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

Hydrolyzed Pearl

Hydrolyzed Pearl

3.8

Hydrolyzed Pearl is a gentle, natural humectant that may help support skin hydration and a brighter appearance, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Pectin

Hydrolyzed Pectin

4.0

Hydrolyzed Pectin is a gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin and may support a healthy-looking skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Prunus Domestica

Hydrolyzed Prunus Domestica

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plum extract that helps hydrate and condition the skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Quinoa

Hydrolyzed Quinoa

4.0

Hydrolyzed Quinoa is a gentle, plant-based protein that helps hydrate and reinforce the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantconditioning agent
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Quinoa Bran Extract

Hydrolyzed Chenopodium Quinoa Bran Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin and leaves a smooth, non-greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Quinoa Seed

Hydrolyzed Chenopodium Quinoa Seed

4.0

A gentle, plant-based protein that helps hydrate and temporarily smooth the skin's surface without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Red Algae

Hydrolyzed Porphyra Yezoensis

4.0

A gentle, hydrating ingredient from red algae that helps skin retain moisture and feel soothed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Red Blood Cells

HYDROLYZED RED BLOOD CELLS

3.5

A novel protein ingredient that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but research is limited and it may not suit those avoiding animal-derived ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Rice Extract

Hydrolyzed Rice Extract

4.2

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that hydrates and supports the skin barrier without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Rice Ferment Filtrate

Lachancea/Hydrolyzed Rice Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Roe Extract

Hydrolyzed Roe Extract

3.8

Hydrolyzed Roe Extract is a protein-rich ingredient that helps hydrate and condition the skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal and backed by limited clinical research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Royal Jelly Extract

HYDROLYZED ROYAL JELLY EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, protein-derived ingredient that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but research on its benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Salmon Ovary Extract

HYDROLYZED SALMON OVARY EXTRACT

3.8

A marine-derived peptide ingredient that may help hydrate and support skin firmness, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Sea Fennel

Hydrolyzed Crithmum Maritimum

4.0

A gentle, hydrating marine ingredient that may help support skin barrier function, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Sea Lettuce Extract

Hydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating algae extract that helps skin retain moisture and may calm irritation, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Sesame Extract

Hydrolyzed Sesame Extract

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble sesame derivative that helps hydrate and soothe skin, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Sesame Seed Extract

Hydrolyzed Sesame Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble extract from sesame seeds that helps hydrate and protect the skin with antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Shea Seedcake Extract

Hydrolyzed Shea Seedcake Extract

4.0

A gentle, protein-rich extract from shea butter production that helps hydrate and condition skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantconditioning agent
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Silk

Hydrolyzed Silk

4.0

Hydrolyzed silk is a gentle protein that helps skin feel soft and smooth, but its benefits are mostly surface-level and temporary.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantfilm-forming
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Silk Gland Extract

Hydrolyzed Silk Gland Extract

3.8

A gentle protein extract that helps hydrate and smooth skin, but its benefits are modest and best for those seeking extra moisture without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Silk Gland Powder

Hydrolyzed Silk Gland Powder

4.0

A gentle, protein-based ingredient that helps skin feel soft and smooth by forming a light, moisture-locking film.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantfilm-former
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Snail Body Extract

Hydrolyzed Snail Body Extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating ingredient derived from snails that may help soothe and plump the skin, but its benefits are largely anecdotal and vary by formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Sodium DNA

Hydrolyzed Sodium DNA

4.0

Hydrolyzed Sodium DNA is a gentle, water-loving ingredient that helps skin retain moisture and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Soy Extract

Hydrolyzed Soy Extract

4.0

Hydrolyzed Soy Extract is a gentle, plant-derived protein that helps hydrate and plump the skin, making it a good choice for dry or mature skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Soybean Fiber

Hydrolyzed Soybean Fiber

4.0

A gentle, plant-based humectant and film former that helps hydrate and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantfilm former
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Sponge Extract

Hydrolyzed Sponge Extract

3.8

A gentle, marine-sourced humectant that provides light hydration and skin conditioning, but research on its benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Spongin

Hydrolyzed Spongin

3.8

A gentle marine-derived protein that helps skin hold moisture and feel smooth, but research on its benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Starfish Extract

Hydrolyzed Starfish Extract

3.5

A marine extract that may help hydrate and calm skin, but research is limited and sustainability concerns exist.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Sturgeon Extract

Hydrolyzed Sturgeon Extract

3.8

A protein-rich ingredient that may help hydrate and temporarily firm skin, but evidence is limited and mostly based on general peptide benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Sturgeon Ovary Membrane Extract

Hydrolyzed Sturgeon Ovary Membrane Extract

3.8

A luxurious, protein-rich extract that helps hydrate and condition skin, but scientific evidence is limited and it may not be suitable for strict vegans.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Seedcake

Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Seedcake

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived protein that helps hydrate and smooth skin, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Swiftlet Nest

Hydrolyzed Swiftlet Nest

3.8

A novel, protein-rich ingredient from bird nests that may support skin hydration and elasticity, but human evidence is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantskin-conditioning agent
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Tiger Prawn Extract

Hydrolyzed Tiger Prawn Extract

3.5

A novel marine protein extract that may help hydrate and temporarily firm skin, but lacks robust human studies and is unsuitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Tremella Polysaccharide

Hydrolyzed Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide

4.5

A gentle, plant-based humectant that rivals hyaluronic acid for hydration without the stickiness, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Tremella Sporocarp Extract

Hydrolyzed Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract

4.3

A gentle, mushroom-derived humectant that helps skin hold moisture and may calm irritation — a natural alternative to hyaluronic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Walnut Extract

Hydrolyzed Walnut Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Wheat Germ Extract

Hydrolyzed Wheat Germ Extract

4.0

A gentle, protein-rich moisturizer that helps hydrate and temporarily smooth the skin's surface, but may not be suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten Extract

Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based protein that helps hydrate and temporarily plump the skin, but may not be suitable for those with wheat allergies or gluten sensitivity.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Xanthan Gum

Hydrolyzed Xanthomonas Campestris Polysaccharides

4.0

A gentle, hydrating ingredient that helps skin hold onto moisture without feeling heavy or sticky.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantthickener
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract

Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract

4.0

Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract is a gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that hydrates and supports skin barrier health, making it a good fit for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Yogurt Protein

Hydrolyzed Yogurt Protein

4.0

A gentle, milk-derived protein that helps hydrate and temporarily support the skin barrier, best for normal to dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydroxydecyl Maltitol

Hydroxydecyl Maltitol

4.0

A gentle, sugar-derived humectant that hydrates and soothes, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Humectant

Hydroxyethoxyethyl Urea

Hydroxyethoxyethyl Urea

4.3

A modern humectant that hydrates without stickiness, ideal for lightweight formulas and sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Humectant

Hydroxyethyl Phenoxyacetate

Hydroxyethyl Phenoxyacetate

3.8

A gentle, multifunctional ingredient that hydrates the skin and helps preserve formulas without the irritation of traditional preservatives.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Humectant

Hydroxyethyl Sorbitol

Hydroxyethyl Sorbitol

4.0

A gentle, water-attracting humectant that helps keep skin hydrated without irritation, but it's not as well-studied as glycerin or hyaluronic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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