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

Rice SH-Polypeptide-3

Rice SH-Polypeptide-3

4.0

A gentle rice-derived peptide that may help improve skin firmness and hydration with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

S-Bovine Oligopeptide-1

S-Bovine Oligopeptide-1

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but research is limited and mostly from ingredient suppliers.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

S-HIV-1 Oligopeptide-1

S-HIV-1 Oligopeptide-1

2.5

An experimental peptide with uncertain cosmetic benefits and no established safety profile for topical use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

S-Mussel Oligopeptide-1

S-MUSSEL OLIGOPEPTIDE-1

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help firm and smooth skin, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

S-Mussel Polypeptide-1

S-MUSSEL POLYPEPTIDE-1

3.8

A 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 agent

S-Rice Oligopeptide-1

S-Rice Oligopeptide-1

3.8

A gentle peptide that may support collagen and skin firmness, but research is still early and benefits are not guaranteed.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

S-Viper Cysteine-Rich Venom Protein

S-VIPER CYSTEINE-RICH VENOM PROTEIN

3.5

A synthetic peptide that mimics snake venom to temporarily relax expression lines, but evidence is still emerging and results are subtle.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Salicyloyl Decapeptide-10

Salicyloyl Decapeptide-10

4.0

A gentle peptide-exfoliant hybrid that aims to smooth skin without the irritation of traditional salicylic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Salicyloyl Octapeptide-32

Salicyloyl Octapeptide-32

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more independent research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Salicyloyl Octapeptide-9

Salicyloyl Octapeptide-9

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

Skin conditioning agent

Salicyloyl Oligopeptide-143

Salicyloyl Oligopeptide-143

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help calm skin and support barrier repair, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Salmon Oligopeptide Complex

Methionyl R-Salmon Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-8

3.8

A salmon-derived peptide complex that may help support skin firmness and reduce signs of aging, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Salmon Oligopeptide-1

R-Salmon Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-1

3.8

A salmon-derived peptide that may help support skin firmness and elasticity, but research is still emerging and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Salnacidin

Salnacidin

3.5

Salnacidin is a novel peptide complex that may help calm sensitive skin and reinforce the skin barrier, but independent research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Scorpion Oligopeptide-1 Amide

S-Scorpion Oligopeptide-1 Amide

3.5

A novel synthetic 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-wrinkle agent

Scorpion Peptide Complex

SH-Polypeptide-2, Egyptian Scorpion Oligopeptide-1

3.5

A synthetic peptide that mimics scorpion venom to temporarily relax expression lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Decapeptide-1

SH-Decapeptide-1

4.0

SH-Decapeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide that may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin firmness by signaling collagen production.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

SH-Decapeptide-1 / SH-Polypeptide-9

SH-DECAPEPTIDE-1, SH-POLYPEPTIDE-9

4.0

A gentle synthetic peptide duo that signals skin to build collagen, making it a solid choice for anti-aging routines without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Decapeptide-13

SH-Decapeptide-13

4.0

SH-Decapeptide-13 is a lab-made 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

SH-Decapeptide-23

SH-Decapeptide-23

3.8

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

SH-Heptapeptide-1

SH-HEPTAPEPTIDE-1

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften fine lines by encouraging collagen production, but results are subtle and require consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Heptapeptide-13

SH-Heptapeptide-13

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce the look of fine lines by signaling skin to support collagen, but results are subtle and require consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Heptapeptide-2

SH-Heptapeptide-2

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Heptapeptide-4

SH-HEXAPEPTIDE-4

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, similar to a milder, topical alternative to injectables.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Hexapeptide-43

SH-Hexapeptide-43

3.8

SH-Hexapeptide-43 is 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 agent

SH-Nonapeptide-12

SH-Nonapeptide-12

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, similar to a milder, topical alternative to injectables.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

SH-Nonapeptide-3

SH-Nonapeptide-3

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

SH-Nonapeptide-5

SH-Nonapeptide-5

4.0

A synthetic peptide that mimics the action of botulinum toxin to soften expression lines, offering a gentler alternative for wrinkle prevention.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

SH-Nonapeptide-6

SH-Nonapeptide-6

4.0

A synthetic 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-aging agent

SH-Oligopeptide-1

SH-Oligopeptide-1

3.5

A novel synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging and it's not a proven alternative to well-studied peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Oligopeptide-1 Nonapeptide-29

SH-Oligopeptide-1 Nonapeptide-29

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Oligopeptide-5

SH-Oligopeptide-5

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness, but research is still limited compared to more established peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

SH-Oligopeptide-6

SH-Oligopeptide-6

4.0

A lab-made peptide that signals skin to act firmer and smoother, but results are subtle and require consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Oligopeptide-71

SH-Oligopeptide-71

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Oligopeptide-73 Amide

SH-Oligopeptide-73 Amide Trifluoroacetate

3.8

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

SH-Oligopeptide-77

SH-Oligopeptide-77

4.0

A lab-made peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Oligopeptide-78

SH-Oligopeptide-78

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-wrinkle agent

SH-Oligopeptide-8

SH-Oligopeptide-8

4.0

A popular peptide that helps soften expression lines by relaxing facial muscles, but results are subtle and temporary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Oligopeptide-81 Amide

SH-Oligopeptide-81 Amide

4.0

A lab-made peptide amide that signals skin to firm and smooth, but long-term human data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Oligopeptide-9

SH-Oligopeptide-9

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen production and improve skin firmness, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Pentapeptide-1

SH-Pentapeptide-1

4.0

A lab-made peptide that mimics natural signals to encourage firmer, smoother-looking skin with minimal irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Pentapeptide-19

SH-Pentapeptide-19

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Pentapeptide-35

SH-Pentapeptide-35

4.0

SH-Pentapeptide-35 is 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

SH-Pentapeptide-38

SH-Pentapeptide-38

4.0

A lab-made peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping soften fine lines over time with minimal irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Pentapeptide-4

SH-Pentapeptide-4

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce the look of fine lines and support skin firmness with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Pentapeptide-5

SH-Pentapeptide-5

4.0

SH-Pentapeptide-5 is a synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines by encouraging collagen production, but results are gradual and vary by person.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

SH-Pentapeptide-5 Tripeptide-35

SH-Pentapeptide-5, Tripeptide-35

4.0

A synthetic peptide duo that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but results vary and more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

SH-Pentapeptide-8

SH-Pentapeptide-8

4.0

A synthetic peptide that mimics the action of botulinum toxin to soften expression lines, offering a gentler alternative for wrinkle reduction.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-1 Nonapeptide-29

SH-Polypeptide-1 Nonapeptide-29

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-101

SH-Polypeptide-101

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

SH-Polypeptide-102

SH-Polypeptide-102

3.8

SH-Polypeptide-102 is a synthetic peptide that may help support collagen production for firmer, smoother skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Polypeptide-103

SH-Polypeptide-103

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines and support firmer-looking skin, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

SH-Polypeptide-107

SH-Polypeptide-107

4.0

A lab-made peptide that signals skin cells to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review