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
Beauty ingredient research
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
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
A gentle, plant-based oil that moisturizes and conditions skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive or oily skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, skin-identical lipid that supports barrier function and helps other ingredients absorb better.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
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
A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics the skin's natural lipids to support barrier function and softness.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Soybean Lipids are gentle, plant-derived emollients that replenish the skin barrier and provide lasting softness without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
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
A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps soothe and support the skin barrier without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A sustainable, plant-based wax that helps thicken and stabilize formulas while providing a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A skin-identical lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and helps keep skin plump and resilient.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
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
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
A reliable synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without common irritation or clogging concerns.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle fatty acid that helps thicken and stabilize creams while softening skin, but may clog pores for some people.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Stearone is a waxy emollient that helps stabilize and thicken formulas, but it's not a star active ingredient.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
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
A gentle emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, but may be slightly pore-clogging for acne-prone skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle fatty alcohol that helps thicken and soften products without drying or irritating the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
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
A gentle waxy emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Stearyl Benzoate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, with low irritation potential.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
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
A gentle, non-irritating wax ester that improves texture and stability in balms and sticks.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle emollient that helps products feel smooth and creamy, with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
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
A gentle synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, with low irritation and comedogenic risk.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
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
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps restore skin softness and may support the skin barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
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
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
A gentle wax ester that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle silicone that smooths skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Emollient
STEARYL/PPG-3 MYRISTYL ETHER DIMER DILINOLEATE
A gentle synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product feel without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
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
A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture without irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and improves the feel of creams and serums without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived emollient that mimics natural skin lipids to support barrier function without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates without clogging pores, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based oil that helps soften and condition skin, but research on its benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, sugar-based emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, sugar-derived emollient that helps soften skin and stabilize formulas without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, sugar-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
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
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
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients spread smoothly.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, sugar-derived emollient that softens skin and helps blend water and oil in formulas without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
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
A lightweight, plant-based emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-based butter that moisturizes without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, nourishing oil that hydrates and supports the skin barrier without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens and smooths skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
natural