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

Humectant

Agave Atrovirens Extract

AGAVE ATROVIRENS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, hydrating plant extract that helps soothe and moisturize skin, with antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Agave Ferment Filtrate

Saccharomyces/Agave Americana Leaf Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Agave Leaf Extract

Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract

3.8

Agave leaf extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help soothe and hydrate the skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Absorbent

Agave Leaf Powder

Agave Americana Leaf Powder

3.8

Agave leaf powder is a gentle, plant-based exfoliant and absorbent that can help mattify skin and lightly polish away dead cells without harshness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbentexfoliant
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Soothing Agent

Agave Rigida Extract

Agave Rigida Extract

4.0

Agave Rigida Extract is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps soothe and hydrate the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or irritated skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Agave Root Juice

Agave Tequilana Root Juice

3.8

Agave root juice is a gentle, natural humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Agave Stem Extract

Agave Tequilana Stem Extract

3.8

Agave stem extract is a gentle, plant-based humectant that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research on its benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Agave Yeast Ferment Extract

METSCHNIKOWIA AGAVES EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that may help calm skin and support a healthy microbiome, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Aglaia Odorata Flower Oil

AGLAIA ODORATA FLOWER OIL

3.8

A fragrant flower oil that adds a pleasant scent to products, with limited research on skin benefits.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Agonis Fragrans Oil

AGONIS FRAGRANS BRANCH/LEAF OIL

3.5

Agonis Fragrans Oil adds a pleasant botanical scent to products, but its skincare benefits are not well-studied, and it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Agrimony Flower Extract

AGRIMONIA EUPATORIA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Agrimony Leaf Extract

Agrimonia Eupatoria Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Agrimony Root Extract

AGRIMONIA EUPATORIA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

Agrimony root extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Agrocybe Cylindracea Ferment Filtrate

AGROCYBE CYLINDRACEA FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract

AHNFELTIA CONCINNA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps soothe and moisturize the skin, but research on its benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Akebia Quinata Flower Extract

AKEBIA QUINATA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Akebia Quinata Peel Extract

AKEBIA QUINATA PEEL 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

Akebia Quinata Seed Extract

AKEBIA QUINATA SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich seed extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Akebia Quinata Seed Oil

AKEBIA QUINATA SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Akebia Quinata Stem Extract

AKEBIA QUINATA STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Alangium Bark Extract

Alangium Salviifolium Bark Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Alangium Bark Powder

Alangium Salviifolium Bark Powder

3.5

A traditional botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but limited modern research and practical formulation data for routine skincare use.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Alaninamido Ornithine

Alaninamido Ornithine

4.0

A gentle amino acid derivative that may help improve skin hydration and barrier resilience, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Alanine

Alanine

4.0

Alanine is a gentle, water-loving amino acid that helps keep skin hydrated and supports a healthy barrier without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Alanine Glutamate

Alanine Glutamate

4.0

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Alanyl Glutamine

Alanyl Glutamine

4.0

A gentle, amino-acid-based humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a good option for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Alanyl Ornithine

Alanyl Ornithine

3.8

A gentle peptide that may help improve skin hydration and barrier function, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Alaria Praelonga Extract

Alaria Praelonga Extract

4.0

A gentle, nutrient-rich seaweed extract that hydrates and soothes the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Albizia Amara Seed Extract

Albizia Amara Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Alcloxa

ALCLOXA

3.0

Alcloxa is an old-school antimicrobial that helps control odor but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantimicrobial
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Solvent

Alcohol Denat.

Alcohol Denat.

3.0

Alcohol can improve product feel and penetration but is drying and irritating for many skin types, especially at high concentrations.

Irritation

high

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Aldioxa

ALDIOXA

3.5

Aldioxa is a gentle, soothing ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and reduce minor redness, but it is not a powerhouse active.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Aleppo Avens Extract

Geum Aleppicum Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Aleppo Pine Branch/Leaf Oil

Pinus Halepensis Branch/Leaf Oil

3.8

A fragrant essential oil with some antimicrobial potential, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin and lacks strong research for cosmetic benefits.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Aleppo Pine Needle Extract

Pinus Halepensis Needle Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Aletris Root Extract

ALETRIS FARINOSA ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical root extract with a history in traditional wellness, but limited modern research to support specific skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Aleurites Fordii Extract

Aleurites Fordii Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract

3.5

A plant-based extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Aleurites Montanus Leaf Extract

Aleurites Montanus Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Aleuritic Acid

ALEURITIC ACID

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived exfoliant that helps brighten skin and even out tone without the irritation of stronger acids.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Opacifying Agent

Alexandrite Powder

Alexandrite Powder

3.2

Alexandrite powder adds a subtle, gem-like shimmer to makeup but offers no proven skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecosmetic
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Alfalfa Juice

MEDICAGO SATIVA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM JUICE

3.8

Alfalfa Juice is a gentle, nutrient-packed plant juice that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Alfalfa Leaf Powder

MEDICAGO SATIVA LEAF POWDER

3.8

A gentle, nutrient-rich botanical powder that provides mild physical exfoliation and may offer antioxidant benefits, but its effects are not well-studied in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Alfalfa Oil Unsaponifiables

MEDICAGO SATIVA OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps calm and support the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Alfalfa Seed Powder

Medicago Sativa Seed Powder

3.8

A natural, gentle exfoliating powder that also provides antioxidant properties, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Alfalfa Symbiosome Extract

Medicago Sativa Symbiosome Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived alfalfa extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Algae Exopolysaccharides

Algae Exopolysaccharides

4.0

A gentle, algae-derived humectant that hydrates and forms a protective film on the skin, with good tolerability for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Algae Extract

Alsidium Helminthocorton Extract

3.8

A gentle red algae extract that may help calm and hydrate the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Thickener

Algin

Algin

4.2

A gentle seaweed-derived thickener that helps create smooth, spreadable textures and may offer light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarethickener
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Thickener

Alginic Acid

Alginic Acid

4.0

A seaweed-derived thickener and gentle film-former that helps create smooth, spreadable textures without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarethickener
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Antioxidant

Alibertia Patinoi Pulp Extract

ALIBERTIA PATINOI PULP EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Alisma Extract

Alisma Plantago Aquatica Extract

3.8

Alisma Extract is a gentle botanical that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline Phosphatase

3.5

Alkaline Phosphatase is a gentle enzyme that may help support skin renewal, but research is still emerging and it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareenzyme
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Alkyl Aminopropyl Dimethicone

C6-12 ALKYL C14-18 ALKYL AMINOPROPYL ACETAMINOPROPYL DIMETHICONE

3.8

A gentle silicone that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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