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 48 of 48
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

Fragrance

African Basil Herb Oil

OCIMUM CANUM HERB OIL

3.8

African basil oil offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its essential oil nature.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Anethum Sowa Seed Oil

ANETHUM SOWA SEED OIL

3.8

Anethum Sowa Seed Oil offers mild soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but its essential oil nature means it can be irritating for sensitive skin if used at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Artemisia Gmelinii Leaf Oil

Artemisia Gmelinii Leaf Oil

3.5

A fragrant botanical oil with traditional use for soothing skin, but limited modern research and potential for irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Birch Twig Oil

BETULA PUBESCENS TWIG OIL

3.8

Birch Twig Oil offers a natural, earthy option for soothing and clarifying skin, but its potency means it's best used in low concentrations and patch-tested first.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Black Birch Bark Oil

Betula Lenta Bark Oil

3.8

A fragrant botanical oil with mild astringent and soothing qualities, best used in low concentrations to avoid skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cade Wood Oil

JUNIPERUS OXYCEDRUS WOOD OIL

3.8

Cade Wood Oil offers purifying and soothing benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its potent aromatic compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cajaput Oil

Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajaput Oil

3.8

Cajaput oil can offer antimicrobial benefits for acne-prone skin, but its potency means it must be used at low concentrations to avoid irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Cajeput Leaf Oil

Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajputi Leaf Oil

3.8

Cajeput leaf oil is a natural essential oil with antimicrobial properties that may help with acne, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and should be used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Camphor Bark Oil

Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil

3.5

A potent essential oil with cooling and antimicrobial benefits, but high irritation risk means it's best used in low concentrations or avoided by sensitive skin.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Camphor Branch/Stem Oil

Cinnamomum Camphora Branch/Stem Oil

3.5

Camphor branch/stem oil offers cooling and antimicrobial benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin and should be used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Camphor Leaf Oil

Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil

3.5

Camphor Leaf Oil offers a cooling sensation and mild antimicrobial benefits, but its strong fragrance and potential for skin irritation mean it's best used in low concentrations and with caution for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Clary Sage Flower Oil

Salvia Sclarea Flower Oil

4.0

A fragrant essential oil that may help balance oily skin and calm minor irritation, but requires careful dilution to avoid sensitivity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Clove Flower Oil

EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLUS FLOWER OIL

3.5

Clove Flower Oil offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits but is highly irritating and sensitizing, making it risky for most skincare routines.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Clove Stem Oil

EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLUS STEM OIL

3.5

Clove stem oil can add fragrance and antimicrobial benefits to skincare, but its high eugenol content makes it a common skin irritant and allergen.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Curcuma Zedoaria Root Oil

CURCUMA ZEDOARIA ROOT OIL

3.8

A fragrant essential oil with antioxidant potential, but limited research and a moderate risk of skin irritation for sensitive types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Eucalyptus Dives Leaf Oil

EUCALYPTUS DIVES LEAF OIL

3.5

Eucalyptus Dives Leaf Oil adds a fresh, herbal scent and may help with acne-prone skin, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Fennel Fruit Oil

FOENICULUM VULGARE CAPILLACEUM FRUIT OIL

3.8

Fennel Fruit Oil adds a warm, herbal scent and offers antioxidant benefits, but its essential oil nature means it can irritate sensitive skin if used undiluted.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Grass Tree Leaf Oil

Xanthorrhoea Preissii Leaf Oil

3.8

Grass Tree Leaf Oil is a fragrant botanical oil with potential soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but it is best used in low concentrations due to possible skin sensitivity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Greek Sage Leaf Oil

Salvia Triloba Leaf Oil

3.8

Greek sage oil offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Hiba Wood Oil

Thujopsis Dolabrata Wood Oil

3.8

Hiba wood oil is a natural essential oil with promising antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits, but its strong scent and potential for skin irritation mean it's best used in low concentrations and patch-tested first.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Hyssop Leaf Oil

HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS LEAF OIL

3.8

Hyssop Leaf Oil offers antimicrobial and soothing benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Kunzea Oil

KUNZEA ERICOIDES LEAF OIL

3.8

Kunzea oil offers a pleasant, earthy scent and potential soothing benefits, but its essential oil nature means it can be irritating for sensitive skin and lacks strong research backing.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Labrador Tea Oil

Ledum Groenlandicum Oil

3.5

A fragrant essential oil with traditional use for soothing skin, but limited modern research and a moderate risk of irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Marjoram Herb Oil

ORIGANUM MAJORANA HERB OIL

3.8

Marjoram herb oil adds a warm herbal scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but it can irritate sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Mastic Leaf Oil

Pistacia Lentiscus Leaf Oil

3.8

A fragrant essential oil with antioxidant potential, but may irritate sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Mastic Thyme Flower Oil

THYMUS MASTICHINA FLOWER OIL

3.8

Mastic Thyme Flower Oil offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its essential oil nature.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Mastic Thyme Oil

THYMUS MASTICHINA HERB OIL

3.8

Mastic thyme oil offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin; use in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Melaleuca Ericifolia Leaf Oil

MELALEUCA ERICIFOLIA LEAF OIL

3.8

A fragrant essential oil with mild antimicrobial potential, best used in low concentrations to avoid skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Melaleuca Teretifolia Oil

MELALEUCA TERETIFOLIA BRANCH/LEAF OIL

3.8

A botanical essential oil with antimicrobial potential, but limited research and a risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Mentha Canadensis Oil

Mentha Canadensis Leaf/Stem Oil

3.5

A refreshing mint oil that can add a cooling feel to products but may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Niaouli Leaf Oil

Melaleuca quinquenervia leaf oil

3.8

Niaouli leaf oil is a natural essential oil with antimicrobial and soothing properties, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and should be used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Niaouli Oil

MELALEUCA VIRIDIFLORA LEAF OIL

3.8

Niaouli oil can help calm blemishes and add a fresh scent, but it may irritate sensitive skin if used at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Nutmeg Kernel Oil

MYRISTICA FRAGRANS KERNEL OIL

3.8

Nutmeg Kernel Oil adds a warm, spicy scent and may help with blemishes, but it can irritate sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Pimenta Acris Leaf Oil

Pimenta Acris Leaf Oil

3.5

A fragrant essential oil with antimicrobial potential, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Plectranthus Amboinicus Oil

PLECTRANTHUS AMBOINICUS LEAF/STEM OIL

3.5

A fragrant essential oil with some antimicrobial potential, but limited research on skin benefits and a moderate risk of irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Ravensara Aromatica Twig Oil

RAVENSARA AROMATICA TWIG OIL

3.8

Ravensara Aromatica Twig Oil adds a pleasant scent and may offer mild skin-soothing benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Rectified Camphor Leaf Oil

Cinnamomum Camphora Formosana Leaf Oil Rectified

3.8

Camphor leaf oil can provide a cooling sensation and mild antimicrobial benefits, but it is a potent essential oil that may irritate sensitive skin and should be used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Spanish Sage Oil

Salvia Officinalis Lavandulifolia Herb Oil

3.8

Spanish Sage Oil offers antimicrobial and soothing benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin if used undiluted or at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Sweet Fennel Fruit Oil

FOENICULUM VULGARE DULCE FRUIT OIL

4.0

Sweet Fennel Fruit Oil adds a pleasant scent and antioxidant benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin if used undiluted.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Tea Tree Oil

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil

4.0

Tea tree oil is a natural antimicrobial that can help with mild acne, but it must be used at safe concentrations to avoid skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Thuja Leaf Oil

Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Oil

3.5

Thuja Leaf Oil offers antimicrobial benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin; use with caution.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Thuja Stem Oil

Thuja Occidentalis Stem Oil

3.5

A potent essential oil with antimicrobial potential, but its strong nature and limited skincare research mean it's best used cautiously in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Thymus Zygis Flower Oil

THYMUS ZYGIS FLOWER OIL

3.8

Thymus Zygis Flower Oil offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits, but its strong fragrance and potential for irritation mean it's best for those with resilient skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Tree Wormwood Herb Oil

ARTEMISIA ARBORESCENS HERB OIL

3.5

Tree Wormwood Herb Oil offers potential soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but its potency and lack of broad safety data mean it's best used in low concentrations and with caution.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Vitex Leaf Oil

Vitex Rotundifolia Leaf Oil

3.5

Vitex Leaf Oil adds a natural botanical scent and potential antioxidant benefits, but its essential oil nature means it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

White Mugwort Leaf Oil

Artemisia Herba-Alba Leaf Oil

3.8

A fragrant botanical oil with potential soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but limited research and a risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Wormwood Oil

Artemisia Absinthium Herb Oil

3.5

Wormwood oil offers antimicrobial and soothing benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin and requires careful dilution.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Zanthoxylum Alatum Fruit Oil

ZANTHOXYLUM ALATUM FRUIT OIL

3.8

Zanthoxylum Alatum Fruit Oil adds a natural, spicy scent to products but may irritate sensitive skin due to its essential oil nature.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review