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

Fragrance Ingredient

Isocyclocitral

ISOCYCLOCITRAL

3.5

Isocyclocitral is a synthetic fragrance that provides a fresh citrus scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Isocyclogeraniol

ISOCYCLOGERANIOL

3.5

Isocyclogeraniol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Isodeceth-2 Cocoate

ISODECETH-2 COCOATE

4.0

A gentle, coconut-derived cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Isodeceth-4

ISODECETH-4

3.8

Isodeceth-4 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Isodeceth-5

ISODECETH-5

3.5

Isodeceth-5 is a workhorse emulsifier that helps products feel smooth, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin if used in high amounts.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Isodeceth-6

ISODECETH-6

3.8

Isodeceth-6 is a mild synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers rinse away dirt and oil, but it may cause irritation for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isodecyl Acetate

Isodecyl Acetate

4.0

Isodecyl Acetate is a lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without a greasy feel, making it a popular choice for non-oily formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Isodecyl Acrylate

Isodecyl Acrylate

3.5

Isodecyl Acrylate is a synthetic film-former that helps skincare products spread smoothly and feel silky, but it offers no active skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Emollient

Isodecyl Alcohol

Isodecyl Alcohol

3.8

Isodecyl Alcohol is a gentle synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly and feel less greasy, but it offers no active skin benefits on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isodecyl Citrate

Isodecyl Citrate

4.0

Isodecyl Citrate is a lightweight emollient that softens skin without greasiness, making it a good choice for non-comedogenic formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Isodecyl Cocoate

Isodecyl Cocoate

4.0

Isodecyl Cocoate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth, making it a good choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Isodecyl Ethylhexanoate

Isodecyl Ethylhexanoate

4.2

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that spreads easily and helps other ingredients absorb better.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isodecyl Glyceryl Ether

Isodecyl Glyceryl Ether

4.0

A gentle synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isodecyl Hydroxystearate

Isodecyl Hydroxystearate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isodecyl Isononanoate

ISODECYL ISONONANOATE

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily or acne-prone skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isodecyl Laurate

Isodecyl Laurate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isodecyl Myristate

Isodecyl Myristate

3.8

Isodecyl Myristate is a lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, but it has a moderate chance of clogging pores for acne-prone individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isodecyl Neopentanoate

Isodecyl Neopentanoate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isodecyl Oleate

Isodecyl Oleate

3.8

Isodecyl Oleate is a lightweight emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Isodecyl Palmitate

Isodecyl Palmitate

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that hydrates without greasiness, but may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isodecyl Salicylate

Isodecyl Salicylate

4.0

Isodecyl Salicylate is a gentle emollient that softens skin and enhances product texture, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isodecyl Stearate

ISODECYL STEARATE

4.0

Isodecyl Stearate is a lightweight emollient that softens skin without heavy greasiness, but it may clog pores for some people.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Preservative

Isodecylparaben

Isodecylparaben

3.5

Isodecylparaben is a paraben preservative that is effective at low concentrations, but its safety is debated due to potential endocrine-disrupting properties.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative
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Solvent

Isododecane

Isododecane

4.0

Isododecane is a lightweight, volatile emollient that helps products spread smoothly and dry quickly without a greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Isodon Inflexus Extract

Isodon Inflexus Branch/Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle plant 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

Isodon Trichocarpus Extract

Isodon Trichocarpus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Isodonis Japonica Extract

Isodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isoeicosane

Isoeicosane

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Fragrance ingredient

Isoeugenol

Isoeugenol

3.5

Isoeugenol is a fragrant compound that adds a warm, spicy scent to products but can be a common skin sensitizer for some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Isoeugenyl Acetate

ISOEUGENYL ACETATE

3.8

Isoeugenyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance compound with a warm, spicy scent, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Isoeugenyl Benzoate

Isoeugenyl Benzoate

3.0

Isoeugenyl Benzoate is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a warm, floral scent but can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Isoeugenyl Phenylacetate

Isoeugenyl Phenylacetate

3.5

Isoeugenyl Phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that provides a sweet, floral scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isohexyl Caprate

Isohexyl Caprate

4.2

A silky, non-greasy emollient that hydrates and smooths skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isohexyl Laurate

Isohexyl Laurate

4.0

A gentle, lightweight emollient that softens skin without clogging pores or feeling heavy.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isohexyl Neopentanoate

Isohexyl Neopentanoate

4.0

A silky, lightweight emollient that spreads easily and leaves a non-greasy finish, making it a favorite in sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isohexyl Palmitate

Isohexyl Palmitate

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that spreads easily and leaves skin feeling soft, but may clog pores for some people.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Isolaureth-10

ISOLAURETH-10

3.5

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse clean, but may cause dryness or irritation for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Isolaureth-3

ISOLAURETH-3

3.5

A synthetic emulsifier that helps products rinse cleanly but may be drying for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Isolaureth-4 Phosphate

ISOLAURETH-4 PHOSPHATE

3.8

Isolaureth-4 Phosphate is a mild cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may cause slight irritation for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Isolaureth-6

Isolaureth-6

3.5

Isolaureth-6 is a synthetic cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may be slightly drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isolauryl Behenate

ISOLAURYL BEHENATE

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Isoleptospermone

ISOLEPTOSPERMONE

3.5

Isoleptospermone is a plant-derived compound with promising antimicrobial activity, but research in cosmetic applications is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantimicrobial
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Isoleucine

Isoleucine

4.0

Isoleucine is a gentle amino acid that helps maintain skin hydration and supports the skin's natural repair processes.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantamino acid
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Isolongifolanone

ISOLONGIFOLANONE

3.5

Isolongifolanone is a safe, widely used fragrance ingredient that adds a warm, woody scent but offers no direct skincare benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Isolongifolene Epoxide

ISOLONGIFOLENE EPOXIDE

3.5

A synthetic woody fragrance ingredient that is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Isolongifolenone

ISOLONGIFOLENE KETONE EXO

3.8

A woody, balsamic fragrance ingredient that is generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Isomalt

Isomalt

4.0

Isomalt is a gentle, sugar-derived humectant that helps skin retain moisture without stickiness.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
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Fragrance

Isomenthone

ISOMENTHONE

3.5

Isomenthone provides a cooling sensation and fresh scent in skincare, but can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isomerized Jojoba Oil

ISOMERIZED JOJOBA OIL

4.3

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that closely resembles skin's natural oils, making it ideal for all skin types including oily and acne-prone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Skin conditioning agent

Isomerized Linalool Acid

LINALOOL ACID ISOMERIZED

3.5

A modified form of linalool that may offer antioxidant benefits with lower irritation potential than its parent compound.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Isomerized Linoleyl Gallate

ISOMERIZED LINOLEYL GALLATE

4.0

A gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while supporting a smoother, more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Isomerized Safflower Acid

ISOMERIZED SAFFLOWER ACID

4.0

A gentle, skin-friendly fatty acid that helps reinforce the skin barrier and improve moisture retention without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Isomerized Safflower Glycerides

ISOMERIZED SAFFLOWER GLYCERIDES

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from safflower oil that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Isomethyl Ionone

Isomethyl-β-Ionone

3.5

Isomethyl ionone is a common synthetic fragrance that gives a pleasant floral scent, but it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Isomyreth-3

ISOMYRETH-3

3.5

Isomyreth-3 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but it may be mildly irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Isomyreth-9

ISOMYRETH-9

3.5

Isomyreth-9 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but it may be slightly drying for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Anti-inflammatory

Isoniacinamide

ISONIACINAMIDE

3.5

Isoniacinamide is a less-studied relative of niacinamide that may offer similar anti-inflammatory benefits, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareactive
Read ingredient review

Fragrance ingredient

Isononanal

Isononanal

3.5

Isononanal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a citrusy scent, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning

Isononyl Acetate

Isononyl Acetate

3.8

A gentle synthetic ester that helps dissolve other ingredients and leaves skin feeling smooth without heavy residue.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
Read ingredient review