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

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-20

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-20

4.0

A lab-made peptide that signals skin to appear firmer and smoother, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Firming agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-3

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-3

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and reduce puffiness, especially around the eyes, with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-34

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-34

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

Soothing agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-4

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-4

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help reduce visible redness and sensitivity over time, but results are subtle and not instant.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-41

MYRISTOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-41

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help improve skin firmness and smooth fine lines, but more independent research is needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-46

MYRISTOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-46

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

Soothing agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-6

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-6

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help reduce visible redness and support a calmer, more even complexion over time.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-8

MYRISTOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-8

4.0

A gentle peptide that helps calm visible skin reactivity and support a more resilient-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Myristoyl Tripeptide

MYRISTOYL GLYCINE/HISTIDINE/LYSINE POLYPEPTIDE

4.0

A synthetic peptide that helps support collagen and skin firmness, generally well-tolerated and suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Tripeptide-4

MYRISTOYL TRIPEPTIDE-4

4.2

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nicotiana Benthamiana Oligopeptide-1

Nicotiana Benthamiana RH-Oligopeptide-1

3.8

A biotech-derived peptide from tobacco plants that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nicotinoyl Dipeptide-24

Nicotinoyl Dipeptide-24

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nicotinoyl Dipeptide-26

Nicotinoyl Dipeptide-26

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nicotinoyl Hexapeptide-44

Nicotinoyl Hexapeptide-44

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

Nicotinoyl Hexapeptide-56

Nicotinoyl Hexapeptide-56

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and reduce fine lines, but human data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-1

Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-1

4.3

A gentle peptide-niacinamide hybrid that helps firm skin and soften lines without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-48

Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-48

4.2

A promising synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin lightening agent

Nonapeptide-1

Nonapeptide-1

4.0

A synthetic peptide that targets melanin production to help fade dark spots and even out skin tone, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Nonapeptide-18

METHYLENEDIOXYPHENYLSUCCINOYL NONAPEPTIDE-18

4.0

A targeted peptide that may help fade under-eye circles by improving blood flow and reducing pigment buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nonapeptide-29 Complex

NONAPEPTIDE-29 AMIDO CARBOXYMETHYL HYDROXYLIMINOMETHYLBENZAMIDO SH-DSRNA-1

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Nonapeptide-29 Hexapeptide-8

Nonapeptide-29 Hexapeptide-8

4.0

A synthetic peptide duo that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nonapeptide-38

Nonapeptide-38

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Nonapeptide-39

Nonapeptide-39

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce the look of fine lines and improve skin firmness, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Octapeptide-20 Amide

Octapeptide-20 Amide

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Octapeptide-27 Amide

Octapeptide-27 Amide

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness, but more independent human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Octapeptide-30

Octapeptide-30

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and reduce fine lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Octapeptide-32

Octapeptide-32

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help soften expression lines over time, but independent human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Octapeptide-34

Octapeptide-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

Octapeptide-35

Octapeptide-35

3.8

Octapeptide-35 is a lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and reduce fine lines, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Octapeptide-36

Octapeptide-36

3.8

Octapeptide-36 is a lab-made peptide that may help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Oleoyl Dipeptide-15

OLEOYL DIPEPTIDE-15

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Oleoyl Tetrapeptide-31

Oleoyl Tetrapeptide-31

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-107

Oligopeptide-107, SH-Oligopeptide-1

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-107 / rh-Polypeptide-1

Oligopeptide-107, rh-Polypeptide-1

4.0

A lab-made peptide duo that may help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness, but results vary and it works best in a consistent routine.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-126

Oligopeptide-126, Sh-Oligopeptide-1

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-127

Oligopeptide-127, Rh-Oligopeptide-4

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-144

Oligopeptide-144

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

Oligopeptide-145 Dimer

Oligopeptide-145 Dimer

4.0

A synthetic 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

Oligopeptide-158 Amide

Oligopeptide-158 Amide

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm and smooth skin by signaling collagen production, but long-term human data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-45

Oligopeptide-45

4.0

Oligopeptide-45 is a synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is limited compared to more established peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Oligopeptide-56 Complex

Oligopeptide-56, Amido PEG-75 Methyl Ether

3.8

A lab-made peptide-polymer blend that may help plump and firm skin, but research is still early and benefits vary by formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Oligopeptide-62

Oligopeptide-62

4.0

Oligopeptide-62 is a synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness by signaling collagen production, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-63

Oligopeptide-63

4.0

A synthetic 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

Oligopeptide-72

Oligopeptide-72

4.0

Oligopeptide-72 is a lab-made peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-79

Oligopeptide-79

3.8

A synthetic 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

Skin conditioning agent

Oligopeptide-89

Oligopeptide-89

4.0

A synthetic peptide that supports skin barrier function and hydration, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-90

Oligopeptide-90

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but human data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

Oligopeptide-91 with Botulinum-like Peptide

SR-Oligopeptide-91, Clostridium Botulinum Polypeptide-1

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, but results are subtle and not comparable to injectables.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Ovex

Ovex

3.5

Ovex is a synthetic peptide complex that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but independent research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Oxo Azaandrostenoyl Decapeptide-18

OXO AZAANDROSTENE CARBOXYLOYL DECAPEPTIDE-18

3.5

A synthetic peptide that may help firm and smooth skin by mimicking a hormone signal, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Palmitoyl Carnosine

Palmitoyl Carnosine

4.0

A peptide that helps protect collagen from sugar damage and supports firmer, more resilient skin over time.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7

Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7

4.0

A synthetic peptide that helps support collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-27

Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-27

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review