A synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight, with low irritation potential.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Beauty ingredient research
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
A synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight, with low irritation potential.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic antioxidant that helps brighten skin and protect against environmental damage, with low irritation potential.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A mild synthetic skin conditioner that helps products feel smoother, but it lacks extensive independent research.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic floral scent ingredient that is generally safe at low levels but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic fragrance aldehyde that adds a pleasant floral note but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant aroma but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Film Former
ETHYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE METHACRYLATE/HYDROXYETHYLACRYLAMIDE COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer that helps hair feel smooth and skin feel soft by leaving a lightweight, flexible film.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle chelating agent that helps preserve formula stability and effectiveness by neutralizing problematic metal ions.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Etocrylene is a synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but it is less common in modern formulations due to concerns about photostability and potential skin sensitivity.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Eucalyptol adds a refreshing, cooling feel to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially at higher concentrations.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited compared to more common eucalyptus species.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A fragrant essential oil that can add a refreshing scent to products, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle, aromatic water that may offer mild soothing and refreshing benefits, but its effects are largely due to its pleasant scent and water content.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A botanical extract with a fresh, minty scent that may help clarify oily or blemish-prone skin, but can be irritating for sensitive types.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
Eucalyptus Dives Leaf Oil adds a fresh, herbal scent and may help with acne-prone skin, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin types.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
Eucalyptus Dives Oil adds a fresh, herbal scent and may help with mild antimicrobial effects, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits in skincare is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Eucalyptus leaf extract can help calm acne and refresh skin, but its potent essential oil components may irritate sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
Eucalyptus leaf oil adds a refreshing scent and may offer mild soothing effects, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A natural exfoliant with a strong herbal scent, but may irritate sensitive skin due to its essential oil content.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle, aromatic water that adds a refreshing feel and subtle soothing benefits, but research on this specific species is limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Eucalyptus oil adds a fresh, invigorating scent and may help with oily or blemish-prone skin, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin types.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A fragrant eucalyptus oil that adds a fresh scent and may offer mild soothing effects, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle, aromatic leaf water that adds a subtle eucalyptus scent and mild soothing feel, but lacks strong clinical backing for skin benefits.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
Eucalyptus radiata extract offers a refreshing, purifying boost for oily or congested skin, but its natural essential oil content can be irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
Eucalyptus radiata oil adds a fresh, herbal scent and may help clarify oily or blemish-prone skin, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and should always be used in low concentrations.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A plant extract with antimicrobial and soothing potential, but may irritate sensitive skin due to its essential oil content.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A fragrant essential oil with mild antimicrobial and soothing properties, but can be irritating for sensitive skin if used at high concentrations.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle seaweed extract that helps hydrate and soothe skin while forming a light protective layer.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps skin retain moisture and feel smooth, with low irritation risk.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but human skin research is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skincare benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Eugenol is a natural fragrance ingredient that can cause irritation for sensitive skin, so it's best used in low concentrations.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
Eugenyl formate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a clove-like scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
Eugenyl Glucoside is a gentle, water-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while being far less irritating than its parent compound, eugenol.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Eugenyl phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a clove-like scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment from microalgae that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
A gentle, algae-derived humectant that hydrates and soothes without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in human skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for soothing skin, though modern research is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, biotech-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it may cause sensitivity in some individuals.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A plant extract with potential antioxidant and soothing benefits, but limited research and a known risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle plant extract with traditional use for soothing skin, but scientific backing is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A rare earth salt used for color, but with limited safety data and potential for irritation in sensitive individuals.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A rare synthetic colorant with limited safety data; best reserved for occasional-use products.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, antioxidant-rich microalgae ingredient that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
A gentle emollient that combines the fatty acid benefits of evening primrose oil with a stable, esterified form for smoother skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A mild, plant-based extract that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited compared to the seed oil.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Evening primrose oil is a gentle, nourishing oil that helps soothe dry or sensitive skin and supports a healthy moisture barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
natural