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 20,303
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

Evening Primrose Root Extract

OENOTHERA BIENNIS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Evening Primrose Seed Extract

Oenothera Biennis Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Evening Primrose Sprout Extract

Oenothera Biennis Sprout Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Evergreen Blackberry Seed Oil

Rubus Laciniatus Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Evolvulus Extract

EVOLVULUS ALSINOIDES FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Excoecaria Bicolor Leaf Extract

EXCOECARIA BICOLOR LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A mangrove leaf extract with early research suggesting antioxidant benefits, but limited human studies and potential for skin sensitivity in rare cases.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Expressed Citrus Peel Oil

Citrus Species Peel Oil Expressed

3.8

A natural fragrant oil from citrus peels that adds a fresh scent and mild astringency, but can be irritating for sensitive skin and may increase sun sensitivity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing agent

Eyebright Water

EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM WATER

3.8

Eyebright water is a mild, plant-based hydrosol that may help calm irritated skin, but scientific evidence for its cosmetic benefits is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fabiana Imbricata Extract

Fabiana Imbricata Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Fabiana Imbricata Oil

Fabiana Imbricata Oil

3.5

Fabiana Imbricata Oil is a fragrant essential oil with limited skincare research; it may offer a pleasant scent but poses a risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Fagara Fruit Extract

Fagara Zanthoxyloides Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Fagraea Flower Extract

Fagraea Berteroana Flower Extract

3.5

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Fagraea Flower Water

Fagraea Berteroana Flower Water

3.5

A gentle floral water that adds a light scent and mild skin conditioning to products, but lacks strong research backing for specific benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

False Nettle Extract

Boehmeria Pannosa Branch/Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Farfugium Japonicum Extract

Farfugium Japonicum Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Farfugium Japonicum Stem Extract

Farfugium Japonicum Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Farnesal

Farnesal

3.8

Farnesal is a natural fragrance compound that can add a pleasant floral note to products, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Emollient

Farnesene

Farnesene

3.8

Farnesene is a plant-derived emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without feeling greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Fragrance

Farnesol

Farnesol

3.8

Farnesol is a gentle, naturally derived fragrance ingredient that also helps preserve formulas, but it can be a contact allergen for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Colorant

FD&C Red No. 4

CI 15980

3.5

A widely used synthetic red dye that is generally safe in cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Bulking Agent

Feldspar Powder

Feldspar

3.5

Feldspar powder is a safe, natural mineral that adds texture and absorbency to cosmetics, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecosmetic
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Felt Fern Extract

Pyrrosia lingua extract

3.8

A gentle fern extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Fenchone

Fenchone

3.5

Fenchone is a natural fragrance compound with a camphor-like scent, but it has limited skincare benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Fenchyl Acetate

FENCHYL ACETATE

3.8

Fenchyl Acetate is a natural fragrance compound that adds a fresh, pine-like scent to products, but it may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Fenchyl Alcohol

FENCHYL ALCOHOL

3.5

Fenchyl alcohol is a natural fragrance component that adds a pine-like scent but offers no direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Fennel Callus Culture Extract

FOENICULUM VULGARE CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown fennel extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fennel Fruit Extract

FOENICULUM VULGARE VULGARE FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

Fennel fruit extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is limited and it's not a star ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Fennel Fruit Oil

FOENICULUM VULGARE CAPILLACEUM FRUIT OIL

3.8

Fennel Fruit Oil adds a warm, herbal scent and offers antioxidant benefits, but its essential oil nature means it can irritate sensitive skin if used undiluted.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
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Antioxidant

Fennel Fruit Powder

Foeniculum Vulgare Fruit Powder

3.8

A gentle, plant-based powder that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fennel Leaf Extract

Foeniculum Vulgare Leaf Extract

3.8

Fennel leaf extract is a gentle botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fennel Water

Foeniculum Vulgare Water

3.8

Fennel Water is a mild, aromatic botanical water that can help soothe and refresh the skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal and it may cause sensitivity in those allergic to plants in the Apiaceae family.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fenugreek Fruit Extract

TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

Fenugreek Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, but research on topical use is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Fenugreek Seed Oil

TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM SEED OIL

3.8

Fenugreek seed oil is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and soothe the skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal with limited clinical research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing Agent

Fenugreek Sprout Juice

TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM SPROUT JUICE

4.0

Fenugreek sprout juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and hydrate the skin, making it a great addition to calming formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fenugreek Symbiosome Extract

Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Symbiosome Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived fenugreek extract that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Abalone Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/LEUCONOSTOC/SACCHAROMYCES ABALONE FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

3.8

A novel fermented marine ingredient that may offer antioxidant and moisturizing benefits, but research is still emerging and it may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Açaí Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/EUTERPE OLERACEA FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented antioxidant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress while supporting a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Adlay & Soybean Complex

Bacillus/Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented extract that may help calm irritation and support skin hydration, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Fermented Adzuki Bean Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/PHASEOLUS ANGULARIS SEED EXTRACT FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle fermented bean extract that may help soften and brighten skin without harsh chemicals.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantantioxidant
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Humectant

Fermented Algae & Rice Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/APHANIZOMENON FLOS-AQUAE/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Algae & Rice Extract

ASPERGILLUS/LACTOBACILLUS/APHANIZOMENON FLOS-AQUAE/RICE SEED EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and soothe skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Algae-Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/APHANIZOMENON FLOS-AQUAE/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented blend that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Aloe & Pine Complex

Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented blend of aloe and pine that may help calm irritation and support hydration, though research on this specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Fermented Aloe & Resin Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF/LIQUIDAMBAR STYRACIFLUA FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help soothe and condition skin, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Aloe & Rowan Berry Complex

LEUCONOSTOC/ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF/SORBUS AUCUPARIA FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented blend that may help hydrate and soothe skin while providing antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Aloe Ferment

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf / Sucrose Ferment Filtrate

4.3

A gentle, fermented aloe ingredient that boosts hydration and soothes skin with enhanced bioavailability.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Amaranth Seed Extract

ASPERGILLUS/AMARANTHUS HYPOCHONDRIACUS SEED FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Angelica Root Extract

Aspergillus/Angelica Tenuissima Root Ferment Extract

4.0

A fermented botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Fermented Apple & Protein Complex

SACCHAROMYCES/APPLE FRUIT/HYDROLYZED CONCHIOLIN PROTEIN/SUCROSE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical-protein blend that may help soothe and condition skin, though research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Apple Sucrose Complex

Saccharomyces/Apple/Sucrose Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and lightly exfoliate the skin, but research is mostly based on the broader benefits of ferments rather than this specific blend.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantexfoliant
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Aralia & Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/ARALIA CORDATA ROOT/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented botanical complex that may support skin barrier function and hydration, but research is limited to lab studies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareferment
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Antioxidant

Fermented Aralia Extract

Saccharomyces/Acanthopanax Sessiliflorus Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented botanical extract that may help calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Fermented Argan Oil Complex

Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented argan oil ingredient that may help soothe and condition the skin with a lower risk of clogging pores than plain argan oil.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollient
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Argan Oil Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Fermented Argan Seedcake Oil

MONASCUS/ARGANIA SPINOSA SEEDCAKE FERMENT OIL

4.0

A fermented argan oil that boosts antioxidant power and skin softness, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Artemisia & Probiotic Complex

Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Artemisia Princeps Leaf Oil Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may help calm irritation and support a balanced skin microbiome, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review