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

Emollient

Mango Seed Oil

Mangifera Indica Seed Oil

4.3

A nourishing, non-greasy plant oil that softens skin and helps maintain moisture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Mango Seed Oil PEG-70 Esters

MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO) SEED OIL PEG-70 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, water-friendly emollient that adds slip and softness without greasiness, ideal for rinse-off and leave-on products.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollientsurfactant
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Humectant

Mangosteen Amino Acids

GARCINIA MANGOSTANA AMINO ACIDS

4.0

A gentle, plant-based amino acid blend that helps hydrate and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Mangosteen Bark Extract

GARCINIA MANGOSTANA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

Mangosteen bark extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Mangosteen Peel Powder

GARCINIA MANGOSTANA PEEL POWDER

4.0

Mangosteen peel powder is a natural antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Mangosteen Pericarp Powder

GARCINIA MANGOSTANA PERICARP POWDER

3.8

A gentle antioxidant-rich powder from mangosteen rind that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Mangosteen Polyphenol Esters

Caffeic/Coco/Coumaric/Mangosteen Pericarp Esters

4.0

A gentle antioxidant blend from mangosteen rind that helps shield skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Mangosteen Seed Oil

Garcinia Mangostana Seed Oil

4.0

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Mangostin

Mangostin

4.0

Mangostin is a plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation, though more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Mangrove Leaf Extract

Rhizophora Apiculata Leaf 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

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Absorbent

Manicouagan Clay

Manicouagan Clay

4.0

A mineral-rich clay from a unique geological site, Manicouagan Clay helps absorb excess oil and impurities without over-drying, making it a gentle option for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
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Antioxidant

Manilkara Leaf Extract

Manilkara Multinervis Leaf Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-documented.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Manketti Oil

Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil

4.3

Manketti oil is a gentle, non-greasy plant oil that deeply hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, making it a great choice for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Manketti Oil PEG-8 Esters

SCHINZIOPHYTON RAUTANENII KERNEL OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble emollient derived from manketti oil that helps soften and condition skin without a greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emollient

Manketti Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

SCHINZIOPHYTON RAUTANENII KERNEL OIL POLYGLYCERYL-6 ESTERS

4.3

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water while leaving skin soft and smooth.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollientemulsifier
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Soothing Agent

Manna Ash Sap Extract

Fraxinus Ornus Sap Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm and hydrate the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Manna Ash Seed Extract

FRAXINUS ORNUS SEED EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Mannan

Mannan

4.0

Mannan is a gentle, plant-derived sugar that helps hydrate and soothe skin by forming a protective film.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Emulsifier

Mannitan Laurate

Mannitan Laurate

4.0

A gentle, sugar-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emulsifier

Mannitan Oleate

Mannitan Oleate

4.0

Mannitan Oleate is a gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Mannitol

Mannitol

4.0

Mannitol is a gentle, water-binding sugar alcohol that helps hydrate skin and offers mild antioxidant protection without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Mannose

Mannose

4.0

Mannose is a gentle sugar humectant that helps hydrate skin by attracting moisture, with some research suggesting it may support collagen production.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Mantis Extract

Mantis Extract

2.5

Mantis extract is a novel, insect-derived ingredient with potential antioxidant benefits, but current evidence is very limited and it is not widely used or studied in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Manuka Leaf Extract

Leptospermum Scoparium Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps calm and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Manuka Leaf Water

Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Flower/Leaf Water

4.0

A mild, naturally fragrant water from the manuka plant that can help soothe skin and provide antioxidant benefits without the intensity of essential oils.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antimicrobial

Manuka Oil

Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Leaf Oil

4.0

Manuka oil is a natural antimicrobial ingredient that can help calm blemishes, but it must be used at low concentrations to avoid skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantimicrobial
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Humectant

Maple Sap Extract

Acer Saccharum Sap Extract

4.0

A gentle, natural humectant that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Maqui Berry Extract

Aristotelia Chilensis Fruit Extract

4.0

Maqui berry extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from pollution and UV damage, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Maqui Berry Juice

ARISTOTELIA CHILENSIS FRUIT JUICE

4.0

Maqui berry juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Maqui Berry Leaf Extract

Aristotelia Chilensis Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Maqui Berry Seed Oil

ARISTOTELIA CHILENSIS SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-packed oil that hydrates and protects without clogging pores, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Mare Milk

MARE MILK

3.8

Mare milk is a gentle, nutrient-rich ingredient that hydrates and soothes skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Mare Milk Lipids

Mare Milk Lipids

3.8

A gentle, lipid-rich emollient that helps soften and condition the skin, but research on its unique benefits over other milk lipids is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Margarita Powder

Margarita Powder

3.0

A fun, fragrant exfoliant blend for body scrubs, but its high salt content can be drying and irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

mixed

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Soothing agent

Marigold Extract

TAGETES PATULA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Marigold Flower Oil

TAGETES PATULA FLOWER OIL

3.5

Marigold flower oil adds a pleasant floral scent and may offer mild antioxidant benefits, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Anti-aging agent

Marine Peptide Complex

SR-(Tripeptide-68, Mussel Polypeptide-1, Mussel Oligopeptide-1, Mussel Polypeptide-1, Dipeptide-40)

3.8

A marine-inspired peptide blend that may help plump and firm skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Emollient

Maripa Seed Butter

Attalea Maripa Seed Butter

4.0

A nourishing, plant-based butter that softens and smooths skin without feeling overly greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Maritime Pine Bark Extract

Pinus Pinaster Bark/Bud Extract

4.2

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Maritime Pine Bark Water

PINUS PINASTER BARK WATER

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water from maritime pine bark that helps soothe and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Maritime Pine Extract

Pinus Pinaster Twig Leaf Extract

4.1

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Marjoram Flower Oil

ORIGANUM MAJORANA FLOWER OIL

3.8

Marjoram flower oil offers a calming, aromatic experience with mild antioxidant benefits, but its fragrance components can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Marjoram Herb Oil

ORIGANUM MAJORANA HERB OIL

3.8

Marjoram herb oil adds a warm herbal scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but it can irritate sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
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Antioxidant

Marjoram Leaf Extract

ORIGANUM MAJORANA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but limited high-quality human studies for cosmetic benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Marjoram Leaf Oil

ORIGANUM MAJORANA LEAF OIL

3.8

Marjoram leaf oil adds a warm herbal scent and may offer mild soothing benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing Agent

Marjoram Leaf Water

ORIGANUM MAJORANA LEAF WATER

3.8

A gentle, aromatic botanical water that may offer mild antioxidant and soothing benefits, but lacks strong clinical evidence for specific skincare effects.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Marjoram Oil

ORIGANUM MAJORANA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM OIL

3.8

Marjoram oil offers a pleasant herbal scent and potential antioxidant benefits, but its essential oil nature means it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Emollient

Marmot Oil

Marmota Oil

2.5

Marmot oil is a traditional animal fat used for its moisturizing properties, but it lacks modern safety and efficacy data and may not be suitable for all skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing Agent

Marram Root Extract

Ammophila Arenaria Root Extract

3.5

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritated skin, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Marsh Cinquefoil Extract

Hydrolyzed Comarum Palustre Root/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Marshmallow Callus Extract

Althaea Officinalis Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm irritated skin and support hydration, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Marshmallow Root Extract

Althaea Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract

4.0

Marshmallow root extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and provides light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Martagon Lily Bulb Extract

Lilium Martagon Bulb Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Marula Callus Extract

SCLEROCARYA BIRREA CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A lab-grown extract from marula tree cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Marula Fruit Extract

Sclerocarya Birrea Fruit Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Marula Oil PEG-8 Esters

Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble emollient derived from marula oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Emulsifier

Marula Oil Polyglyceryl Esters

Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-10 Esters

4.5

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in your skincare while adding a touch of marula oil's nourishing properties.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emollient

Marula Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

4.3

A gentle, eco-friendly emollient that hydrates and helps blend oil and water in formulas without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Marula Seed Powder

SCLEROCARYA BIRREA SEED POWDER

4.0

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder that helps smooth skin without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Maslinic Acid

MASLINIC ACID

4.0

Maslinic acid is a gentle plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support collagen health, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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