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

Steareth-12

STEARETH-12

3.8

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in formulas, generally well-tolerated but may be too heavy for very oily skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-12 Stearate

Steareth-12 Stearate

3.8

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-13

STEARETH-13

3.5

Steareth-13 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps stabilize creams and lotions, but it is produced with ethylene oxide, which raises purity concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-14

STEARETH-14

3.8

Steareth-14 is a reliable emulsifier that helps keep your creams and lotions smooth and stable, but it is synthetic and may be less suitable for those seeking fully natural formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-15

STEARETH-15

3.8

Steareth-15 is a reliable emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions, but it is synthetic and may not appeal to those seeking natural ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-16

STEARETH-16

3.8

Steareth-16 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-2

Steareth-2

4.0

A reliable emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare products with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-20

STEARETH-20

3.8

Steareth-20 is a reliable emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions, but it may be contaminated with potentially irritating 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-21

Steareth-21

4.0

Steareth-21 is a reliable synthetic emulsifier that creates smooth, stable creams and lotions, but it may be less appealing to those seeking fully natural formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-3

STEARETH-3

4.0

Steareth-3 is a gentle emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, making creams and lotions smooth and stable.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-30

STEARETH-30

4.0

Steareth-30 is a widely used emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-4 Stearate

Steareth-4 Stearate

4.0

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that stabilizes creamy formulas without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-40

STEARETH-40

4.0

Steareth-40 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-5

STEARETH-5

4.0

Steareth-5 is a gentle emulsifier that helps water and oil mix in your products, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-5 Stearate

Steareth-5 Stearate

4.0

A gentle emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without heavy irritation or pore-clogging concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-50

STEARETH-50

4.0

Steareth-50 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether

Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether

4.0

A reliable emulsifier that creates smooth, stable creams without common irritation concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-7

STEARETH-7

4.0

Steareth-7 is a well-tolerated synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare products.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-8

STEARETH-8

3.5

Steareth-8 is a common synthetic emulsifier that helps products feel smooth, but it may be mildly irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-9 Stearate

Steareth-9 Stearate

3.8

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps water and oil mix, making creams and lotions smooth and stable.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Stearoyl Inulin

Stearoyl Inulin

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that improves product feel and stability without common irritation concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Stearoyl Lactylic Acid

Stearoyl Lactylic Acid

4.0

A mild emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products while offering gentle skin conditioning and barrier support.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Surfactant

Stearyl Acetyl Glutamate

Stearyl Acetyl Glutamate

4.3

A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while respecting your skin's natural balance.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanseremulsifier
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Emollient

Stearyl Olivate

Stearyl Olivate

4.3

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

beautyskincareemollientemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Succinated Monoglycerides

Monoglycerides Succinate

4.0

A gentle emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions while providing light skin conditioning.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Acetate/Stearate

SUCROSE ACETATE/STEARATE

4.0

A gentle, sugar-derived emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Cocoate

Sucrose Cocoate

4.3

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Disinapate

Sucrose Disinapate

4.0

A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in formulas while offering mild skin conditioning.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Distearate

SUCROSE DISTEARATE

4.5

A mild, sugar-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Myristate

SUCROSE MYRISTATE

4.0

Sucrose Myristate is a mild, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in skincare products while leaving a soft, non-greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Polybehenate

Sucrose Polybehenate

4.5

A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that creates smooth, stable creams without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Polycottonseedate

SUCROSE POLYCOTTONSEEDATE

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Polyhydroxystearate

SUCROSE PENTAHYDROXYSTEARATE

4.0

A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that stabilizes formulas and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Polylaurate

SUCROSE POLYLAURATE

4.0

A mild, sugar-based emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Polylinoleate

SUCROSE POLYLINOLEATE

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight creams and lotions without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Polyoleate

SUCROSE POLYOLEATE

4.0

A mild, sugar-based emulsifier that stabilizes formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Polypalmate

Sucrose Polypalmate

4.2

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Polystearate

Sucrose Polystearate

4.3

A mild, sugar-based emulsifier that stabilizes formulas without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Ricinoleate

SUCROSE RICINOLEATE

4.0

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulas while also softening the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Tetrahydroxystearate

Sucrose Tetrahydroxystearate

4.3

A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in creams while leaving skin feeling soft.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Tetraisostearate

SUCROSE TETRAISOSTEARATE

4.2

A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that creates smooth, stable creams without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate

Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate

4.0

A gentle, sugar-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions, giving them a smooth, non-greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Tribehenate

Sucrose Tribehenate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that stabilizes creams and lotions without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sucrose Tristearate

SUCROSE TRISTEARATE

4.0

A mild, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sunflower Glycerides Citrate

Sunflower Glycerides Citrate

4.3

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulas while leaving skin feeling soft and conditioned.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sunflower Seed Oil Glycereth-8 Esters

HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL GLYCERETH-8 ESTERS

4.3

A mild, sunflower-derived emulsifier that stabilizes formulas while leaving skin feeling soft and non-greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sunflower Seed Oil PEG-32 Esters

SUNFLOWER SEED OIL PEG-32 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps water and oil mix in your skincare products without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Sweet Almond Oil PEG-8 Esters

SWEET ALMOND OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions while providing light skin conditioning.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Talloweth-5

TALLOWETH-5

3.5

Talloweth-5 is an effective emulsifier but may cause irritation for sensitive skin and raises ethical concerns due to its animal-derived origin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Tallowoyl Ethyl Glucoside

Tallowoyl Ethyl Glucoside

4.0

A gentle, animal-derived emulsifier that stabilizes creams and lotions without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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