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

Lavender Oil

Lavandula Officinalis Flower Oil

4.0

Lavender oil adds a pleasant floral scent to skincare but can cause irritation in sensitive skin; use with caution.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Lavender Phytoplacenta Extract

Lavandula Angustifolia Phytoplacenta Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Lavender Water

LAVANDULA INTERMEDIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM WATER

3.8

A gentle, aromatic hydrosol that adds a subtle lavender scent and mild soothing feel to skincare, but offers limited active benefits compared to essential oils.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Lawson Cypress Wood Oil

Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana Wood Oil

3.5

A fragrant wood oil with a pleasant scent and some antimicrobial potential, but limited research on direct skin benefits and a moderate risk of irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Colorant

Lawsone

LAWSONE

3.5

Lawsone is a natural colorant from henna that stains hair and skin, but it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals and is not approved for use in leave-on cosmetics in some regions.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
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Antioxidant

Leaf Extract Complex

Leaf Extract (multiple species)

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich blend that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but benefits vary widely by plant source.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Leaf Oils

Leaf Oils

3.5

Leaf oils add natural fragrance to skincare but can be irritating for sensitive skin; patch test recommended.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing agent

Leafy Spurge Extract

EUPHORBIA ESULA EXTRACT

3.5

Leafy spurge extract is a botanical ingredient with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but its use in skincare is still emerging and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Leather Coral Extract

Sarcophyton Glaucum Extract

3.5

Leather Coral Extract is a marine antioxidant that may help soothe skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emulsifier

Lecithin

LECITHIN

4.3

Lecithin is a gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in formulas while also providing mild hydration and skin barrier support.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Surfactant

Lecithinamide DEA

LECITHINAMIDE DEA

3.5

Lecithinamide DEA is a surfactant that helps create rich lather, but it may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emollient

Lecythis Minor Seed Oil

Lecythis Minor Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, nourishing plant oil that softens skin without feeling heavy, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Ledebouriella Root Callus Extract

LEDEBOURIELLA SESELOIDES CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown root extract that may help calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Ledebouriella Root Extract

LEDEBOURIELLA SESELOIDES ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for calming skin, but modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Leek Extract

ALLIUM PORRUM EXTRACT

3.8

Leek extract offers antioxidant benefits and mild soothing effects, but research on its cosmetic use is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lemon & Serrated Wrack Extract

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract / Fucus Serratus Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that pairs lemon's antioxidant power with seaweed's soothing hydration, but the research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lemon Balm Extract

MELISSA OFFICINALIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

Lemon balm extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, but its benefits are best supported by traditional use and lab studies rather than large human trials.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Lemon Balm Juice

MELISSA OFFICINALIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM JUICE

4.0

Lemon balm juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm irritated skin and provides mild protection against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing agent

Lemon Balm Leaf Powder

Melissa Officinalis Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, but its effectiveness depends on formulation and concentration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Lemon Balm Meristem Cell Culture

Melissa Officinalis Meristem Cell Culture

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Lemon Balm Water

Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Water

4.0

A mild, aromatic botanical water that can help calm and refresh the skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal and it may cause sensitivity in rare cases.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Lemon Bud Extract

Citrus Limon Bud Extract

3.8

A gentle plant-based antioxidant from lemon buds that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is limited and it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lemon Callus Culture Extract

CITRUS LIMON CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, lab-grown lemon extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lemon Embryo Extract

Citrus Limon Somatic Embryo Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance component

Lemon Eucalyptus Leaf/Twig Water

EUCALYPTUS CITRIODORA LEAF/TWIG WATER

3.5

A fragrant botanical water that can refresh and lightly tone skin, but may cause irritation for sensitive types due to natural essential oil components.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Lemon Extract

CITRUS LIMON (LEMON) FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

Lemon extract can brighten skin and fight free radicals, but its acidity and photosensitizing compounds require careful formulation and sun protection.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Lemon Flower Extract

CITRUS LIMON FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, fragrant extract that adds a light antioxidant boost and a pleasant citrus scent, but its benefits are not as well-studied as other citrus extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Lemon Flower Leaf Stem Oil

CITRUS LIMON (LEMON) FLOWER/LEAF/STEM OIL

3.8

A fragrant essential oil from lemon plant parts that adds a fresh citrus scent and mild astringent feel, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Lemon Flower Water

CITRUS LIMON FLOWER WATER

3.8

A gentle, lightly fragrant hydrosol that can refresh and mildly tone skin, but its benefits are mostly aromatic and sensory rather than deeply therapeutic.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaretoner
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Antioxidant

Lemon Flower, Leaf & Stem Extract

CITRUS LIMON (LEMON) FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract from lemon tree parts that offers antioxidant benefits and a subtle natural fragrance, but research on its specific effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lemon Fruit Extract

Citrus Medica Vulgaris Fruit Extract

3.8

Lemon fruit extract offers antioxidant benefits and a fresh scent, but its acidity and photosensitizing compounds require careful formulation to avoid irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Exfoliant

Lemon Fruit Powder

Citrus Limon Fruit Powder

3.8

Lemon fruit powder offers gentle exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its acidity and phototoxicity risk require careful formulation and usage.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Astringent

Lemon Fruit Water

CITRUS LIMON FRUIT WATER

3.8

Lemon fruit water offers gentle astringent and refreshing benefits but can be mildly irritating for sensitive skin due to natural citric acid and volatile compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareastringent
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Astringent

Lemon Juice Extract

CITRUS LIMON JUICE EXTRACT

3.5

Lemon juice extract can brighten skin and tighten pores, but its high acidity and phototoxicity risk make it tricky for everyday use.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareastringent
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Astringent

Lemon Juice Powder

CITRUS LIMON JUICE POWDER

3.5

Lemon Juice Powder can offer mild brightening and astringent effects, but its acidity and photosensitizing potential require careful formulation and sun protection.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareastringent
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Antioxidant

Lemon Leaf Cell Extract

Citrus Limon Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lemon Leaf Extract

CITRUS LIMON LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that provides antioxidant protection and soothing benefits, but research on its topical effects is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Lemon Leaf Oil

CITRUS LIMON LEAF OIL

3.5

Lemon leaf oil adds a fresh citrus scent to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin and has limited research on direct skin benefits.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Lemon Leaf/Peel/Stem Oil

CITRUS LIMON LEAF/PEEL/STEM OIL

3.8

A fragrant essential oil that adds a fresh lemon scent to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin and may increase sun sensitivity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Lemon Mint Herb Oil

Mentha Citrata Herb Oil

3.8

A fragrant essential oil that adds a fresh, minty-citrus scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Lemon Mint Leaf Extract

Mentha Citrata Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and add a light herbal scent, but research on its benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Lemon Myrtle Leaf Extract

BACKHOUSIA CITRIODORA LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

Lemon Myrtle Leaf Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that can help protect skin from environmental stress while adding a pleasant natural scent to products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil

BACKHOUSIA CITRIODORA LEAF OIL

3.8

Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil adds a fresh citrus scent and may help fight bacteria, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin if used at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Lemon Peel Extract

Citrus Medica Acida Peel Extract

3.8

Lemon Peel Extract offers antioxidant benefits but can be irritating due to natural acids and photosensitizing compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Lemon Peel Oil

CITRUS MEDICA ACIDA PEEL OIL EXPRESSED

3.5

Lemon Peel Oil adds a fresh citrus scent and mild astringent effects, but it can be irritating and increase sun sensitivity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Exfoliant

Lemon Peel Powder

CITRUS LIMON PEEL POWDER

3.8

Lemon Peel Powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its citrus oils can increase sun sensitivity and irritation risk.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Astringent

Lemon Peel Water

CITRUS LIMON PEEL WATER

3.8

Lemon peel water offers a light, refreshing feel and mild astringent action, but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to natural citrus compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareastringent
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Emollient

Lemon Peel Wax

CITRUS LIMON PEEL WAX

4.0

A gentle, plant-based wax from lemon peels that helps thicken and stabilize creams and balms without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Lemon Thyme Extract

Thymus Citriodorus Flower/Leaf Extract

3.8

Lemon Thyme Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lemon Verbena Extract

Lippia Citriodora Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that can help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but its benefits are modest and best as part of a broader formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lemon Verbena Flower Extract

Lippia Citriodora Flower Extract

3.8

A mild botanical extract that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Lemon Verbena Flower Water

Lippia Citriodora Flower Water

3.8

A mild, pleasantly scented botanical water that can offer gentle toning and a refreshing feel, but with limited research on specific skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical water
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Fragrance

Lemon Verbena Leaf Oil

Lippia Citriodora Leaf Oil

3.5

Lemon Verbena Leaf Oil adds a pleasant lemony scent to products but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Lemon Verbena Leaf Water

Lippia Citriodora Leaf Water

3.8

A gentle, aromatic botanical water that adds a light citrus scent and mild astringent feel, but its skincare benefits beyond fragrance are not well-studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical water
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Antioxidant

Lemon Verbena Meristem Cell Culture

Lippia Citriodora Meristem Cell Culture

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a calmer complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Lemon Verbena Oil

Lippia Citriodora Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil

3.8

Lemon verbena oil adds a pleasant lemony scent to products but has limited research on skin benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Lemon Verbena Water

Lippia Citriodora Water

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water that adds a light citrus scent and mild astringent feel, but lacks strong clinical evidence for major skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Lemon-Scented Eucalyptus Oil

EUCALYPTUS STAIGERIANA BRANCH/LEAF OIL

3.8

A fragrant essential oil with mild antimicrobial potential, but its strong aroma and possible skin sensitivity limit its use in skincare.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Astringent

Lemongrass Extract

Cymbopogon Flexuosus Herb Extract

3.8

Lemongrass extract can help tone oily skin and provide a fresh scent, but it may irritate sensitive skin due to its natural citral content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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