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

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-52

Hexapeptide-52

4.0

Hexapeptide-52 is a synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness, but human data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Hexapeptide-53

Hexapeptide-53

3.8

Hexapeptide-53 is a lab-made peptide that may help support skin firmness and smooth fine lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-54 Palmitate

Hexapeptide-54 Palmitate

4.0

A synthetic peptide designed to support collagen and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-56

Hexapeptide-56

3.8

Hexapeptide-56 is a lab-made peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still early and it's less studied than more common peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Hexapeptide-56 Tripeptide-1

Hexapeptide-56, Tripeptide-1

4.0

A peptide duo that may help smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness, but results vary and more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-57

Hexapeptide-57

3.8

Hexapeptide-57 is a synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Hexapeptide-58

Hexapeptide-58

3.8

Hexapeptide-58 is a lab-made peptide that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-61

Hexapeptide-61

3.8

Hexapeptide-61 is a synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce the look of fine lines, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-61 Dimer

Hexapeptide-61 Dimer

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness, but human data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-62

Hexapeptide-62

4.0

Hexapeptide-62 is a synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, similar to other peptide ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-62 Dimer

Hexapeptide-62 Dimer

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help smooth fine lines and improve skin firmness, but human data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-63

Hexapeptide-63

4.0

Hexapeptide-63 is a synthetic peptide that may help support the look of firmer, smoother skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-63 Dimer

Hexapeptide-63 Dimer

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Hexapeptide-64

Hexapeptide-64

4.0

Hexapeptide-64 is a synthetic peptide that may help reduce the appearance of fine lines by supporting the skin's natural repair processes.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-65

Hexapeptide-65

4.0

Hexapeptide-65 is a synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness, but human data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-66

Hexapeptide-66

4.0

Hexapeptide-66 is a lab-made peptide that may help soften expression lines and support firmer-looking skin over time.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Hexapeptide-67 Palmitate

Hexapeptide-67 Palmitate

4.0

A synthetic peptide designed to support collagen and reduce fine lines, generally well-tolerated but with limited independent research.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Solvent

Hexene

Hexene

2.0

Hexene is a synthetic solvent used in small amounts; it has no direct skincare benefit and may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Hexenol

1-HEXEN-3-OL

3.0

A natural fragrance compound that adds a fresh, green scent but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexenyl Acetate

HEXENYL ACETATE

4.0

Hexenyl Acetate is a gentle, green-smelling fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, leafy scent to products, with a low risk of irritation for most people.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexenyl Tetrahydropyranone

HEXENYL-TETRAHYDRO-PYRANONE

3.5

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant aroma but offers no skincare benefits and may be unnecessary for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexenyl Tiglate

HEXENYL TIGLATE

3.5

Hexenyl Tiglate is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a green, fruity note to products, but offers no skincare benefits beyond scent.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexenyldihydrofuranone

Hexenyldihydrofuranone

3.5

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a sweet, fruity note to products, but offers no skincare benefits and may trigger sensitivities in some people.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexenyldihydromethylfuranone

HEXENYLDIHYDROMETHYLFURANONE

3.5

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a sweet, caramel-like note to products, but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexenyloxy Propanenitrile

HEXENYLOXY-PROPANENITRILE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that provides a fresh scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Hexeth-4 Carboxylic Acid

HEXETH-4 CARBOXYLIC ACID

4.0

A gentle, synthetic cleansing agent that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Hexeth-5

HEXETH-5

3.8

Hexeth-5 is a mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause irritation for very sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Hexetidine

Hexetidine

3.5

Hexetidine is an antiseptic that can help reduce bacteria on skin and in the mouth, but it may cause irritation for sensitive users.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantimicrobial
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexyl Acetate

Hexyl Acetate

3.8

Hexyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, pear-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Solvent

Hexyl Alcohol

Hexyl Alcohol

3.8

Hexyl alcohol is a mild fatty alcohol that helps dissolve other ingredients and adds a silky feel, but it's not a drying alcohol like denatured alcohol.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
Read ingredient review

Photosensitizer

Hexyl Aminolevulinate HCl

Hexyl Aminolevulinate HCl

2.0

Hexyl Aminolevulinate HCl is a medical photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy, not a standard cosmetic ingredient, and should only be applied under professional supervision.

Irritation

high

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareactive
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Hexyl Benzoate

Hexyl Benzoate

4.0

Hexyl Benzoate is a gentle, lightweight emollient that helps products feel silky without clogging pores, making it a good choice for oily and sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexyl Butyrate

Hexyl Butyrate

4.0

Hexyl Butyrate is a safe, low-irritation fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity scent to products but offers no direct skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexyl Cinnamal

Hexyl Cinnamal

3.8

Hexyl Cinnamal is a common synthetic fragrance that adds a floral scent, but it is a known allergen that must be listed on labels in the EU.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexyl Crotonate

Hexyl Crotonate

3.5

Hexyl Crotonate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a subtle scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Hexyl Dimethicone

Hexyl Dimethicone

4.0

Hexyl Dimethicone is a gentle silicone that improves product feel and spreadability, making it a common choice for smooth, non-greasy formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresilicone
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Hexyl Dimethylolpropionate

Hexyl Dimethylolpropionate

3.8

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without greasiness, commonly used to improve product texture.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Hexyl Dioxanol

2-HEXYL-1,3-DIOXANOL

3.8

A synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve the texture of products, but research on its long-term effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Hexyl Dioxolane Methanol

2-HEXYL-1,3-DIOXOLANE-4-METHANOL

3.8

A synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product texture, but research on its long-term effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexyl Formate

Hexyl Formate

3.5

Hexyl Formate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, apple-like scent to products, but offers no direct skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Hexyl Hexanoate

Hexyl Hexanoate

4.0

Hexyl Hexanoate is a lightweight synthetic emollient that helps soften skin without clogging pores, commonly used to improve product texture and spreadability.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Hexyl Hydroxycapric Acid

Hexyl Hydroxycapric Acid

4.0

A mild, plant-derived ingredient that helps refine skin texture and support a smoother, more even complexion without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexyl Isobutyrate

Hexyl Isobutyrate

3.5

Hexyl Isobutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, sweet scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Hexyl Isostearate

Hexyl Isostearate

4.0

Hexyl Isostearate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexyl Isovalerate

Hexyl Isovalerate

3.8

Hexyl Isovalerate is a safe, low-irritation fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no direct skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Hexyl Ketoglutarate Esters

HEXYL KETOGLUTARATE ESTERS

3.8

A gentle synthetic exfoliant that may help smooth skin texture without the irritation of traditional acids.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Hexyl Laurate

Hexyl Laurate

4.0

Hexyl Laurate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Hexyl Lauroyl Argininamide HCl

Hexyl Lauroyl Argininamide HCl

4.0

A gentle, lab-made ingredient that helps dial down skin reactivity and soothe irritation without harsh side effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Hexyl Methacrylate

Hexyl Methacrylate

3.5

Hexyl Methacrylate is a synthetic film-former that helps products adhere and last longer, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Hexyl Methicone

Hexyl Methicone

4.0

Hexyl Methicone is a gentle silicone that smooths skin and reduces tackiness, making it a popular choice for lightweight, non-greasy formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresilicone
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexyl Methyl Ketone

Hexyl Methyl Ketone

3.5

Hexyl Methyl Ketone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, floral scent but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexyl Methylbutyrate

Hexyl Methylbutyrate

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a fruity, apple-like scent to products; generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Hexyl Neopentanoate

Hexyl Neopentanoate

4.0

Hexyl Neopentanoate is a well-tolerated synthetic emollient that gives products a lightweight, non-greasy feel, making it a popular choice for oil-free and matte formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Vasodilator

Hexyl Nicotinate

Hexyl Nicotinate

3.5

Hexyl Nicotinate creates a temporary warming or tingling sensation by dilating blood vessels, but it can cause irritation and is not a long-term solution for skin concerns.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarevasodilator
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Hexyl Octanoate

Hexyl Octanoate

4.0

Hexyl Octanoate is a gentle, lightweight emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, making it a great choice for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexyl Propionate

Hexyl Propionate

3.5

Hexyl Propionate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, apple-like scent; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexyl Salicylate

Hexyl Salicylate

3.8

Hexyl Salicylate is a widely used synthetic fragrance that adds a pleasant floral note to products, but it may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexyl Salicylate Hexyl Ether

Hexyl Salicylate Hexyl Ether

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no direct skincare benefits; generally safe at low concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Hexylcyclopentanone

Hexylcyclopentanone

3.5

Hexylcyclopentanone is a synthetic scent ingredient that makes products smell pleasant, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review