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

Grape Extract

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract

4.2

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Ferment Extract

VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle fermented grape extract that provides antioxidant protection and mild exfoliation, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Grape Ferment Filtrate

Saccharomyces/Grape Ferment Filtrate Extract

4.0

A fermented grape extract that delivers antioxidants and skin-conditioning benefits, generally well-tolerated and suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Grape Ferment Oil

VITIS VINIFERA FRUIT JUICE FERMENT LEES OIL

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from fermented grapes that hydrates and protects skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Grape Flower Cell Extract

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Flower Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Flower Extract

Vitis Vinifera Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from grape flowers that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Fruit Cell Extract

VITIS VINIFERA FRUIT CELL EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from grape cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Grape Fruit Extract

Vitis Vinifera/Labrusca Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Fruit Meristem Cell Culture

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Meristem Cell Culture

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown grape stem cell ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Grape Fruit Powder

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Powder

4.0

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder rich in antioxidants, ideal for sensitive skin types looking for mild physical exfoliation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Solvent

Grape Fruit Water

VITIS VINIFERA FRUIT WATER

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water alternative that hydrates and soothes without common irritants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Leaf Extract

Vitis Ficifolia Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Grape Leaf Oil

Vitis Vinifera Leaf Oil

4.0

Grape Leaf Oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps moisturize and protect the skin, but research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Grape Leaf Wax

Vitis Vinifera Leaf Wax

4.0

A gentle, plant-based wax that adds richness and stability to skincare and makeup without common irritants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Grape Leaf, Seed & Skin Extract

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Leaf/Seed/Skin Extract

4.2

A gentle, antioxidant-packed extract from grapes that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Lees Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/GRAPE LEES FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient from winemaking byproducts that may offer antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Emollient

Grape Seed Oil Glycereth-8 Esters

Grape Seed Oil Glycereth-8 Esters

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that combines the nourishing properties of grape seed oil with improved water compatibility for lighter, non-greasy formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Grape Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters

Grape Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters

4.0

A gentle, water-friendly emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Exfoliant

Grape Seed Powder

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Powder

4.0

Grape Seed Powder is a gentle, natural exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells without harsh microbeads, and its antioxidant content may offer additional skin-soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grape Seed, Skin & Stem Extract

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed/Skin/Stem Extract

4.3

A gentle, antioxidant-rich grape extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Exfoliant

Grape Skin Powder

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Skin Powder

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich natural exfoliant that helps polish skin without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliantantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Grape Stem Extract

Vitis Vinifera/Labrusca Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from grape stems that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Grape Vine Extract

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Vine Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from grape vines that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Grape Vine Sap

VITIS LABRUSCA VINE SAP

3.8

Grape vine sap is a gentle, water-like ingredient that adds light hydration and antioxidant protection, but research on its benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Grapefruit Extract

Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract

4.0

Grapefruit extract offers antioxidant benefits and a fresh scent, but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to natural acids and fragrance compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grapefruit Fruit Extract

Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract

4.0

Grapefruit fruit extract is a gentle antioxidant that can help brighten and refresh the skin, but it is not a potent active ingredient on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Grapefruit Fruit Water

Citrus Grandis/Paradisi Fruit Water

3.8

A fragrant, antioxidant-rich water that adds a light citrus scent and potential skin-soothing benefits, but its effects are mild and mostly from leftover fruit compounds.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Skin Conditioning

Grapefruit Fruit/Peel Water

Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit/Peel Water

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water from grapefruit that offers mild skin conditioning and a refreshing feel, but its benefits are mostly sensory rather than deeply therapeutic.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaretoner
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Antioxidant

Grapefruit Peel & Seed Extract

Citrus Grandis Peel/Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle antioxidant extract from grapefruit that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a clear complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grapefruit Peel Extract

Citrus Paradisi Peel Extract

4.0

Grapefruit Peel Extract offers antioxidant benefits and a fresh scent, but its citrus nature can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Grapefruit Peel Oil

CITRUS PARADISI M. PEEL OIL EXPRESSED

3.8

Grapefruit Peel Oil adds a fresh citrus scent to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin and may increase sun sensitivity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Exfoliant

Grapefruit Peel Powder

Citrus Grandis Peel Powder

4.0

Grapefruit peel powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its gritty texture and potential for irritation mean it's best suited for rinse-off products and not for sensitive or compromised skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Citrus Grandis Seed Extract

3.8

Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect skin from environmental stress and support product preservation, though it is not a standalone preservative.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Grapefruit Seed Oil

Citrus Paradisi Seed Oil

4.0

Grapefruit seed oil is a lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that can help moisturize and protect the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareoil
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Emollient

Grapefruit Seed Unsaponifiables

Citrus Grandis Seed Oil Unsaponifiables

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fraction of grapefruit seed oil that helps soothe and support the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Hair Conditioning Agent

Grapeseed-Derived Conditioning Agent

SODIUM GRAPESEEDAMIDOPROPYL PG-DIMONIUM CHLORIDE PHOSPHATE

3.8

A gentle conditioning ingredient derived from grapeseed oil that helps soften hair and reduce static without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Antioxidant

Grapevine Shoot Extract

PROPYL GRAPEVINE SHOOT EXTRACT OLIVATE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Grass Tree Leaf Oil

Xanthorrhoea Preissii Leaf Oil

3.8

Grass Tree Leaf Oil is a fragrant botanical oil with potential soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but it is best used in low concentrations due to possible skin sensitivity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
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Soothing Agent

Grass-Hay Herb Extract

Grass-Hay Herb Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Grass-Hay Herb Oil

Grass-Hay Herb Oil

3.8

A natural, fragrant oil that adds a subtle herbal scent and mild conditioning to skincare, but may irritate sensitive skin due to its aromatic compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Humectant

Grateloupia Elliptica Extract

Grateloupia Elliptica Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Gray's Onion Callus Extract

ALLIUM GRAYI CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Soothing Agent

Great Burnet Root Powder

Sanguisorba Officinalis Root/Stalk Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and mostly traditional.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Greek Sage Leaf Extract

Salvia Triloba Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Greek Sage Leaf Oil

Salvia Triloba Leaf Oil

3.8

Greek sage oil offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
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Colorant

Green 3 (CI 42053)

CI 42053

3.5

A widely used synthetic green dye that adds color to products but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Colorant

Green 5 (CI 10006)

CI 10006

3.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Colorant

Green 8

CI 59040

3.5

A synthetic green dye that adds color to rinse-off products; generally safe in tiny amounts but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Green Algae Callus Extract

Chaetomorpha solitaria callus culture extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Humectant

Green Algae Complex

Caulerpa Lentillifera/Enteromorpha Prolifera Extract

3.8

A gentle marine extract blend that offers hydration and antioxidant benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Green Algae Extract

Codium Fragile/Enteromorpha Compressa Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that may help soothe and moisturize skin, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Green Algae Powder

Enteromorpha Compressa Powder

3.8

A gentle, hydrating algae powder that may help soothe and moisturize skin, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Green Bean Callus Extract

Phaseolus Vulgaris (Kidney Bean) Callus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Green Bean Phytoplacenta Extract

Phaseolus Vulgaris Phytoplacenta Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Green Forsythia Fruit Extract

Forsythia viridissima fruit extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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