A gentle, probiotic-based exfoliant that brightens and hydrates without harsh chemicals.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
Beauty ingredient research
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
A gentle, probiotic-based exfoliant that brightens and hydrates without harsh chemicals.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
A mild, natural exfoliant derived from passion fruit seeds that gently resurfaces skin without harsh irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, natural physical exfoliant that helps smooth skin without harsh microplastics.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, natural exfoliant that helps polish skin without harsh microbeads, suitable for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Peach flower powder offers gentle physical exfoliation with a touch of antioxidant activity, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A natural, biodegradable exfoliant that gently buffs away dead skin cells without the environmental concerns of plastic microbeads.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle probiotic ferment that exfoliates and hydrates without harsh acids, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
Pearl powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and a subtle glow, but its brightening and skin-repair claims are not strongly supported by independent research.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A natural, biodegradable physical exfoliant, but the irregular particle shape can cause micro-tears if not finely milled.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
Pegmatite is a natural mineral powder that provides gentle physical exfoliation, but its benefits and safety are not well-studied in skincare.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Pepsin is an enzyme exfoliant that breaks down proteins on the skin, but its use in cosmetics is rare and not well-studied for safety or efficacy.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
Phenylacetic acid is a gentle exfoliant that may help brighten skin and improve texture, but research is still emerging compared to more established AHAs.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Phonolite is a natural volcanic mineral powder that gently exfoliates and absorbs excess oil without harsh chemicals.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, natural exfoliant from New Zealand flax that helps polish skin without harsh microbeads.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A synthetic peroxide exfoliant that gently dissolves dead skin cells and helps fade dark spots, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A mild, plant-derived exfoliant that brightens skin and boosts the effectiveness of other ingredients without the irritation of stronger acids.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A natural powdered leaf ingredient that provides gentle physical exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but may be too abrasive for sensitive or compromised skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
Pineapple fruit extract offers gentle enzymatic exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, making it a good choice for those seeking a milder alternative to harsh acids.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, hydrating blend that pairs pineapple's mild fruit enzymes with beta-glucan's soothing moisture, ideal for brightening and smoothing without harsh irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Pineapple fruit juice offers gentle enzymatic exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its effectiveness in skincare is mild and varies by formulation.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived enzyme that helps soften and smooth skin without harsh scrubbing.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, enzyme-rich exfoliant from pineapple stems that helps smooth skin without harsh scrubbing.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A natural, biodegradable exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells, but may be too harsh for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle natural wood powder that can absorb oil and provide mild physical exfoliation, but research on its specific benefits is limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, natural exfoliant from Sacha Inchi seeds that also provides antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, natural exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells without harsh microplastics, but may feel too gritty for sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Polylactic acid is a gentle, biodegradable exfoliant derived from corn or sugarcane that helps smooth skin texture without harsh irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Pomegranate Seed Powder gently exfoliates while delivering antioxidants, but its texture can be gritty for sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle exfoliating salt that may help brighten skin and improve texture with a lower irritation risk than stronger acids.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A milder alternative to salicylic acid that exfoliates and brightens with a lower risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A milder, less irritating version of salicylic acid that helps exfoliate and smooth skin without the typical sting.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A mild synthetic exfoliant that helps smooth skin and improve radiance, but research is still limited compared to AHAs like glycolic acid.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
Protease is an enzyme exfoliant that gently dissolves dead skin cells, but it can be irritating if left on too long or used too frequently.
Irritation
moderate
Source
biotech
A gentle, natural powder that can lightly exfoliate or absorb oil, but with limited research on its specific benefits.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, naturally fermented fruit vinegar that exfoliates and brightens skin without the harshness of stronger acids.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A natural, finely-milled seed powder that gently exfoliates without harsh microbeads, making it a eco-friendly choice for smooth skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Pumice is a natural volcanic abrasive that effectively smooths rough skin, but it can be harsh if overused or applied with too much pressure.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
Pumice extract is a natural volcanic abrasive that physically buffs away dead skin cells, but its particle size and pressure during use can cause micro-tears if not formulated carefully.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle, fermented pumpkin extract that helps exfoliate and calm skin without harsh scrubbing.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
A gentle, hydrating blend that combines pumpkin's natural enzymes with beta-glucan's soothing power—great for a brighter, smoother complexion without harsh irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle fermented ingredient that helps smooth skin texture and provides antioxidant benefits without harsh scrubbing.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
A natural, finely milled powder that gently exfoliates and provides antioxidant benefits without harsh microbeads.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, emerging exfoliant that may brighten skin and improve texture with less irritation than traditional acids.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle exfoliating ingredient that combines vitamin B6 with salicylic acid to help smooth skin and reduce redness.
Irritation
moderate
Source
semi-synthetic
Pyruvic acid is a potent exfoliant similar to AHAs, but it may be less irritating for some skin types while still improving texture and acne.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
Quartz can provide gentle physical exfoliation, but its sharp edges may irritate sensitive skin if not finely milled.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from oak fruit, best for those seeking mild physical exfoliation with antioxidant benefits.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived AHA that exfoliates and hydrates without the sting of stronger acids, making it a good option for sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, natural exfoliant from quinoa husks that buffs away dead skin without harsh microbeads.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, natural exfoliant with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skincare benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Red raspberry seed is a gentle, natural exfoliant that also provides antioxidant benefits, making it a good choice for sensitive skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, natural exfoliant that also delivers antioxidant benefits from raspberry seed oil residues.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, natural exfoliant from raspberry seeds that polishes skin without harsh microbeads, with mild antioxidant properties.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, naturally fermented exfoliant that may help brighten skin and improve texture, but research is limited compared to standard AHAs.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Resorcinol is an effective exfoliant and antiseptic for acne and dark spots, but it can be irritating and is not suitable for sensitive skin or during pregnancy.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A milder cousin of resorcinol that helps fade dark spots and smooth skin texture, but can still cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
Rhamnose is a gentle plant-derived sugar that helps hydrate and lightly exfoliate skin, making it a good option for sensitive skin looking for mild renewal.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Rhyolite powder is a natural volcanic mineral that gently exfoliates and absorbs excess oil, but its benefits are based more on tradition than strong clinical research.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit powder that provides mild physical exfoliation and may help brighten skin over time.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Ribonic acid is a gentle, less-studied sugar acid that may offer mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but more research is needed to confirm its efficacy compared to better-known AHAs.
Irritation
low
Source
natural