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 1,094
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

Humectant

Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE EXTRACT

4.3

A gentle, fermented rice bran extract that hydrates and smooths skin with antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Rice Bran Water

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Water

4.0

Rice bran water is a mild, antioxidant-rich hydrator that soothes and softens skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Exfoliant

Rice Ferment (Acetobacter/Saccharomyces)

ACETOBACTER/SACCHAROMYCES/RICE KERNEL FERMENT

4.0

A gentle fermented rice ingredient that lightly exfoliates and hydrates, ideal for those seeking a mild alternative to stronger acids.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfolianthumectant
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Humectant

Rice Ferment Extract

ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES RICE FERMENT LEES

4.1

A gentle fermented rice ingredient that helps hydrate, brighten, and smooth skin without harsh exfoliation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantexfoliant
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Humectant

Rice Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/RICE KERNEL FERMENT

4.2

A gentle, fermented rice ingredient that hydrates, lightly exfoliates, and supports a smoother, more even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantconditioning agent
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Humectant

Rice Ferment Lees

Rice Ferment Lees

4.0

A gentle, nutrient-rich byproduct of sake brewing that hydrates, soothes, and supports a brighter, more even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Humectant

Rice Lees Ferment Lysate

Saccharomyces/Rice Lees Ferment Lysate

4.3

A gentle fermented ingredient that hydrates and supports skin barrier health without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Rice Lees Water

Oryza Sativa Lees Water

4.0

A gentle, nutrient-rich hydrator from sake fermentation that can help improve skin texture and radiance.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Rice Polypeptide-1

SR-RICE POLYPEPTIDE-1

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived peptide that helps hydrate and support skin barrier function, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Rice Rh-Polypeptide-45

Rice Rh-Polypeptide-45

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived peptide from rice that helps hydrate and condition skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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3.8

RNA is a gentle, hydrating ingredient that may support skin cell turnover, but its benefits in skincare are still being studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Rose Flower Juice

Rosa Centifolia Flower Juice

3.8

A gentle, fragrant floral water that provides light hydration and a soothing feel, but its benefits are mostly sensory and short-lived.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Royal Jelly

ROYAL JELLY

3.8

Royal jelly is a natural humectant that helps hydrate and soothe skin, but its benefits are modest and not backed by strong clinical evidence.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Royal Jelly Water

Water, Royal Jelly

3.8

Royal Jelly Water is a gentle, hydrating ingredient with potential soothing benefits, but its effects are not as well-studied as other humectants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Saccharide Isomerate

Saccharide Isomerate

4.5

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that provides deep, lasting hydration by binding to the skin's surface.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Saccharomyces Lysate Extract

Saccharomyces Lysate Extract

4.0

A gentle, fermented yeast extract that hydrates and supports skin barrier health, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Saccharomyces Rice Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/HYDROLYZED GERMINATED RICE GRAIN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented rice ingredient that helps soften skin and improve texture without harsh exfoliation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantexfoliant
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Humectant

Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/MAGNESIUM FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived ferment that pairs yeast metabolites with magnesium to support hydration and a healthy-looking skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantconditioning agent
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Humectant

Saccharomyces/Potassium Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/POTASSIUM FERMENT

4.0

A gentle fermented yeast ingredient that helps hydrate and support the skin barrier, especially beneficial for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Sacrum Exopolysaccharides

Aphanothece Sacrum Exopolysaccharides

4.0

A unique, jelly-like polysaccharide from a rare algae that helps hydrate and soothe skin while forming a protective film.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantfilm-former
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Humectant

Saguaro Flower Extract

Carnegiea Gigantea Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that adds hydration and antioxidant protection, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Humectant

Salmon Egg Extract

Salmo Ovum Extract

3.8

Salmon egg extract is a gentle, nutrient-rich ingredient that helps hydrate and condition the skin, but research on its benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Samphire Callus Extract

SALICORNIA HERBACEA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, biotech-grown extract from a salt-marsh plant that helps hydrate and calm the skin, with early research suggesting antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantsoothing
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Humectant

Samphire Extract

Salicornia Bigelovii Extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating plant extract from a salt-tolerant succulent, best for soothing and moisturizing normal to dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Sarcodiotheca Extract

SARCODIOTHECA GAUDICHAUDII EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle red seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Sarcosine

Sarcosine

4.0

Sarcosine is a gentle, naturally derived amino acid that helps hydrate and condition the skin, with some research suggesting it may support collagen production.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Schizophyllan

SCHIZOPHYLLAN

4.0

A mushroom-derived polysaccharide that hydrates and forms a protective film on the skin, with some research supporting its soothing and antioxidant properties.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantfilm-former
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Humectant

Schizophyllum Commune Ferment

SCHIZOPHYLLUM COMMUNE MYCELIUM FERMENT FILTRATE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, hydrating mushroom ferment that may help soothe skin and support moisture retention, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Sea Cucumber Ferment Filtrate

BACILLUS/SEA CUCUMBER FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented sea cucumber extract that may help hydrate and calm the skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Sea Lettuce Extract

Ulva Linza Extract

4.0

A gentle seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Sea Salt Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/SEA SALT FERMENT

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Sea Silt Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/SEA SILT FERMENT

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantconditioning agent
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Humectant

Sea Water

SEA WATER

3.8

Sea water provides a mineral-rich boost of hydration and can help soothe the skin, but it's not a miracle ingredient and may not suit very dry or sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Seaweed Complex Extract

Eucheuma Serra/Saccharina Angustata/Ulva Linza Extract

4.0

A gentle seaweed blend that helps hydrate and calm the skin, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Seaweed Extract

Undaria Pinnatifida Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps soothe and protect the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantsoothing
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Humectant

Seaweed Extract Blend

ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM/FUCUS VESICULOSUS/LAMINARIA CLOUSTONI/LAMINARIA DIGITATA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, nutrient-packed seaweed blend that hydrates and soothes skin with antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantsoothing
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Humectant

Seaweed Thallus Extract

Chondrus Elatus/Saccharina Angustata/Monostroma Nitidum Thallus Extract

4.0

A gentle seaweed blend that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research on this specific mix is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Seaweed Yeast Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/LAMINARIA SACCHARINA FERMENT

4.0

A fermented seaweed-yeast complex that helps hydrate and soothe skin while supporting a healthy barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantsoothing
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Humectant

Sechium Edule Fruit Juice

SECHIUM EDULE FRUIT JUICE

3.8

A gentle, water-rich fruit juice that adds light hydration and antioxidant support, but lacks strong clinical evidence for dramatic skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Serica Extract

Serica Extract

3.8

Serica Extract is a gentle, silk-based humectant that helps skin feel soft and hydrated without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Sericin

Sericin

4.0

Sericin is a gentle silk protein that helps skin hold onto moisture and feel smooth, but it's not a miracle anti-aging ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantfilm-forming
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Humectant

Serine

SERINE

4.2

Serine is a gentle, water-binding amino acid that helps keep skin plump and supports a healthy barrier without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Shirakaba Birch Sap

Betula Alba Juice

4.0

A gentle, hydrating birch sap that helps soothe and moisturize skin with natural minerals and antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Shirakaba Ekisu

Betula Alba Juice

4.0

A gentle, hydrating sap from birch trees that may help soothe and lightly moisturize the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Sialyllactose

Sialyllactose

4.0

Sialyllactose is a gentle, milk-derived sugar that helps hydrate skin and support a healthy microbiome, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantprebiotic
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Humectant

Silanetriol Trehalose Ether

Silanetriol Trehalose Ether

4.0

A gentle, hydrating ingredient that forms a breathable film to lock in moisture and smooth the skin's surface.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectantfilm-forming
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Humectant

Silk Amino Acids

Silk Amino Acids

4.0

Silk amino acids are gentle, water-attracting proteins that help hydrate and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Silk Fibroin

Fibroin

4.0

Silk fibroin is a gentle protein that helps skin feel smooth and hydrated by forming a light, breathable film.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantfilm-former
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Humectant

Silkworm Cocoon Ferment Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SILKWORM COCOON EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Silkworm Polypeptide-1

SR-SILKWORM POLYPEPTIDE-1

3.8

A gentle, hydrating peptide from silkworm silk that may help support skin moisture and texture, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Silkworm Polypeptide-2

SR-SILKWORM POLYPEPTIDE-2

3.8

A gentle silk-derived peptide that helps hydrate and temporarily smooth the skin's surface.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Silkworm Polypeptide-47

SILKWORM RH-POLYPEPTIDE-47

3.8

A gentle, biotech-derived peptide that helps hydrate and condition skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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