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

Anti-aging agent

Cocoyl Tripeptide-36

Cocoyl Tripeptide-36

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

Skin conditioning agent

Collagenase Hexapeptide-40

R-Clostridium Histolyticum Collagenase G Hexapeptide-40

3.8

A lab-made peptide that mimics a bacterial enzyme to encourage collagen renewal, but research is still early and mostly from the ingredient supplier.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Collagenase SH-Oligopeptide-60

R-Clostridium Histolyticum Collagenase H SH-Oligopeptide-60

3.5

A novel peptide inspired by a bacterial enzyme that may help break down old collagen to encourage new collagen production, but human research is very limited.

Irritation

moderate

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Copper Heptapeptide-14 Pantothenate

COPPER HEPTAPEPTIDE-14 PANTOTHENATE

4.0

A copper-peptide complex that may help support collagen production and skin firmness, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14

COPPER PALMITOYL HEPTAPEPTIDE-14

4.3

A copper-peptide complex that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Copper Peptide Complex

R-(SH-POLYPEPTIDE-92 SH-POLYPEPTIDE-102)

4.0

A synthetic peptide blend that may help support collagen and skin repair, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Copper Tetrapeptide-52 Dimer

Copper Tetrapeptide-52 Dimer

4.0

A copper-peptide complex that may help support collagen and skin repair, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Copper Tripeptide Complex

R-(SH-POLYPEPTIDE-92 OLIGOPEPTIDE-159 SH-OLIGOPEPTIDE-1)

4.0

A synthetic peptide complex that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but results vary and it works best over months of consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Copper Tripeptide-1 Complex

Bis(Tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate

4.5

A well-studied peptide that helps firm skin and reduce fine lines, but results are gradual and best for long-term use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Copper Tripeptide-34

COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-34

4.3

A copper peptide that helps firm skin and reduce fine lines, but results take time and consistency.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Copper Tripeptide-34 HCl

COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-34 HCL

4.0

A synthetic copper peptide that may help support skin firmness and repair, but research is less extensive than for classic copper peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Coumaroyl Dipeptide-3

Coumaroyl Dipeptide-3

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Coumaroyl Nonapeptide-29

COUMAROYL NONAPEPTIDE-29

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Coumaroyl Tripeptide-1

Coumaroyl Tripeptide-1

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but results vary and it works best in a consistent routine.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Coumaroyl Tripeptide-35

Coumaroyl Tripeptide-35

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Cyclohydroxyprolyl Serine

Cyclohydroxyprolyl Serine

4.0

A synthetic peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

D-Heptapeptide-1

D-HEPTAPEPTIDE-1

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin firmness, with a good safety profile for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Decapeptide-1 with Bromelain

SH-DECAPEPTIDE-1 SR-PINEAPPLE STEM BROMELAIN

3.5

A novel blend of a signaling peptide and a fruit enzyme that may support skin renewal, but research is limited and irritation is possible.

Irritation

moderate

Source

mixed

beautyskincarepeptideenzyme
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Decapeptide-17

Decapeptide-17

3.8

Decapeptide-17 is a lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and reduce fine lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Decapeptide-31

DECAPEPTIDE-31

3.8

Decapeptide-31 is a lab-made peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Decapeptide-33

Decapeptide-33

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Decapeptide-34

Decapeptide-34

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Decapeptide-35

Decapeptide-35

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and elastin for firmer, smoother skin, though human data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Decapeptide-36

Decapeptide-36

3.8

Decapeptide-36 is a lab-made peptide that may help support collagen production and improve skin firmness, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Decapeptide-38

DECAPEPTIDE-38

4.0

Decapeptide-38 is a lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and reduce fine lines, but research is still limited compared to more established peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Decapeptide-39

Decapeptide-39

3.8

Decapeptide-39 is a lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Decapeptide-40

DECAPEPTIDE-40

3.8

Decapeptide-40 is a synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Decapeptide-43

Decapeptide-43

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Dicaffeoyl Lysyl Hexapeptide-65

Dicaffeoyl Lysyl Hexapeptide-65

3.8

A lab-made peptide with antioxidant-like modifications that may help firm skin, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Dicetyl Dipeptide-9

Dicetyl Dipeptide-9

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and support skin firmness, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Dimer Tripeptide-43

Dimer Tripeptide-43

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Diosgenin Dipeptide-33 HCl

DIOSGENIN DIPEPTIDE-33 HCL

3.8

A novel peptide-ingredient hybrid that may help support skin firmness, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Dipeptide-28 Nicotinate

DIPEPTIDE-28 NICOTINATE

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Dipeptide-41 Nicotinate

DIPEPTIDE-41 NICOTINATE

3.8

A synthetic peptide-niacin hybrid that may help firm skin and reduce fine lines, but research is still limited compared to well-studied peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

EGCG-Biotin-Collagen Fibroblast Complex

Epigallocatechin Gallate, Biotin, Collagen, Mouse Fibroblast Conditioned Media

3.5

A multi-ingredient blend that combines antioxidant EGCG with biotin and collagen, plus mouse fibroblast conditioned media; promising but with limited human data and ethical considerations.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincareantioxidantpeptide
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Anti-wrinkle agent

Egyptian Scorpion Oligopeptide-1

SR-Egyptian Scorpion Oligopeptide-1

3.8

A synthetic peptide that mimics scorpion venom to temporarily relax facial muscles, offering a milder alternative to neurotoxin injections for smoothing expression lines.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Elaidoyl Tripeptide-37

Elaidoyl Tripeptide-37

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Endo-1,2

ENDO-1,2

3.5

Endo-1,2 is a synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness, but independent research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Feruloyl Oligopeptide-33

Feruloyl Oligopeptide-33

3.8

A lab-made peptide-ferulic hybrid that may help firm skin, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Galloyl Hexapeptide-48

Galloyl Hexapeptide-48

3.8

A newer synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but long-term research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Galloyl Pentapeptide-33

Galloyl Pentapeptide-33

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Galloyl SH-Pentapeptide-5

Galloyl SH-Pentapeptide-5

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but research is still emerging and it works best as part of a broader anti-aging routine.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Galloyl Tetrapeptide-19

Galloyl Tetrapeptide-19

3.8

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

Skin-conditioning agent

Glycyl SH-Oligopeptide-4

Glycyl SH-Oligopeptide-4

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and skin repair, but human data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Hagfish Polypeptide-1

SR-Hagfish Polypeptide-1

3.5

A novel biotech peptide that may help firm skin, but research is very limited and it's not a proven anti-aging powerhouse.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Halocidin Peptide Complex

Halocidin Subunit A Amide/Halocidin Subunit B Amide

3.8

A lab-made peptide inspired by a sea creature that may help calm skin and strengthen its defenses, but human research is still very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Heptapeptide-38

Heptapeptide-38

4.0

Heptapeptide-38 is a synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines, with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-10

Hexapeptide-10

4.0

Hexapeptide-10 is a synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and elastin for firmer, smoother skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Hexapeptide-2 Ascorbyl Phosphate

Hexapeptide-2 Ascorbyl Phosphate

3.8

A novel hybrid of peptide and vitamin C that may support collagen and antioxidant defense, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidantpeptide
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