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

Narcissus Jonquilla Flower Water

NARCISSUS JONQUILLA FLOWER WATER

3.5

A gentle floral water that adds a light scent and mild soothing feel, but lacks strong scientific backing for specific skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Narcissus Poeticus Callus Extract

NARCISSUS POETICUS CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant-based 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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Antioxidant

Narcissus Poeticus Extract

NARCISSUS POETICUS 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
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Fragrance

Narcissus Poeticus Flower Water

NARCISSUS POETICUS FLOWER WATER

3.5

A gentle floral water with mild astringent and soothing properties, best for normal to oily skin types, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals due to natural fragrance compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Narcissus Triandrus Extract

NARCISSUS TRIANDRUS 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

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Naringenin

Naringenin

4.0

Naringenin is a gentle citrus-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Naringin

Naringin

4.0

A gentle citrus antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Narirutin

NARIRUTIN

4.0

Narirutin is a gentle citrus-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Narrowleaf Dock Extract

Rumex Stenophyllus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Nasturtium Extract

TROPAEOLUM MAJUS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Nasturtium Flower Extract

Tropaeolum Majus Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Emollient

Nasturtium Flower Oil

NASTURTIUM OFFICINALE FLOWER OIL

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps soothe and protect the skin, but research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Nasturtium Flower/Leaf Extract

Tropaeolum majus flower/leaf extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Nasturtium Leaf Extract

Tropaeolum Majus Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Nasturtium Seed Extract

Tropaeolum Majus Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Preservative

Natamycin

Natamycin

4.0

Natamycin is a gentle, naturally derived preservative that fights fungi and yeast, making it a good option for sensitive skin formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarepreservative
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Soothing Agent

Natane Yu

Natane Yu

3.5

Natane Yu is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that may help calm and hydrate the skin, but scientific evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Astringent

Natsudaidai Citrus Peel Water

CITRUS NATSUDAIDAI PEEL WATER

3.5

A gentle, citrus-derived water that can refresh and lightly tighten skin, but its benefits are subtle and not as well-studied as more common fruit extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareastringent
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Fragrance

Natsudaidai Flower Oil

CITRUS NATSUDAIDAI FLOWER OIL

3.5

A fragrant flower oil from a Japanese citrus fruit, valued for its scent but with limited research on skin benefits.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Natsudaidai Flower Water

CITRUS NATSUDAIDAI FLOWER WATER

3.5

A gentle, citrus-scented floral water that offers mild astringent and refreshing benefits, but lacks strong scientific backing for specific skin improvements.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Natsudaidai Fruit Oil

Citrus Natsudaidai Fruit Oil

3.8

A citrus oil that adds a fresh scent to products but may irritate sensitive skin and offers limited proven skincare benefits beyond fragrance.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Natsudaidai Peel Oil

CITRUS NATSUDAIDAI PEEL OIL

3.8

A fragrant citrus oil that adds a fresh scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive skin due to natural limonene content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Thickener

Natto Gum

Natto Gum

3.8

Natto Gum is a gentle, natural thickener from fermented soy that can add a silky feel and light hydration to products, but research on its skin benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarethickener
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Conditioning Agent

Natural Killer Cell Conditioned Media

Human Umbilical Blood Derived Natural Killer Cell Conditioned Media

2.5

An experimental biotech ingredient with potential but very limited safety data and no established cosmetic track record.

Irritation

moderate

Source

biotech

beautyskincareactive
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Antioxidant

Nauclea Orientalis Callus Extract

Nauclea Orientalis Callus Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Neatsfoot Oil

Neatsfoot Oil

2.5

Neatsfoot oil is a traditional animal-derived emollient that softens skin but is rarely used in modern skincare due to better alternatives and comedogenic concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Nectarine Fruit Extract

Prunus Persica Nectarina Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help soothe and hydrate skin, but research on its direct cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Neem Bark & Seed Extract

Azadirachta Indica Bark/Seed Extract

4.0

A traditional botanical extract that may help calm irritation and support a balanced complexion, though more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Neem Bark Extract

Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract

4.0

Neem bark extract is a gentle botanical that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Neem Branch/Leaf Extract

Melia Azadirachta Branch/Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Neem Ferment Filtrate

Melia Azadirachta Conditioned Media/Culture

4.0

A fermented neem ingredient that may help calm and purify skin, but research on this specific form is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Neem Flower Extract

MELIA AZADIRACHTA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

Neem flower extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Neem Leaf Extract

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

4.0

Neem leaf extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its strong herbal scent and limited high-quality human studies mean it's best used as a supporting ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Neem Leaf Oil

AZADIRACHTA INDICA LEAF OIL

3.8

Neem leaf oil is a traditional botanical oil that may help calm irritated skin and support a clearer complexion, but its strong scent and potential for irritation mean it's best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Neem Leaf Powder

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Powder

3.8

Neem leaf powder is a gentle botanical that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, but its effectiveness in commercial skincare is not as well-studied as some other ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Emollient

Neem Seed Oil

MELIA AZADIRACHTA SEED OIL

4.0

Neem seed oil is a traditional botanical oil that moisturizes and helps calm skin, but its strong scent and moderate comedogenic rating mean it's best for those who tolerate oils well.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Neocheiropteris Ensata Extract

NEOCHEIROPTERIS ENSATA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle fern extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still emerging on its specific benefits for skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Neochloris Oleoabundans Extract

Neochloris Oleoabundans Extract

4.0

A gentle, algae-derived ingredient that helps hydrate and protect skin, but research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Neohesperidin

NEOHESPERIDIN

3.8

Neohesperidin is a citrus-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and soothe irritation, though research in topical skincare is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Neohesperidin Dihydrochalcone

NEOHESPERIDIN DIHYDROCHALCONE

3.8

A potent antioxidant and sweetener that helps protect skin from oxidative stress, but is rarely used as a standalone active in leave-on skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Neolepisorus Fortunei Rhizome Extract

Neolepisorus Fortunei Rhizome Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Neolepisorus Fortunei Root Extract

Neolepisorus Fortunei Root Extract

3.8

A gentle fern root extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Neolitsea Aciculata Stem Extract

NEOLITSEA ACICULATA STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Cooling Agent

Neomenthol

NEOMENTHOL

3.8

Neomenthol provides a cooling sensation and mild soothing effect, but can irritate sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Fragrance Ingredient

Neopentanal Butyleneglycol Acetal

NEOPENTANAL BUTYLENEGLYCOL ACETAL

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but offers no skincare benefits; safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Solvent

Neopentyl Glycol

NEOPENTYL GLYCOL

3.5

A synthetic diol that helps control product texture and stability, but is rarely a star ingredient on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Emollient

Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate

NEOPENTYL GLYCOL DICAPRATE

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Neopentyl Glycol Diisononanoate

NEOPENTYL GLYCOL DIISONONANOATE

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Neopentyl Glycol Diisostearate

NEOPENTYL GLYCOL DIISOSTEARATE

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that gives products a silky feel without greasiness, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Nepalese Geranium Extract

Geranium Nepalense Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited compared to more common geranium extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Nephrite Extract

NEPHRITE EXTRACT

3.5

Nephrite Extract is a mineral-based ingredient with limited research, but it may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits in skincare formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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