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 1,342
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

Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-4 Pentaoleate

POLYGLYCERYL-4 PENTAOLEATE

4.0

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-4 Pentastearate

Polyglyceryl-4 Pentastearate

4.5

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that creates stable, creamy textures without common irritation concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-4 Stearate

POLYGLYCERYL-4 STEARATE

4.5

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that creates stable, creamy textures without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-4 Sweet Almondate

POLYGLYCERYL-4 SWEET ALMONDATE

4.5

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in your skincare products while leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Caprate

Polyglyceryl-5 Caprate

4.5

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight textures and is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Dicaprylate

Polyglyceryl-5 Dicaprylate

4.5

A gentle, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Dilaurate

Polyglyceryl-5 Dilaurate

4.5

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Dioleate

Polyglyceryl-5 Dioleate

4.2

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight creams and lotions with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Hexastearate

Polyglyceryl-5 Hexastearate

4.3

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Isostearate

Polyglyceryl-5 Isostearate

4.3

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable formulas without heavy or greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Laurate

Polyglyceryl-5 Laurate

4.3

A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight textures without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Myristate

Polyglyceryl-5 Myristate

4.3

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight creams and lotions with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Oleate

Polyglyceryl-5 Oleate

4.3

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight textures and is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Pentamyristate

Polyglyceryl-5 Pentamyristate

4.3

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight creams and lotions without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Ricinoleate

Polyglyceryl-5 Ricinoleate

4.3

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Stearate

Polyglyceryl-5 Stearate

4.5

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that creates stable, silky creams without common irritation concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Triisostearate

Polyglyceryl-5 Triisostearate

4.5

A mild, effective emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight textures without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Trimyristate

POLYGLYCERYL-5 TRIMYRISTATE

4.3

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures while also softening the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Trioleate

Polyglyceryl-5 Trioleate

4.5

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-5 Tristearate

Polyglyceryl-5 Tristearate

4.5

A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight formulas without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Apricot Kernelate

Polyglyceryl-6 Apricot Kernelate

4.3

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare formulas while leaving skin feeling soft.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Baobab Seedate

Polyglyceryl-6 Adansonia Digitata Seedate

4.0

A gentle, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulas while adding a touch of baobab's nourishing properties.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate

Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate

4.5

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that creates stable, creamy textures without irritating the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate

Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate

4.5

A mild, effective emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate

Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate

4.5

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight textures without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate

Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate

4.5

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight textures without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Diisostearate

Polyglyceryl-6 Diisostearate

4.5

A mild, effective emulsifier that creates silky textures and is well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Dioleate

Polyglyceryl-6 Dioleate

4.5

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Dipalmitate

POLYGLYCERYL-6 DIPALMITATE

4.5

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate

POLYGLYCERYL-6 DISTEARATE

4.5

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight textures without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Heptacaprylate

POLYGLYCERYL-6 HEPTACAPRYLATE

4.5

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight formulas without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Hexaoleate

Polyglyceryl-6 Hexaoleate

4.3

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight creams and lotions without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Isostearate

Polyglyceryl-6 Isostearate

4.3

A gentle, PEG-free emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight textures without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate

Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate

4.5

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Manketti Kernelate

Polyglyceryl-6 Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernelate

4.3

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in your skincare products while leaving skin feeling soft.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Myristate

Polyglyceryl-6 Myristate

4.3

A gentle, non-irritating emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Myristyl Ether

POLYGLYCERYL-6 MYRISTYL ETHER

4.2

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight creams and lotions without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Octacaprylate

POLYGLYCERYL-6 OCTACAPRYLATE

4.3

A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight textures with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Octastearate

POLYGLYCERYL-6 OCTASTEARATE

4.2

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate

Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate

4.5

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Palmitate

Polyglyceryl-6 Palmitate

4.3

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight textures without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Pentacaprylate

Polyglyceryl-6 Pentacaprylate

4.5

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight textures without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Pentaoleate

Polyglyceryl-6 Pentaoleate

4.5

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight textures without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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