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

Sunflower Seed Oil Glyceride

SUNFLOWER SEED OIL GLYCERIDE

4.3

A mild, plant-based emollient that softens and conditions skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sunflower Seed Wax

Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera

4.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sweet Almond Oil

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil

4.5

A gentle, nourishing oil that softens skin without clogging pores, making it a staple for dry or sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sweet Almond Oil Decyl Esters

Sweet Almond Oil Decyl Esters

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from sweet almond oil that softens skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Sweet Almond Oil Unsaponifiables

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil Unsaponifiables

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from sweet almond oil that helps soften and soothe skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sweet Almond Oleosomes

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oleosomes

4.3

A gentle, lipid-rich ingredient that hydrates and softens skin without the greasy feel of traditional oils.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sweet Briar Seed Oil

Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil

4.5

A lightweight, non-greasy oil rich in linoleic acid and vitamin C that helps support skin barrier function and may improve the appearance of uneven texture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sweet Orange Flower Wax

CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS FLOWER WAX

4.0

A gentle, natural wax that adds a silky feel and light floral scent to skincare products, but may cause sensitivity in those allergic to citrus.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sweet Orange Peel Wax

CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS PEEL WAX

4.0

A gentle, plant-based wax that helps lock in moisture and gives products a smooth, non-greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sweet Orange Seed Oil

CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for normal to dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sweet Orange Seed Unsaponifiables

CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS SEED OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES

4.0

A gentle, lipid-rich fraction of sweet orange seed oil that helps soften and condition skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Sweet Violet Leaf Wax

VIOLA ODORATA LEAF WAX

4.0

A gentle plant wax that adds richness and a smooth feel to balms and creams, with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Synthetic Beeswax

Synthetic Beeswax

4.0

Synthetic beeswax is a vegan-friendly, stable alternative to natural beeswax that helps thicken and soften products without the risk of allergens.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Synthetic Japan Wax

Synthetic Japan Wax

3.8

A synthetic wax that adds texture and stability to products, generally safe for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Tall Oil

TALL OIL

3.5

Tall oil is a natural emollient from pine trees, but its comedogenic potential means it's best for non-acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Tall Oil Glycerides

Tall Oil Glycerides

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens and smooths skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Tallow

Tallow

3.5

Tallow is a traditional emollient that mimics skin's natural oils, but its comedogenic rating means it may clog pores for some people.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Tallow Alcohol

Tallow Alcohol

3.5

Tallow alcohol is a natural fatty alcohol that softens skin and thickens formulas, but it may be comedogenic for some and is not suitable for vegans.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Tamanu Fruit Oil

CALOPHYLLUM TACAMAHACA FRUIT OIL

4.0

Tamanu fruit oil is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and soothe the skin, with some research suggesting it may support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Taraktogenos Kurzii Seed Oil

Taraktogenos Kurzii Seed Oil

3.8

A traditional emollient oil with a rich fatty acid profile, best for dry or rough skin but may be comedogenic for acne-prone types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Telfairia Pedata Oil

Telfairia pedata oil

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin with a light feel, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Terminalia Bellirica Fruit Oil

Terminalia Bellirica Fruit Oil

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps hydrate and protect the skin, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Terminalia Ferdinandiana Seed Oil

Terminalia ferdinandiana seed oil

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich seed oil that moisturizes and protects skin, though research on its unique benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Tetradecane

TETRADECANE

3.8

Tetradecane is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Tetradecene

TETRADECENE

3.5

Tetradecene is a lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without a greasy feel, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Tetradecyleicosanol

TETRADECYLEICOSANOL

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Tetradecyleicosyl Stearate

Tetradecyleicosyl Stearate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturize and improve the feel of skincare products without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Tetradecyloctadecanoic Acid

TETRADECYLOCTADECANOIC ACID

4.0

A gentle, synthetic fatty acid that softens and smooths skin with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Tetradecyloctadecanol

TETRADECYLOCTADECANOL

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

Tetradecylpropionates

TETRADECYLPROPIONATES

4.0

Tetradecylpropionates are gentle emollients that help soften skin without feeling greasy, making them a good choice for lightweight moisturizers.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Tetrahydro Mugyl Acetate

TETRAHYDROMUGYL ACETATE

3.8

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps soften and smooth skin with a lightweight feel, but research on its long-term effects is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Tetrahydrofurfuryl Ricinoleate

Tetrahydrofurfuryl Ricinoleate

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Tetrahydroisoocimenol

TETRAHYDROISOOCIMENOL

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Tiger Nut Root Oil

CYPERUS ESCULENTUS ROOT OIL

4.0

Tiger nut root oil is a gentle, nutrient-rich emollient that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Tomato Fruit Lipids

Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Lipids

4.0

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Tomato Seed Oil

Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Oil

4.0

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and protects skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Torreya Grandis Fruit Oil

TORREYA GRANDIS FRUIT OIL

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Torreya Seed Oil

Torreya Nucifera Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy plant oil that hydrates and helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Trehalose Undecylenate

TREHALOSE UNDECYLENOATE

4.0

Trehalose undecylenate is a gentle, sugar-based ester that hydrates and softens skin with low irritation potential, though research on its long-term benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Tri-C12-13 Alkyl Citrate

TRI-C12-13 ALKYL CITRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Tri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate

TRI-C14-15 ALKYL CITRATE

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps skincare products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Triarachidin

Triarachidin

4.0

Triarachidin is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Tribehenin

TRIBEHENIN

4.0

Tribehenin is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Tribenzoyl Triricinolein

Tribenzoyl Triricinolein

4.0

A gentle, castor-oil-derived emollient that helps cosmetics feel smooth and stay put without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Tributylcresylbutane

Tributylcresylbutane

3.5

A synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Tricaprin

TRICAPRIN

4.0

Tricaprin is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturize and condition the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Tricaprylin

Tricaprylin

4.3

Tricaprylin is a gentle, lightweight emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, making it a great choice for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Tricaprylyl Citrate

Tricaprylyl Citrate

4.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Trichilia Emetica Seed Butter

Trichilia Emetica Seed Butter

4.0

A rich, traditional African seed butter that deeply moisturizes without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Trichilia Roka Seed Butter

Trichilia Roka Seed Butter

4.0

A rich, plant-based butter that softens and hydrates skin without feeling overly greasy, with some antioxidant potential.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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