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 539
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

Soothing agent

Azelaoyl Dipeptide-27

Azelaoyl Dipeptide-27

4.0

A gentle peptide that combines the calming benefits of azelaic acid with a peptide to help reduce redness and even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Azelaoyl Octapeptide-9

Azelaoyl Octapeptide-9

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help reduce facial redness and reactivity, making it a promising option for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Azelaoyl Tetrapeptide-32

Azelaoyl Tetrapeptide-32

4.0

A gentle peptide that combines the soothing benefits of azelaic acid with the signaling power of a peptide to help reduce redness and even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Azelaoyl Tripeptide-1

Azelaoyl Tripeptide-1

4.0

A gentle peptide that pairs azelaic acid's soothing properties with a signaling peptide to help calm redness and support a more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Azeloyl Bis-Dipeptide-10

Azeloyl Bis-Dipeptide-10

4.0

A gentle peptide that targets redness and uneven tone without the irritation of stronger brighteners.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Azeloyl Pentapeptide-37

AZELAOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-37

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help reduce visible redness and even out skin tone, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Barley SH-Oligopeptide-2

BARLEY SH-OLIGOPEPTIDE-2

3.8

A gentle peptide that may help support skin firmness, but research is still limited compared to more established peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Barley SH-Polypeptide-1

BARLEY SH-POLYPEPTIDE-1

3.8

A plant-derived peptide that may help improve skin firmness and hydration, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Barley SH-Polypeptide-17

BARLEY SH-POLYPEPTIDE-17

4.0

A gentle, lab-made peptide inspired by barley that may help firm skin and soften fine lines with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Barley SH-Polypeptide-25

BARLEY SH-POLYPEPTIDE-25

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with good tolerability for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Barley SH-Polypeptide-3

BARLEY SH-POLYPEPTIDE-3

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived peptide that may help improve skin firmness and hydration with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Barley SH-Polypeptide-8

BARLEY SH-POLYPEPTIDE-8

3.8

A gentle peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Barley SH-Polypeptide-9

BARLEY SH-POLYPEPTIDE-9

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Hair conditioning agent

Biotinoyl Pentapeptide-4

BIOTINOYL TRIPEPTIDE-1

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help support hair thickness and scalp vitality, but results vary and more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyhaircarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Bis-SH-Pentapeptide-38 Porphyra 334

BIS-SH-PENTAPEPTIDE-38 PORPHYRA 334

3.8

A novel peptide-marine extract hybrid that may help protect skin from UV-related damage, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptideantioxidant
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Anti-aging

Bis-SH-Pentapeptide-5 Porphyra 334

Bis-SH-Pentapeptide-5 Porphyra 334

4.0

A novel peptide-algae hybrid that may help protect skin from UV damage and support collagen, but clinical evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptideantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

Botulinum Decapeptide-2

S-Clostridium Botulinum Decapeptide-2

3.8

A peptide that mimics the effects of botulinum toxin to soften expression lines, but with milder and temporary results.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

Botulinum Polypeptide-1

SR-Clostridium Botulinum Polypeptide-1

3.5

A synthetic peptide that may temporarily soften expression lines, but results are subtle compared to injectable treatments.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

Botulinum-Like Peptide Complex

SR-Clostridium Botulinum Polypeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-1

3.8

A synthetic peptide blend that may temporarily soften expression lines, but results are subtle and not comparable to injectable treatments.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Bovine Polypeptide-1

SR-Bovine Polypeptide-1

3.5

A bovine-derived peptide that may support collagen and skin repair, but evidence is limited and ethical sourcing is a concern.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeine Decapeptide-1

Caffeine Carboxyloyl SH-Decapeptide-1

3.8

A hybrid peptide-caffeine ingredient that may help firm skin and fight oxidative stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Dipeptide-25 Amide

Caffeoyl Dipeptide-25 Amide

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Caffeoyl Heptapeptide-11

Caffeoyl Heptapeptide-11

4.0

A promising peptide-antioxidant hybrid that may help firm skin and fight signs of aging, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-48

Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-48

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-50

CAFFEOYL HEXAPEPTIDE-50

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and reduce fine lines, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-56

Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-56

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-65

Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-65

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Pentapeptide-20

Caffeoyl Pentapeptide-20

4.0

A promising peptide-antioxidant hybrid that may support collagen and protect skin from environmental damage, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Pentapeptide-27

Caffeoyl Pentapeptide-27

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Pentapeptide-4

Caffeoyl Pentapeptide-4

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl SH-Decapeptide-23

CAFFEOYL SH-DECAPEPTIDE-23

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl SH-Decapeptide-9

CAFFEOYL SH-DECAPEPTIDE-9

4.0

A peptide ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl SH-Pentapeptide-1

Caffeoyl SH-Pentapeptide-1

4.0

A peptide designed to help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness by supporting collagen production.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Firming agent

Caffeoyl Tripeptide-1

CAFFEOYL TRIPEPTIDE-1

4.0

A peptide-caffeine hybrid that may help firm skin and reduce puffiness, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Caffeoyl Tripeptide-34

Caffeoyl Tripeptide-34

4.0

A peptide ingredient that may help support skin firmness and reduce the look of fine lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Caffeoyl Tripeptide-7

CAFFEOYL TRIPEPTIDE-7

4.0

A promising synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines and support skin firmness, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Firming agent

Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3

Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and reduce under-eye bags, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3 Amide

Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3 Amide

4.1

A targeted peptide that may help firm the under-eye area and reduce the appearance of dark circles and bags.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caproyl Dipeptide-21 Amide

Caproyl Dipeptide-21 Amide

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Capryloyl Dipeptide-17

Capryloyl Dipeptide-17

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Capryloyl Heptapeptide-12

Capryloyl Heptapeptide-12

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Capsaicinyl Hexapeptide-24 Amide

Capsaicinyl Succinoyl Hexapeptide-24 Amide

3.5

A synthetic peptide that creates a temporary warming sensation, often used to give a subtle plumping effect, but evidence for long-term benefits is limited.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Capsaicinyl Succinoyl Tripeptide-1

Capsaicinyl Succinoyl Tripeptide-1

3.5

A synthetic peptide that creates a temporary tingling or warming sensation, often used in lip plumpers and firming products for a quick visual effect.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Capsaicinyl Succinoyl Tripeptide-35

Capsaicinyl Succinoyl Tripeptide-35

3.5

A synthetic peptide that creates a temporary tingling or warming sensation, often used in lip plumpers for a short-lived fuller look.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Capsaicinyl Succinoyl Tripeptide-7

Capsaicinyl Succinoyl Tripeptide-7

3.8

A gentle peptide that creates a subtle warming sensation to help products feel more effective, but research on its long-term benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Centipede Oligopeptide-1 Amide

S-Centipede Oligopeptide-1 Amide

3.5

A novel synthetic peptide that may help firm and smooth skin, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Chlorella Peptide Complex

Chlorella Vulgaris Methionyl Sh-Polypeptide-14 Hexapeptide-40

3.8

A novel peptide blend from chlorella algae that may help firm and hydrate skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Cinnamoyl Tryptamine

Cinnamoyl Tryptamine

3.5

Cinnamoyl Tryptamine is a synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce wrinkles, but research is still early and it's less common than better-studied peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

Clostridium Botulinum Decapeptide-1

Clostridium Botulinum Decapeptide-1

3.8

A synthetic peptide that mimics the effects of botulinum toxin to soften expression wrinkles, but with milder and temporary results.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Cocoyl Pentapeptide-12

Cocoyl Pentapeptide-12

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Cocoyl Pentapeptide-41

Cocoyl Pentapeptide-41

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help improve skin firmness and smooth fine lines, but more independent research is needed.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Cocoyl Pentapeptide-9

Cocoyl Pentapeptide-9

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Cocoyl Tetrapeptide-4

Cocoyl Tetrapeptide-4

4.0

A gentle peptide that targets redness and uneven tone, best for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review