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

Myristyl Propionate

MYRISTYL PROPIONATE

4.0

Myristyl Propionate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Myristyl Salicylate

Myristyl Salicylate

4.0

A milder cousin of salicylic acid that helps smooth skin without the sting, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Stearate

Myristyl Stearate

4.0

Myristyl Stearate is a gentle emollient that softens skin and thickens formulas without common irritation or clogging concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Surfactant

Myristyl Sultaine

Myristyl Sultaine

4.0

A gentle, low-irritation cleansing agent that helps create a rich lather without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Trisiloxane

MYRISTYL TRISILOXANE

4.0

A lightweight silicone that smooths skin and hair without heaviness, generally well-tolerated but not biodegradable.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Myristyl/Cetyl Amine Oxide

MYRISTYL/CETYL AMINE OXIDE

4.0

A gentle surfactant that helps create rich foam and improve texture in cleansers, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Fragrance

Myrocarpus Fastigiatus Oil

MYROCARPUS FASTIGIATUS OIL

3.8

A fragrant tree oil that adds a warm, woody scent to products and may offer mild soothing benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Myrocarpus Wood Oil

MYROCARPUS FASTIGIATUS WOOD OIL

3.8

Myrocarpus Wood Oil adds a warm, woody scent to products but has limited research on specific skincare benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Myrothamnus Callus Extract

MYROTHAMNUS FLABELLIFOLIA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A lab-grown extract from the resurrection plant that may help shield skin from environmental damage and support moisture retention, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Extract

MYROTHAMNUS FLABELLIFOLIA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A unique plant extract from the 'resurrection plant' that helps skin retain moisture and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf Extract

Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf Extract

4.0

A unique plant extract that may help shield skin from environmental damage and support resilience, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Myrrh Gum Extract

Commiphora erythraea glabrescens gum extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited compared to more studied ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Myrrh Gum Oil

COMMIPHORA MYRRHA GUM OIL

3.8

Myrrh Gum Oil offers soothing and astringent benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin; use in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Myrrh Leaf Cell Extract

COMMIPHORA MYRRHA LEAF CELL EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Myrrh Oil

COMMIPHORA ABYSSINICA GUM OIL

3.8

Myrrh oil adds a warm, earthy scent and may help calm skin, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Myrrh Resin Extract

Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract

3.8

Myrrh Resin Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and support a healthy-looking complexion, though more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Myrrh Resin Water

COMMIPHORA MYRRHA RESIN WATER

3.8

A gentle, water-based myrrh extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Myrsine Africana Leaf Extract

MYRSINE AFRICANA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Component

Myrtenal

MYRTENAL

3.5

Myrtenal is a natural aromatic compound with antioxidant potential, but its use in skincare is limited by its strong scent and moderate irritation risk.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Myrtenol

MYRTENOL

3.5

Myrtenol adds a fresh, pine-like scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive skin, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Myrtenyl Acetate

Myrtenyl Acetate

3.8

Myrtenyl Acetate is a fragrant ester found in essential oils; it adds scent to products but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Myrtenyl Formate

Myrtenyl Formate

3.5

Myrtenyl Formate adds a pleasant pine-like scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Myrtle Leaf Water

MYRTUS COMMUNIS LEAF WATER

3.8

Myrtle leaf water is a mild, aromatic botanical water that can help soothe and refresh the skin, but its benefits are not strongly backed by independent research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Myrtle Stem Extract

Myrtus Communis Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Preservative

Myrtrimonium Bromide

Myrtrimonium Bromide

3.0

An effective preservative and antistatic agent, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin or eyes.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Skin barrier repair

N-Acetyl Dihydrosphingosine

N-Acetyl Dihydrosphingosine

4.3

A synthetic ceramide that mimics your skin's natural lipids to strengthen the moisture barrier and reduce water loss.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareceramide
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

N-Adamantanoyl Dopamine

N-Adamantanoyl Dopamine

3.5

A novel synthetic antioxidant with early research suggesting skin benefits, but long-term safety and efficacy data are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

N-Adamantanoyl Tyramine

N-ADAMANTANOYL TYRAMINE

3.5

A synthetic compound that may help improve skin firmness, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareactive
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

N-Caffeoyl Serotonin

N-Caffeoyl Serotonin

3.8

A gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

N-Caproyl Dopamine

N-Caproyl Dopamine

3.8

A novel soothing ingredient that may help calm reactive skin by interacting with skin's own dopamine receptors, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Skin brightening agent

N-Caproyl Tyramine

N-Caproyl Tyramine

4.0

A gentle, synthetic brightener that works by calming melanin production signals, making it a promising alternative to more aggressive lighteners.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarebrightening
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Antioxidant

N-Coumaroyl Serotonin

N-Coumaroyl Serotonin

3.8

A gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research in cosmetics is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

N-Cyclohexanoyl Dopamine

N-Cyclohexanoyl Dopamine

3.5

A lab-made molecule inspired by dopamine that may help protect skin from oxidative stress, but human research is still very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

N-Cyclohexanoyl Tyramine

N-Cyclohexanoyl Tyramine

3.8

A synthetic compound that may help reduce skin sensitivity by calming nerve signals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

N-Feruloyl Dopamine

N-Feruloyl Dopamine

3.5

A plant-derived antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, but research in cosmetics is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

N-Feruloyl Serotonin

N-Feruloyl Serotonin

4.0

A gentle, plant-inspired antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against pollution and UV damage, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin brightening agent

N-Hydroxysuccinimide

N-HYDROXYSUCCINIMIDE

3.5

A synthetic brightener that works by inhibiting melanin production, but research is still emerging compared to more established ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarebrightening agent
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

N-Lauryl Diethanolamine

N-Lauryl Diethanolamine

3.0

A synthetic foaming agent that can be effective but may cause irritation for sensitive skin; less common in modern formulations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

N-Nicotinoyl Dopamine

N-Nicotinoyl Dopamine

3.5

A novel synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but human research is very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Brightening Agent

N-Nicotinoyl Tyramine

N-Nicotinoyl Tyramine

3.8

A promising but under-researched brightening ingredient that may help even skin tone and support collagen, but lacks the long track record of niacinamide.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarebrightening agent
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Anti-aging

N-Retinoyl Dopamine

N-Retinoyl Dopamine

3.5

A novel retinoid derivative that may offer anti-aging and brightening benefits, but research is very limited and it may cause irritation similar to other retinoids.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareactive
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

N-Stearoyl Dihydrosphingosine

N-STEAROYL DIHYDROSPHINGOSINE

4.5

A synthetic ceramide that helps restore the skin's moisture barrier, making it ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarelipid
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

NADP

Nicotinic Acid Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate

3.0

NADP is a cellular energy coenzyme with theoretical antioxidant benefits, but its effectiveness in skincare is not yet well-supported by human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Naftalan Oil Extract

Naftalan Oil Extract

3.5

Naftalan Oil Extract is a traditional soothing oil with anti-inflammatory potential, but it is a crude oil derivative with limited modern safety data and a strong odor.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Nageia Nagi Seed Oil

NAGEIA NAGI SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived oil that helps soften and condition skin with antioxidant support, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Humectant

Nahocol D

NAHOCOL D

3.8

Nahocol D is a gentle, algae-derived humectant that helps hydrate and condition skin, though research on its benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Nannochloropsis Gaditana Extract

Nannochloropsis Gaditana Extract

4.0

A marine microalgae extract that provides antioxidant protection and hydration, with early research suggesting benefits for skin barrier support and environmental stress defense.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Nannochloropsis Oceanica Powder

Nannochloropsis Oceanica Powder

4.0

A gentle marine microalgae powder that offers antioxidant protection and soothing benefits, ideal for sensitive or environmentally stressed skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Nannochloropsis Oculata Extract

Nannochloropsis Oculata Extract

4.0

A gentle marine algae extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Nannochloropsis Oculata Powder

Nannochloropsis Oculata Powder

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

UV Absorber

Naphthyl Benzothiazinone Complex

POTASSIUM NAPHTHYL METHYLHYDROXYDIOXOBENZOTHIAZINOLATE METHANONE

3.8

A synthetic UV filter that helps shield skin from harmful rays, but its use is limited to certain regions and formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresunscreen
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Antioxidant

Naranjilla Fruit Extract

Solanum Quitoense Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help soothe and brighten skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Naranjilla Fruit Juice

Solanum Quitoense Fruit Juice

3.8

Naranjilla fruit juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Narcissus Bulb Extract

NARCISSUS TAZETTA BULB EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it's not a powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Narcissus Callus Extract

NARCISSUS TAZETTA CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Narcissus Flower Extract

NARCISSUS POETICUS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Emollient

Narcissus Flower Wax

NARCISSUS POETICUS FLOWER WAX

3.8

A gentle, plant-based wax that helps lock in moisture and gives a smooth feel to lip and skin products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Fragrance

Narcissus Jonquilla Flower Oil

NARCISSUS JONQUILLA FLOWER OIL

3.5

A fragrant flower oil that adds a pleasant 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