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

Soothing agent

Anethum Sowa Seed Oil

ANETHUM SOWA SEED OIL

3.8

Anethum Sowa Seed Oil offers mild soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but its essential oil nature means it can be irritating for sensitive skin if used at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica & Burdock & Jasmine Extract

Angelica Sinensis Leaf/Arctium Lappa Root/Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on this specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Acutiloba Flower Extract

ANGELICA ACUTILOBA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still limited compared to more studied antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Acutiloba Leaf Extract

Angelica Acutiloba Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, best for sensitive or dry skin types looking for mild plant-based support.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Angelica Dahurica Leaf Extract

Angelica Dahurica Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Angelica Dahurica Root Powder

Angelica Dahurica Root Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with traditional roots, offering antioxidant and soothing potential, though modern research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Extract

Angelica Furcijuga Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on this specific species is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Angelica Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/ANGELICA FURCIJUGA FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical ingredient that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Gigas Sprout Extract

Angelica Gigas Sprout Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Angelica Glauca Root Extract

Angelica Glauca Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Angelica Keiskei Callus Extract

Angelica Keiskei Callus 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

Angelica Keiskei Extract

Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Keiskei Root Extract

Angelica Keiskei Root Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Leaf Extract

Angelica Utilis Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Angelica Leaf Oil

Angelica Archangelica Leaf Oil

3.8

Angelica Leaf Oil adds a fresh, herbal scent to products but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals; use with caution.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Root Extract

Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract

3.8

Angelica Root Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Angelica Root Ferment Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/ANGELICA DAHURICA ROOT FERMENT EXTRACT

3.8

A fermented botanical extract that may offer soothing and conditioning benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Angelica Root Oil

Angelica Archangelica Root Oil

3.5

Angelica Root Oil adds a pleasant herbal scent to products, but its skin benefits are not well-studied and it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Angelica Root Water

Angelica Archangelica Root Water

3.8

Angelica Root Water is a gentle, water-based botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Seed Powder

Angelica Archangelica Seed Powder

3.5

Angelica seed powder is a gentle botanical exfoliant and antioxidant, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Shikokiana Extract

Angelica Shikokiana Leaf/Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not well-established in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angoroside C

Angoroside C

3.5

Angoroside C is a gentle plant antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, but research is still early and it's not a proven powerhouse.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Anhydroxylityl Lactate

Anhydroxylityl Lactate

4.0

A gentle, sugar-derived humectant that hydrates without stickiness, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Aniba Ferrea Wood Oil

ANIBA FERREA WOOD OIL

3.8

Aniba Ferrea Wood Oil adds a pleasant woody scent to products but has limited research on skin benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance component

Aniba Rosaeodora Amazonica Wood Extract

ANIBA ROSAEODORA AMAZONICA WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A fragrant botanical extract with limited research on skin benefits; best for those who enjoy natural scents and have no fragrance sensitivities.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Aniba Rosaeodora Amazonica Wood Oil

ANIBA ROSAEODORA AMAZONICA WOOD OIL

3.8

A fragrant essential oil with a pleasant woody scent and some skin-soothing potential, but it carries a moderate risk of skin irritation and raises sustainability concerns.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Aniba Rosaeodora Root Extract

ANIBA ROSAEODORA ROOT EXTRACT ACETYLATED

3.5

A gentle botanical extract from rosewood root that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and sustainability concerns exist.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Extract

ANIBA ROSAEODORA WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A fragrant wood extract with mild soothing potential, but its use is limited by sustainability concerns and a moderate risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil

ANIBA ROSAEODORA WOOD OIL

3.8

A fragrant essential oil with skin-conditioning benefits, but potential for irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Component

Aniba Rosodora Wood Extract

ANIBA ROSODORA WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A fragrant wood extract with mild skin-conditioning potential, but limited research and moderate irritation risk mean it's best for those without sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Aniba Rosodora Wood Oil

ANIBA ROSODORA WOOD OIL

3.8

A fragrant essential oil with a warm, woody scent that can add a pleasant aroma to skincare but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Animal-Derived Ingredient Complex

Animal-Derived Ingredient Complex

3.5

Animal-derived ingredients can be effective but raise ethical and allergy concerns; check labels if you prefer plant-based options.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Fragrance Ingredient

Anisaldehyde

ANISALDEHYDE

3.5

Anisaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance compound with a sweet, floral scent; it is generally safe at low concentrations but can be a skin sensitizer for some individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Anise Alcohol

ANISE ALCOHOL

3.5

Anise alcohol is a natural fragrance compound that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Component

Anise Fruit Water

PIMPINELLA ANISUM FRUIT WATER

3.5

A gentle, aromatic botanical water that adds a light scent and soothing feel to skincare, but lacks strong clinical evidence for specific skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical water
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Antioxidant

Aniseed Myrtle Leaf Extract

BACKHOUSIA ANISATA LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from Australian aniseed myrtle that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a balanced microbiome.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance Ingredient

Anisole

Anisole

3.5

Anisole is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, anise-like scent; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Anisyl Acetate

ANISYL ACETATE

3.5

Anisyl acetate is a pleasant-smelling fragrance ingredient that is generally well-tolerated, but like all fragrance components, it can be a potential allergen for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Annatto

CI 75120

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived colorant that adds warm tones to makeup and skincare without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Annatto Pulp Extract

BIXA ORELLANA PULP EXTRACT

4.0

Annatto pulp extract is a gentle, natural colorant with antioxidant benefits, ideal for sensitive skin looking for a subtle tint without synthetic dyes.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
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Emollient

Annatto Seed Oil

Bixa Orellana Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps soften skin and may offer some environmental protection.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Annual Feverfew Oil

TANACETUM ANNUUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM OIL

4.0

Annual feverfew oil is a gentle, plant-based oil that helps calm redness and irritation, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Annual Fleabane Flower Extract

ERIGERON ANNUUS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Annual Meadow Grass Extract

Poa Annua Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Annual Mercury Extract

Mercurialis Annua Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with promising anti-inflammatory benefits, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Annual Tanacetum Flower Oil

TANACETUM ANNUUM FLOWER OIL

3.8

A gentle, fragrant oil from the feverfew family that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Anogeissus Bark Extract

ANOGEISSUS LEIOCARPA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Anserine

ANSERINE

4.0

Anserine is a gentle antioxidant peptide that may help protect skin from glycation and oxidative stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Ant Egg Oil Extract

Ant Egg Oil Extract

2.5

A niche, insect-derived oil with anecdotal moisturizing benefits but very limited scientific research and potential ethical concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareoil
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Antioxidant

Antarctic Hairgrass Leaf Extract

Deschampsia antarctica leaf extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from a hardy Antarctic plant that may help shield skin from environmental stressors, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Antarctic Kelp Extract

Durvillaea antarctica extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps skin retain moisture and defends against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Antarctic Krill Extract

HEMICHLORIS ANTARCTICA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle marine extract that helps hydrate and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins

4.0

Anthocyanins are potent plant antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental stress and may calm redness, though their stability in formulas can be a challenge.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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