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

C12-13 Alkane/Cycloalkane

C12-13 ALKANE/CYCLOALKANE

4.0

A lightweight, silicone-like emollient that spreads easily and leaves a non-greasy finish, ideal for oil-free or lightweight formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C12-13 Alkyl Lactate

C12-13 Alkyl Lactate

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, commonly used in moisturizers and sunscreens.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

4.0

A lightweight, synthetic emollient that makes products feel silky without clogging pores—safe and widely used.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate

C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate

4.0

A lightweight, synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, commonly used to improve product texture and spreadability.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C12-15 Alkyl Lactate

C12-15 Alkyl Lactate

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for oily and combination skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C12-15 Isoparaffin

C12-15 Isoparaffin

3.8

A lightweight synthetic oil that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without greasiness.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C12-17 Alkane

C12-17 Alkane

4.5

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that hydrates without heaviness, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

C12-18 Acid Triglyceride

C12-18 Acid Triglyceride

4.2

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

C13-14 Isoparaffin

C13-14 Isoparaffin

3.8

A safe, lightweight emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a non-greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C13-15 Alkane

C13-15 Alkane

4.5

A silky, plant-derived emollient that feels lightweight and non-greasy, making it a great alternative to silicones.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

C13-16 Isoparaffin

C13-16 Isoparaffin

3.5

A safe, lightweight synthetic oil that helps products spread smoothly and feel non-greasy, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C13-C15 Alkane

C13-15 Alkane

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that spreads easily and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

C14-15 Dialkyl Carbonate

C14-15 DIALKYL CARBONATE

4.3

A silky, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and spreadability, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

C14-16 Glycol Palmitate

C14-16 Glycol Palmitate

3.8

A gentle synthetic emollient that makes products feel smooth and creamy without heavy greasiness.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Solvent

C14-16 Isoparaffin

C14-16 Isoparaffin

3.8

A safe, lightweight synthetic oil that helps products spread smoothly and feel non-greasy, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C14-18 Acid Glycol Ester

C14-18 Acid Glycol Ester

4.0

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps products feel smooth and spread easily, with a low risk of irritation or clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C14-18 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate

C14-18 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate

4.0

A lightweight, synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, commonly used to improve product texture and spreadability.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C14-18 Glycol

C14-18 Glycol

3.8

A gentle thickening and emollient ingredient that helps create a smooth, creamy texture in skincare products.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C14-19 Alkane

C14-19 Alkane

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that provides a silky feel and helps other ingredients absorb without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

C14-20 Alkane

C14-20 Alkane

4.3

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from plant sources that helps soften skin and improve product texture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

C14-22 Alcohols

C14-22 Alcohols

4.0

A safe, non-drying fatty alcohol blend that helps create a smooth, creamy texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C14-22 Alkane

C14-22 Alkane

4.5

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that provides a silky, non-greasy feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

C14-28 Isoalkyl Acid

C14-28 Isoalkyl Acid

3.8

A gentle synthetic fatty acid that helps soften skin and stabilize formulas without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C14-30 Alkyl Beeswax

C14-30 Alkyl Beeswax

4.0

A gentle, synthetic wax that helps thicken and stabilize formulas, giving a smooth, non-greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C15-18 Glycol

C15-18 Glycol

4.0

C15-18 Glycol is a gentle emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C15-19 Alkane

C15-19 Alkane

4.3

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that provides a silky feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

C15-19 Isoparaffin

C15-19 Isoparaffin

3.8

A safe, lightweight synthetic oil that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a non-greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C15-23 Alkane

C15-23 Alkane

4.5

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that provides a silky feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

C15-35 Isoparaffin Blend

C15-35 ISOPARAFFIN/ISOALKYLCYCLOALKANES

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C16-17 Alcohols

C16-17 ISOALCOHOLS

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

C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate

C16-17 Alkyl Benzoate

4.2

A lightweight, silky emollient that helps products spread smoothly without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C16-23 Alkane

C16-23 Alkane

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that provides a silky feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

C16-36 Alkyl Stearate

C16-36 ALKYL STEARATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C18-20 Hydroxyalkyl Acid Blend

TETRADECYL/HEXADECYL C18-20 HYDROXYALKYL ACID

3.5

A synthetic emollient that helps soften and smooth skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C18-21 Alkane

C18-21 Alkane

4.2

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

C18-24 Isoparaffin

C18-24 Isoparaffin

3.8

A synthetic, lightweight oil that helps products glide on smoothly without feeling heavy, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C18-26 Olefin

C18-26 Olefin

4.0

A gentle, synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without common irritation or clogging concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C18-28 Alkyl Acetate

C18-28 Alkyl Acetate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves the feel of creams and lotions.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C18-29 Alkane

C18-29 Alkane

4.5

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that hydrates without clogging pores — great for sensitive and oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

C18-36 Acid Glycol Ester

C18-36 Acid Glycol Ester

4.0

A gentle, wax-like ingredient that helps skincare and makeup feel smooth and stay stable without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

C18-38 Alkyl Beeswax

C18-38 Alkyl Beeswax

4.0

A gentle, synthetic wax that helps thicken and stabilize products without the variability of natural beeswax.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

C18-50 Isoparaffin

C18-50 Isoparaffin

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C18-70 Isoparaffin

C18-70 Isoparaffin

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C20-22 Alcohols

C20-22 Alcohols

4.0

A safe, non-drying fatty alcohol that gives creams a silky feel and helps stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollientthickener
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Emollient

C20-24 Alkyl Dimethicone

C20-24 ALKYL DIMETHICONE

4.0

A gentle silicone emollient that gives a silky, non-greasy feel and helps products glide on smoothly, with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C20-24 Alkyl Methicone

C20-24 ALKYL METHICONE

4.0

A gentle silicone emollient that smooths skin and improves product feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C20-24 Olefin

C20-24 Olefin

3.5

C20-24 Olefin is a synthetic emollient that helps products feel smooth and spread easily, with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C20-30 Glycol

C20-30 Glycol

4.0

A gentle emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without common irritation or clogging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

C20-40 Alcohols

C20-40 Alcohols

4.0

A safe, non-drying fatty alcohol that helps thicken and stabilize creams and lotions without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollientthickener
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Viscosity Controlling

C20-40 Alkyl Behenate

C20-40 ALKYL BEHENATE

4.0

A gentle synthetic wax that gives lip and stick products a smooth, creamy texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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