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

Soapberry Fruit Oil

SAPINDUS MUKOROSSI FRUIT OIL

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil that cleanses without stripping and softens skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Soapberry Seed Oil

SAPINDUS MUKOROSSI SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil that moisturizes and conditions skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive or oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Skin conditioning agent

Sodium Cholesteryl Sulfate

Sodium Cholesteryl Sulfate

4.0

A gentle, skin-identical lipid that supports barrier function and helps other ingredients absorb better.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Sorbus Commixta Berry Oil

SORBUS COMMIXTA BERRY OIL

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and soothes without clogging pores, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Soy Sterol Acetate

SOY STEROL ACETATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Soybean Lipids

Glycine Soja Lipids

4.0

Soybean Lipids are gentle, plant-derived emollients that replenish the skin barrier and provide lasting softness without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Soybean Oil

Glycine Soja Oil

4.0

Soybean oil is a gentle, nourishing emollient that helps soften and smooth skin, but it may clog pores for some people.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Soybean Oil Glycereth-8 Esters

SOYBEAN OIL GLYCERETH-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Soybean Oil Unsaponifiables

Glycine Soja Oil Unsaponifiables

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps soothe and support the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Spent Grain Wax

SPENT GRAIN WAX

4.0

A sustainable, plant-based wax that helps thicken and stabilize formulas while providing a smooth, non-greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sphingomyelin

Sphingomyelin

4.0

A skin-identical lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and helps keep skin plump and resilient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Squalane

Squalane

4.6

Squalane is a stable, non-comedogenic moisturizer that hydrates and softens skin without irritation, making it ideal for all skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Squalene

Squalene

4.0

Squalene is a skin-friendly lipid that hydrates and defends against moisture loss, but it is less stable than its hydrogenated cousin squalane.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Stearic Acid

Stearic Acid

4.0

A gentle fatty acid that helps thicken and stabilize creams while softening skin, but may clog pores for some people.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Stearone

Stearone

3.5

Stearone is a waxy emollient that helps stabilize and thicken formulas, but it's not a star active ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Stearoptenes

Stearoptenes

3.8

Stearoptenes are natural waxy solids from essential oils that help moisturize and stabilize skincare formulas, but they are not a standalone active ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Stearyl Acetate

Stearyl Acetate

4.0

A gentle emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, but may be slightly pore-clogging for acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Alcohol

Stearyl Alcohol

4.3

A gentle fatty alcohol that helps thicken and soften products without drying or irritating the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Stearyl Beeswax

Stearyl Beeswax

4.0

Stearyl Beeswax is a gentle, plant-friendly wax that gives creams and balms a smooth, stable texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Behenate

Stearyl Behenate

4.0

A gentle waxy emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Benzoate

Stearyl Benzoate

4.0

Stearyl Benzoate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Caprylate

Stearyl Caprylate

4.2

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Erucamide

STEARYL ERUCAMIDE

3.8

A gentle emollient that helps products feel smooth and creamy, with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Erucate

Stearyl Erucate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Ethylhexanoate

Stearyl Ethylhexanoate

4.0

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

Stearyl Glycol

Stearyl Glycol

4.0

Stearyl Glycol is a gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth skin, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Glycol Isostearate

STEARYL GLYCOL ISOSTEARATE

3.8

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, with low irritation and comedogenic risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Heptanoate

Stearyl Heptanoate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Lactate

Stearyl Lactate

4.0

A gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores, making it a solid choice for dry or sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Linoleate

Stearyl Linoleate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps restore skin softness and may support the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Olivate

Stearyl Olivate

4.3

A gentle, plant-based emollient and emulsifier that helps moisturize and stabilize formulas without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Palmitate

Stearyl Palmitate

4.0

Stearyl Palmitate is a gentle wax ester that softens skin and gives creams a smooth, non-greasy feel, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Stearate

Stearyl Stearate

4.0

A gentle wax ester that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Stearoyl Stearate

STEARYL STEAROYL STEARATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Stearyl Trimethicone

Stearyl Trimethicone

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Stearylgluconamide Dilaurate

Stearylgluconamide Dilaurate

4.0

A gentle, sugar-derived emollient that helps moisturize and condition skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Stigmastanol Maltoside

Stigmastanol Maltoside

4.0

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Stigmasteryl Isostearate

Stigmasteryl Isostearate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and improves the feel of creams and serums without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Stigmasteryl Nonanoate

Stigmasteryl Nonanoate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that mimics natural skin lipids to support barrier function without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Stigmasteryl Succinate

Stigmasteryl Succinate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Strawberry Seed Oil

FRAGARIA CHILOENSIS SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates without clogging pores, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sucrose Hexaerucate

SUCROSE HEXAERUCATE

4.0

A gentle, sugar-based emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Sucrose Hexaisostearate

Sucrose Hexaisostearate

4.0

A gentle, sugar-derived emollient that helps soften skin and stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Sucrose Hexapalmitate

SUCROSE HEXAPALMITATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Sucrose Mortierellate

SUCROSE MORTIERELLATE

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived emollient that helps soften and condition skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Emollient

Sucrose Pentaerucate

SUCROSE PENTAERUCATE

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from sugar and erucic acid that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Sucrose Polyester Blend

SUCROSE HEXAOLEATE/HEXAPALMITATE/HEXASTEARATE

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients spread smoothly.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Sucrose Trilaurate

SUCROSE TRILAURATE

4.0

A gentle, sugar-derived emollient that softens skin and helps blend water and oil in formulas without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Sumac Fruit Wax

Rhus Succedanea Fruit Cera

4.0

Sumac fruit wax is a natural, plant-derived wax that helps thicken and soften skincare products with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sunflower Oil Decyl Esters

SUNFLOWER OIL DECYL ESTERS

4.3

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Sunflower Seed Butter

Helianthus Annuus Seed Butter

4.3

A gentle, plant-based butter that moisturizes without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sunflower Seed Oil

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

4.5

A gentle, nourishing oil that hydrates and supports the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sunflower Seed Oil Cetyl Esters

SUNFLOWER SEED OIL CETYL ESTERS

4.3

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Sunflower Seed Oil Esters

SUNFLOWER SEED OIL/HYDROGENATED SUNFLOWER SEED OIL ESTERS

4.3

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens and smooths skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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