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

Canola Oil Unsaponifiables

CANOLA OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

4.5

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut oil that hydrates and softens skin with minimal risk of clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Caprylyl Butyrate

Caprylyl Butyrate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily and combination skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Caprylyl Caprylate

Caprylyl Caprylate

4.5

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Caprylyl Eicosenoate

Caprylyl Eicosenoate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Caprylyl Glyceryl Ether

Caprylyl Glyceryl Ether

4.0

A gentle, multifunctional ingredient that softens skin and helps boost the effectiveness of preservatives, making it a popular choice for sensitive-skin formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Caprylyl Glycol Linseedate

Caprylyl Glycol Linseedate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth skin while offering some antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Caprylyl Laurate

Caprylyl Laurate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Carapa Procera Seed Oil

CARAPA PROCERA SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and soothes without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Carnauba Wax Extract

Copernicia Cerifera Wax Extract

4.0

A natural plant wax that gives products a smooth texture and glossy finish, generally safe and non-irritating for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil

CARYODENDRON ORINOCENSE SEED OIL

4.3

A fast-absorbing, non-greasy plant oil rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that helps soften and protect the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cashew Seed Oil

Anacardium Occidentale Seed Oil

4.0

Cashew seed oil is a gentle, nourishing oil that softens skin without clogging pores, but it's less studied than other plant oils.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Castor Isostearate Succinate

CASTOR ISOSTEARATE SUCCINATE

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth while forming a light protective layer to lock in moisture.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Castor Oil Benzoate

Castor Oil Benzoate

4.0

A gentle, modified castor oil ester that softens skin and helps products spread smoothly without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Castor/Olive Oil Esters

Castor/Olive Oil Esters

4.2

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Castoryl Maleate

Castoryl Maleate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Celeriac Seed Oil

APIUM GRAVEOLENS RAPACEUM SEED OIL

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cera Alba

Cera Alba

4.0

Cera Alba is a gentle, natural wax that helps lock in moisture and gives products a smooth, protective texture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Cerebrosides

Cerebrosides

4.0

Cerebrosides are skin-identical lipids that help reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture, making them a gentle choice for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cerotic Acid

CEROTIC ACID

3.8

A gentle, wax-derived fatty acid that helps soften and smooth skin while reinforcing the moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetearyl Alcohol

Cetearyl Alcohol

4.5

A safe, non-drying fatty alcohol that makes creams and lotions feel smooth and creamy without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetearyl Behenate

Cetearyl Behenate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that makes creams feel silky without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetearyl Candelillate

Cetearyl Candelillate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based wax that gives products a smooth, creamy feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate

CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE

4.2

A lightweight, silky emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, making it a favorite for non-greasy formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetearyl Nonanoate

CETEARYL NONANOATE

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetearyl Palmate

Cetearyl Palmate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps moisturizers feel silky without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetearyl Palmitate

Cetearyl Palmitate

4.0

A gentle, waxy emollient that helps creams feel silky and spread smoothly without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetearyl Rice Branate

Cetearyl Rice Branate

4.3

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetearyl Stearate

Cetearyl Stearate

4.0

Cetearyl Stearate is a gentle, waxy ingredient that helps creams feel rich and smooth without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollientstabilizer
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetonal

CETONAL

3.5

Cetonal is a synthetic emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin, but it's not a standout ingredient and is best used as part of a broader formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Acetate

Cetyl Acetate

4.0

Cetyl acetate is a gentle emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Alcohol

Cetyl Alcohol

4.5

Cetyl alcohol is a safe, non-drying fatty alcohol that helps thicken and stabilize products while leaving skin soft and smooth.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollientthickener
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Arachidol

CETYLARACHIDOL

4.0

A gentle, synthetic emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Babassuate

Cetyl Babassuate

4.5

A lightweight, plant-based emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Behenate

Cetyl Behenate

4.0

Cetyl Behenate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturizers feel smooth and spread easily without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Caprate

Cetyl Caprate

4.2

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturizers feel silky without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Caprylate

Cetyl Caprylate

4.0

Cetyl Caprylate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and skin softness, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Dimethicone

Cetyl Dimethicone

4.0

A gentle silicone that softens skin and improves product feel, widely considered safe and non-irritating.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Dimethylbutyl Ether

Cetyl Dimethylbutyl Ether

4.0

A gentle synthetic emollient that improves skin feel and helps lock in moisture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Dimethyloctanoate

Cetyl Dimethyloctanoate

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily and combination skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Dodecenylsuccinate

Cetyl Dodecenylsuccinate

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Glyceryl Ether

Cetyl Glyceryl Ether

4.0

A gentle emollient that helps soften skin and stabilize formulas, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Glycol

Cetyl Glycol

4.0

Cetyl Glycol is a gentle, non-irritating ingredient that helps moisturize skin and improve the texture and stability of creams and lotions.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Glycol Isostearate

Cetyl Glycol Isostearate

4.0

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps moisturizers feel silky and spread easily, with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetyl Hexacosyl Dimethicone

Cetyl Hexacosyl Dimethicone

4.0

A gentle silicone that smooths skin, boosts water resistance, and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review