in moisture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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