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

Kyounin Yu

Kyounin Yu

3.8

Kyounin Yu is a gentle herbal extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but scientific evidence is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

L-Allo-Ocimenol

L-Allo-Ocimenol

3.5

L-Allo-Ocimenol is a natural fragrance ingredient with limited research on skin benefits; it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

L-Carvyl Propionate

L-CARVYL PROPIONATE

3.5

L-Carvyl Propionate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, minty scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

L-Menthanone

L-MENTHANONE

3.5

L-Menthanone adds a refreshing, cooling feel to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher levels.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Cooling agent

L-Menthyl Formate

L-MENTHYL FORMATE

4.0

A gentle synthetic cooling agent that gives a refreshing sensation without the strong mint smell, ideal for soothing products.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecooling agent
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Antioxidant

Labisia Pumila Extract

Labisia Pumila Leaf/Root Extract

3.5

A traditional botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited modern research to confirm its benefits in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Labrador Tea Oil

Ledum Groenlandicum Oil

3.5

A fragrant essential oil with traditional use for soothing skin, but limited modern research and a moderate risk of irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review
3.8

A gentle, fat-free milk ingredient that hydrates and soothes skin, but its benefits are mild compared to more concentrated actives.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Skin brightener

Laccase

Laccase

3.8

Laccase is a gentle enzyme that can help fade dark spots and even out skin tone without the harshness of some chemical brighteners.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareenzyme
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Lacquer Tree Peel Wax

Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera

3.8

A natural plant wax that helps create a smooth, protective film on skin and lips, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarewax
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Lactamide

Lactamide

4.0

A gentle humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin, similar to lactic acid but without the exfoliating effect.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Lactamide DEA

Lactamide DEA

3.5

Lactamide DEA helps products feel creamy and foamy, but it's a synthetic ingredient with limited research on long-term skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Lactamide MEA

LACTAMIDE MEA

4.0

A gentle humectant that helps skin retain moisture and may improve texture, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
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Skin conditioning agent

Lactate Dehydrogenase

Lactate Dehydrogenase

3.5

Lactate Dehydrogenase is a naturally occurring enzyme that may support skin barrier function, but its cosmetic benefits are still being explored and are not yet well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareenzyme
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Exfoliant

Lactic Acid

Lactic Acid

4.3

Lactic acid is a gentle AHA that exfoliates dead skin cells while also attracting moisture, making it a great choice for dry or sensitive skin types looking for smoother texture.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfolianthumectant
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Emollient

Lactic Acid Monoglycerides

MONOGLYCERIDES LACTATE

4.0

A gentle, non-irritating moisturizing ingredient that helps soften and condition the skin without the potential sting of pure lactic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Lactide

Lactide

4.0

Lactide is a gentle, biodegradable exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and boost hydration without harsh irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareexfolianthumectant
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Exfoliant

Lactis Faex

Lactis Faex

4.0

A gentle, naturally derived exfoliant and skin conditioner from fermented milk, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliantconditioning agent
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Emollient

Lactis Lipida

Lactis Lipida

4.0

A gentle, milk-derived lipid blend that helps soften and condition the skin, ideal for dry or sensitive types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Humectant

Lactis Proteinum

Lactis Proteinum

3.8

A gentle milk protein that helps hydrate and soften skin, but may not suit those with dairy allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Lactis Proteinum Extract

LACTIS PROTEINUM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle milk protein extract that helps hydrate and temporarily smooth the skin, but may not suit those with dairy allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Lactitol

Lactitol

4.0

Lactitol is a gentle, non-irritating humectant and mild exfoliant that helps hydrate and smooth skin without causing breakouts.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Lactobacillus Caulerpa Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/CAULERPA LENTILLIFERA FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented seaweed extract that helps calm irritation and boost hydration without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agenthumectant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Lactobacillus Coconut Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/COCONUT FRUIT JUICE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, probiotic-based exfoliant that helps smooth skin and support a healthy microbiome without harsh acids.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfolianthumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Lactobacillus Collagen Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN FERMENT FILTRATE EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantskin conditioning
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Skin conditioning agent

Lactobacillus Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/LAC FERMENT

4.0

A gentle probiotic ferment that helps maintain a healthy skin microbiome and improve moisture retention.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareprobiotic
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Skin conditioning agent

Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate

Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help support a healthy skin microbiome and soothe irritation, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaremicrobiome
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Lactobacillus Ferment Mineral Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/LAC/CALCIUM/PHOSPHORUS/MAGNESIUM/ZINC FERMENT

3.8

A gentle probiotic-mineral blend that may support a healthy skin microbiome, but research is still early and benefits are not guaranteed for everyone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaremicrobiome
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Lactobacillus Milk Ferment Powder

LACTOBACILLUS/NONFAT MILK FERMENT POWDER

4.0

A gentle probiotic ferment that helps exfoliate dead skin cells and support a balanced skin barrier without harsh acids.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantsoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Lactobacillus Olive Leaf Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/OLEA EUROPAEA LEAF FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that may help soothe and protect skin, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lactobacillus Sarcodia Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/SARCODIA MONTAGNEANA EXTRACT FERMENT

3.8

A fermented botanical extract that may help balance skin bacteria and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Lactobacillus Skeletonema Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/SKELETONEMA FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, fermented algae ingredient that may help calm irritation and support skin's natural defenses, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Lactobacillus Watermelon Ferment

Lactobacillus/Watermelon Fruit Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, fermented watermelon extract that provides mild exfoliation and hydration, ideal for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfolianthumectant
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Soothing agent

Lactobacillus/Algae Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/ALGAE EXTRACT FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, fermented algae extract that helps calm and hydrate skin while supporting a healthy skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Lactobacillus/Clover Flower Ferment

Lactobacillus/Clover Flower Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still limited compared to more established actives.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin conditioning agent

Lactobacillus/Horse Fat Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/HORSE FAT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.5

A novel fermented ingredient that may help moisturize and condition skin, but research is limited and it may be comedogenic for some.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioner

Lactobacillus/Milk/Soybean Oil Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/MILK/GLYCINE SOJA OIL FERMENT

4.0

A fermented blend that combines the nourishing benefits of milk and soybean oil with probiotic byproducts, offering gentle skin conditioning and moisture support.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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