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

Antioxidant

Fermented Rice & Soy Complex

Bacillus/Rice Bran Extract/Soybean Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical complex that may help soothe and condition skin while providing antioxidant support.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Fermented Rice & Soy Milk Filtrate

ASPERGILLUS/RICE/SOYMILK FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps soften and smooth skin without harsh scrubbing, ideal for those who want mild exfoliation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Rice & Sucrose Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/RICE/SUCROSE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and support the skin barrier with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Rice & Tea Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/RICE BRAN/SACCHAROMYCES/CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT FERMENT

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that combines rice bran and green tea to deliver antioxidants and gentle exfoliation, ideal for dull or stressed skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Rice & Yeast Extract

HYDROLYZED ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/RICE FERMENT LEES EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and condition skin by delivering amino acids and peptides from rice and yeast.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Rice Bio-Filtrate

ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/RICE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented rice filtrate that helps hydrate and condition skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal and vary by formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantconditioning
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Rice Bran Complex

SACCHAROMYCES/ASPERGILLUS/HYDROLYZED RICE BRAN FERMENT LYSATE FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Rice Bran Filtrate

Aspergillus/Defatted Rice Bran/Alcohol/Borneol Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and support skin barrier function with antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Rice Complex

Aspergillus/Saccharomyces/Tetragenococcus/Rice Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented rice complex that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Rice Extract

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract

4.0

A gentle, fermented rice extract that hydrates and supports a brighter, more even skin tone without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebrightening
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Humectant

Fermented Rice Gelatin Complex

ASPERGILLUS/GELATIN/RICE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and condition skin, but research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantconditioning
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Rice Germ Oil Complex

CANDIDA BOMBICOLA/GLUCOSE/RICE GERM OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps soften and condition skin without common irritants, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Rice Lees Complex

Aspergillus/Saccharomyces/Rice Lees Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help hydrate, lightly exfoliate, and support a healthy-looking skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Fermented Rice Lees Powder

Aspergillus/Alcohol/Rice Lees Ferment Powder

4.0

A gentle, fermented exfoliant that helps smooth skin without harsh scrubbing, ideal for sensitive types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Fermented Rooibos Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/ASPALATHUS LINEARIS LEAF FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented rooibos extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Fermented Root & Apricot Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/APRICOT KERNEL/(ASPARAGUS COCHINCHINENSIS/ACONITUM KOREANUM/ANGELICA DAHURICA/CNIDIUM OFFICINALE) ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and individual plant effects are not well-studied in this specific blend.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Root & Bark Complex

Saccharomyces/Ledebouriella Divaricata Root/Achyranthes Bidentata Root/Cnidium Officinale Root/Eucommia Ulmoides Bark/Angelica Gigas Root/Paeonia Suffruticosa Root/Angelica Tenuissima Root/Asarum Sieboldi Root/Angelica Pubescens Root/Magnolia Liliflora Bud Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented blend of traditional herbal roots and bark that may help soothe and protect skin, though individual plant contributions are not well-studied in this specific combination.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Fermented Root & Flower Complex

(ANGELICA GIGAS/GLYCYRRHIZA URALENSIS/REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT)/ANGELICA GIGAS STEM/CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS FLOWER/(CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS/PRUNUS PERSICA SEED)PORIA COCOS WATER

3.8

A soothing, antioxidant-rich fermented botanical blend that may calm skin and support a healthy glow, but research on the specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Antioxidant

Fermented Root & Fruit Complex

LYCIUM CHINENSE FRUIT/(ANGELICA DAHURICA/REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA/SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS) ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A traditional herbal blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on this specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Root & Herb Complex

SACCHAROMYCES/(ASPARAGUS COCHINCHINENSIS/LYCIUM CHINENSE/OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS/PANAX GINSENG/REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA) ROOT/PORIA COCOS FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but research is limited to traditional use and lab studies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Root & Leaf Complex

SACCHAROMYCES/MOLASSES/CABBAGE LEAF/(ARCTIUM LAPPA/CARROT/NELUMBO NUCIFERA/RADISH) ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical blend that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but research is limited to ingredient-level studies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Root & Mycelium Complex

ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM/LAETIPORUS SULPHUREUS MYCELIUM/POLYGONUM CUSPIDATUM ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and mostly based on its individual components.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Root & Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/LITHOSPERMUM ERYTHRORHIZON ROOT/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning

Fermented Root Complex

SACCHAROMYCES/OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS ROOT/PANAX GINSENG ROOT/PORIA COCOS/REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented root complex that may help soothe, hydrate, and protect skin, but individual results vary and research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantconditioning
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Root Extract

Saccharomyces/Imperata Cylindrica Root Ferment Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Root Extract Complex

Paecilomyces Japonica/Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Ferment Extract Filtrate

3.8

A gentle, fermented botanical complex that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Root Oil Complex

Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Oil Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical oil complex that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Rose Extract

Lactobacillus/Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented rose extract that may help soothe and protect the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Rowanberry Extract

Leuconostoc/Sorbus Aucuparia Fruit Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Royal Jelly & Green Tea Complex

BACILLUS/ROYAL JELLY/GREEN TEA/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented blend that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early and individual results can vary.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Royal Jelly & Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/ROYAL JELLY/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, fermented blend that may support skin barrier function and provide antioxidant benefits, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Fermented Safflower Oil Complex

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/SAFFLOWER SEED OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented oil that may help strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollientskin conditioning
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Antioxidant

Fermented Sargassum Extract

Bacillus/Sargassum Muticum Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented seaweed extract that may help calm and protect skin, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Saururus Chinensis Extract

ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM/SAURURUS CHINENSIS EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented herb extract that may help calm redness and support a healthy skin barrier, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Saururus Chinensis Oil

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/SAURURUS CHINENSIS OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented botanical oil with promising antioxidant and soothing properties, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Schisandra & Polygonatum Complex

AUREOBASIDIUM PULLULANS/SCHISANDRA CHINENSIS FRUIT/POLYGONATUM SIBIRICUM RHIZOME/ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical extract that may help calm and protect skin, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Sea Buckthorn & Soy Complex

MONASCUS/HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES FRUIT/SOYBEAN EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited to lab studies and traditional use.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Sea Buckthorn Extract

Bacillus/Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Ferment Extract

4.0

A fermented botanical extract that offers antioxidant benefits and may help soothe and condition the skin, though more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Sea Cucumber Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/CORN/SEA CUCUMBER FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A fermented blend that may help calm irritation and support skin hydration, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Sea Silt Extract

Pichia/Sea Silt Ferment Lysate Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Seaweed & Rice Complex

Saccharomyces/Ecklonia Cava/Rice Bran Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may help soothe and protect skin, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Seaweed & Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/CLADOSIPHON OKAMURANUS/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented blend of seaweed and soybean that may help calm skin and support hydration, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Seaweed Complex

Saccharomyces/Carrageenan Extract/Sarcodiotheca Gaudichaudii Extract Ferment

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Seaweed Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/NEREOCYSTIS LEUTKEANA FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented seaweed ingredient that helps calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Seed & Rice Bran Complex

Bacillus/Monascus/Plukenetia Volubilis Seed/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented antioxidant complex 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 Sericterium Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/SERICTERIUM EXTRACT/SODIUM BICARBONATE FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle fermented extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Fermented Sesame Seed Oil

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/SESAME SEED FERMENT OIL FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented oil that combines the nourishing benefits of sesame oil with potential skin-soothing and conditioning effects from fermentation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollient
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Skin conditioning

Fermented Sesame Seed Oil Complex

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/SESAME SEED OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented oil complex that may help soothe and protect the skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Shiitake & Rice Bran Extract

LENTINUS EDODES/DEFATTED RICE BRAN/SUGAR CANE EXTRACT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Siberian Solomon's Seal Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/POLYGONATUM SIBIRICUM RHIZOME FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fermented Silk & Soybean Complex

Bacillus/Silk/Soybean/Tagetes Erecta Flower Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented blend that may help calm skin and support hydration, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Snow Lotus Extract

Paecilomyces Japonica/Saussurea Involucrata Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented botanical extract that may help soothe and protect skin, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioner

Fermented Soapberry Oil Complex

Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Oil Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical oil complex that may help balance skin microflora and provide gentle conditioning without heavy residue.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Sophora Bud Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/SOPHORA JAPONICA BUD FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented extract that may help calm skin and support antioxidant defenses, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Sorghum Extract

ASPERGILLUS/PICHIA/SORGHUM BICOLOR FERMENT LEES EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Fermented Sorghum Leaf Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SORGHUM BICOLOR LEAF/STEM EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle, fermented botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Soy & Dendropax Extract

BACILLUS/DENDROPANAX MORBIFERA SAP EXTRACT/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented plant extract blend that may offer gentle antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantferment
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Antioxidant

Fermented Soy & Engelhardia Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/ENGELHARDIA ROXBURGHIANA LEAF/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited to lab studies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Soy & Herb Complex

Monascus/Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented botanical blend that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and mostly based on traditional use.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review