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 473
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

Exfoliant

Papaya Ferment Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/PAPAYA FRUIT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, probiotic-based exfoliant that brightens and hydrates without harsh chemicals.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfolianthumectant
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Exfoliant

Passion Fruit Seed Acid

Passiflora Edulis Seed Acid

4.0

A mild, natural exfoliant derived from passion fruit seeds that gently resurfaces skin without harsh irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Passionflower Seed Powder

Passiflora Incarnata Seed Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant that helps polish skin without harsh microbeads, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Peach Flower Powder

PRUNUS PERSICA FLOWER POWDER

3.8

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Peach Seed Powder

Prunus Persica Seed Powder

4.0

A natural, biodegradable exfoliant that gently buffs away dead skin cells without the environmental concerns of plastic microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Pear Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/PEAR JUICE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle probiotic ferment that exfoliates and hydrates without harsh acids, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfolianthumectant
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Exfoliant

Pearl Powder

PEARL POWDER

3.8

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Abrasive

Pecan Shell Powder

CARYA ILLINOINENSIS SHELL POWDER

3.8

A natural, biodegradable physical exfoliant, but the irregular particle shape can cause micro-tears if not finely milled.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Abrasive

Pegmatite Powder

Pegmatite

3.5

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

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Exfoliant

Pepsin

PEPSIN

3.5

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

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Exfoliant

Phenylacetic Acid

Phenylacetic Acid

3.8

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Phonolite

Phonolite

3.5

Phonolite is a natural volcanic mineral powder that gently exfoliates and absorbs excess oil without harsh chemicals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Phthalimidoperoxycaproic Acid

Phthalimidoperoxycaproic Acid

3.8

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

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Exfoliant

Phytic Acid

Phytic Acid

4.2

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

beautyskincareexfoliantchelating agent
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Exfoliant

Pine Leaf Powder

Pinus Densiflora Leaf Powder

3.8

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Pineapple Fruit Extract

ANANAS SATIVUS FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Humectant

Pineapple Fruit Extract Beta-Glucan

Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Beta-Glucan

4.0

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

beautyskincarehumectantexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Pineapple Fruit Juice

ANANAS SATIVUS FRUIT JUICE

4.0

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

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Exfoliant

Pineapple Stem Powder

ANANAS SATIVUS STEM POWDER

4.0

A gentle, enzyme-rich exfoliant from pineapple stems that helps smooth skin without harsh scrubbing.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Pistachio Shell Powder

PISTACIA VERA SHELL POWDER

3.8

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Absorbent

Pithecellobium Tenue Wood Powder

Pithecellobium Tenue Wood Powder

3.5

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Plukenetia Volubilis Seedcake

PLUKENETIA VOLUBILIS SEEDCAKE

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant from Sacha Inchi seeds that also provides antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Plum Seed Powder

Prunus Domestica Seed Powder

4.0

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Polylactic Acid

POLYLACTIC ACID

4.0

Polylactic acid is a gentle, biodegradable exfoliant derived from corn or sugarcane that helps smooth skin texture without harsh irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Pomegranate Seed Powder

Punica Granatum Seed Powder

4.0

Pomegranate Seed Powder gently exfoliates while delivering antioxidants, but its texture can be gritty for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Potassium Hydroxycitrate

Potassium Hydroxycitrate

3.8

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

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Exfoliant

Potassium Salicylate

Potassium Salicylate

4.0

A milder, less irritating version of salicylic acid that helps exfoliate and smooth skin without the typical sting.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Propane Tricarboxylic Acid

PROPANE TRICARBOXYLIC ACID

3.8

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Protease

Protease

4.0

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Prunus Mume Fruit Vinegar

PRUNUS MUME FRUIT VINEGAR

4.0

A gentle, naturally fermented fruit vinegar that exfoliates and brightens skin without the harshness of stronger acids.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Prunus Mume Seed Powder

PRUNUS MUME SEED POWDER

4.0

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

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Abrasive

Pumice

PUMICE

3.8

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Physical Exfoliant

Pumice Extract

Pumice

3.8

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Pumpkin Ferment Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/CURCURBITA PEPO FRUIT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented pumpkin extract that helps exfoliate and calm skin without harsh scrubbing.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Humectant

Pumpkin Fruit Extract with Beta-Glucan

Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Fruit Extract, Beta-Glucan

4.0

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

beautyskincarehumectantexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Pumpkin Seed Ferment Filtrate

ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/PUMPKIN SEED FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps smooth skin texture and provides antioxidant benefits without harsh scrubbing.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Pumpkin Seed Powder

Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Powder

4.0

A natural, finely milled powder that gently exfoliates and provides antioxidant benefits without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid

Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid

4.0

A gentle, emerging exfoliant that may brighten skin and improve texture with less irritation than traditional acids.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Pyridoxine Salicylate

Pyridoxine Salicylate

3.8

A gentle exfoliating ingredient that combines vitamin B6 with salicylic acid to help smooth skin and reduce redness.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

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Exfoliant

Pyruvic Acid

Pyruvic Acid

3.8

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Abrasive

Quartz

QUARTZ

3.0

Quartz can provide gentle physical exfoliation, but its sharp edges may irritate sensitive skin if not finely milled.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Quercus Acutissima Fruit Powder

Quercus Acutissima Fruit Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from oak fruit, best for those seeking mild physical exfoliation with antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Exfoliant

Quinic Acid

Quinic Acid

4.0

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Quinoa Husk Powder

Chenopodium Quinoa Husk Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant from quinoa husks that buffs away dead skin without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Red Maple Bark Powder

Acer Rubrum Bark Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Red Raspberry Seed

Rubus Strigosus Seed

4.0

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Red Raspberry Seedcake Powder

RUBUS IDAEUS SEEDCAKE POWDER

4.0

A gentle, natural exfoliant from raspberry seeds that polishes skin without harsh microbeads, with mild antioxidant properties.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Red Rice Vinegar

Red Rice Vinegar

3.8

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Resorcinol

Resorcinol

3.5

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Resorcinol Acetate

RESORCINOL ACETATE

3.8

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Humectant

Rhamnose

RHAMNOSE

4.0

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

beautyskincarehumectantexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Rhyolite Powder

Rhyolite

3.8

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Riberry Fruit Powder

Syzygium luehmannii fruit powder

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit powder that provides mild physical exfoliation and may help brighten skin over time.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Exfoliant

Ribonic Acid

RIBONIC ACID

3.8

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

beautyskincareexfoliant
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