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 17 of 17
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

Moisturizer

Camel Milk

CAMEL MILK

3.8

Camel milk is a gentle, nutrient-rich moisturizer that may soothe dry or sensitive skin, but scientific evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Camel Milk Extract

CAMEL MILK EXTRACT

3.8

Camel milk extract is a gentle, hydrating ingredient that may help soothe and moisturize sensitive skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Castor Oil

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil

4.0

A rich, nourishing oil that locks in moisture and soothes dry skin, but may clog pores for some.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Skin barrier repair

Ceramide 5

Ceramide 5

4.5

Ceramide 5 is a skin-identical lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier, making it a gentle and effective choice for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Moisturizer

Colostrum Cream

Colostrum

3.5

Colostrum cream is a moisturizing product that may offer soothing and skin barrier support, but scientific evidence for its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Fusanus Spicatus Kernel Oil

FUSANUS SPICATUS KERNEL OIL

4.3

A gentle, non-greasy oil that hydrates and soothes skin, suitable for most skin types including sensitive and oily.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Skin conditioning agent

Glycosphingolipids

Glycosphingolipids

4.0

Glycosphingolipids are gentle, skin-identical lipids that help strengthen the moisture barrier and keep skin hydrated.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Moisturizer

Goat Milk Extract

Caprae Lac Extract

4.0

Goat Milk Extract is a gentle, nutrient-rich moisturizer that soothes and softens skin, but may not suit those with dairy allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Moisturizer

Milk

Lac

3.8

Milk is a gentle, natural moisturizer that can soothe and soften skin, but it may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies or very oily skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Milk Protein Complex

LAC (MILK) PROTEIN

3.8

Milk protein is a gentle, natural moisturizer that helps soften skin and improve texture, but it may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies or very sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Peach Kernel Oil

Prunus Persica Kernel Oil

4.3

A gentle, non-greasy oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, making it a great choice for sensitive and oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Riberry Seed Oil

Syzygium luehmannii seed oil

4.0

Riberry seed oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich emollient that helps soften and condition skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Skin barrier supporter

Sphingolipids

Sphingolipids

4.5

Sphingolipids are essential building blocks for a healthy skin barrier, helping to lock in moisture and protect against irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Tamanu Oil

CALOPHYLLUM TACAMAHACA SEED OIL

4.3

A soothing, nutrient-rich oil that helps calm irritation and deeply moisturize without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Moisturizer

Yak Milk

YAK MILK

3.8

Yak milk is a gentle, nutrient-rich moisturizer that may soothe and soften skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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