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

Skin Barrier Support

Phytosphingosine Lactate

Phytosphingosine Lactate

4.3

Phytosphingosine lactate is a skin-friendly lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and gently helps calm blemishes without harshness.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectantemollient
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Skin-identical ingredient

Phytosphingosine PCA

Phytosphingosine PCA

4.3

A skin-friendly lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and helps calm irritation without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareskin-identical ingredient
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Emollient

Phytosterol Ester Emollient

Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Phytosterol Esters

C10-40 Isoalkyl Acid Phytosterol Esters

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to support barrier function and improve moisture retention.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Skin Barrier Support

Phytosterols

PHYTOSTEROLS

4.3

Phytosterols are plant-based lipids that mimic your skin's natural fats, helping to repair and reinforce the moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Phytosteryl Butyrate

Phytosteryl Butyrate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that supports the skin barrier and soothes dryness without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides

Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides

4.2

A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to improve moisture and comfort without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Phytosteryl Canolate

Phytosteryl Canolate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to support moisture retention and barrier function.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Phytosteryl Caprylate/Caprate

Phytosteryl Caprylate/Caprate

4.3

A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to soften and support the barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleate

Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Phytosteryl Glucoside/Glucosylceramide

Phytosteryl Glucoside/Glucosylceramide

4.3

A gentle, plant-based lipid duo that mimics your skin's natural fats to strengthen the moisture barrier and soothe dryness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollientskin-identical
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Emollient

Phytosteryl Glutamate Ester

PHYTOSTERYL/BEHENYL/OCTYLDODECYL/ISOSTEARYL LAUROYL GLUTAMATE

4.0

A gentle, multi-functional ester that helps soften skin and support the moisture barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Phytosteryl Hydroxystearate

Phytosteryl Hydroxystearate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Phytosteryl Isostearate

Phytosteryl Isostearate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Phytosteryl Macadamiate

Phytosteryl Macadamiate

4.3

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps restore the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Phytosteryl Nonanoate

Phytosteryl Nonanoate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics natural skin lipids to support a healthy moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Phytosteryl Rice Branate

Phytosteryl Rice Branate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and smooth skin while supporting the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Phytosteryl Ricinoleate

Phytosteryl Ricinoleate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and soothe skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Phytyl Diglycoyl Cysteine

Disodium S-Phytyl Diglycoloylcysteine

4.0

A synthetic antioxidant ingredient that mimics the skin's natural defenses, but research is still emerging on its long-term benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Piceatannol

Piceatannol

4.0

A promising antioxidant from plants that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Pichia Anomala Extract

Pichia Anomala Extract

4.0

A gentle yeast extract that may help calm irritation and support a balanced skin microbiome, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Pichia Caribbica Ferment

Pichia Caribbica Ferment

4.0

A gentle yeast ferment that may help strengthen the skin barrier and calm irritation, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Pichia Ferment Extract

PICHIA PASTORIS/DIETHYLHEXYL SYRINGYLIDENEMALONATE/TOCOPHEROL FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A biotech antioxidant that pairs yeast fermentation with a vitamin E derivative and a UV-filter-like compound for multi-action skin protection.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Pichia Ferment Lysate Filtrate

Pichia Ferment Lysate Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, yeast-derived ingredient that helps hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Skin Conditioning

Pichia Heedii Extract

Pichia Heedii Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived yeast extract that may help calm skin and support a healthy barrier, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Pichia Minuta Extract

Pichia Minuta Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived yeast extract that may help calm irritated skin and support a healthy skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Pichia Pastoris Ferment Filtrate

Pichia Pastoris Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived yeast ferment that helps calm irritation and support the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Pichia Pastoris/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

Pichia Pastoris/Soybean Seed Ferment Lysate Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Pichia Pomiferin Ferment Extract

Pichia/Pomiferin Ferment Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin-conditioning agent

Pichia Retinol Ferment

Pichia/Retinol Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentler, fermented form of retinol that may support smoother, brighter skin with less irritation than traditional retinol.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareactive
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Humectant

Pichia Sea Salt Ferment Extract

Pichia/Sea Salt Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating ferment that may support skin barrier function and moisture retention, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Pichia/Osajin Ferment Extract

Pichia/Osajin Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Pichia/Safflower Ferment Filtrate

Pichia/Safflower Flower Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Picolinamide

Picolinamide

3.5

Picolinamide is a lesser-known relative of niacinamide with potential soothing and brightening benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Picrasma Excelsa Wood Extract

PICRASMA EXCELSA WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for soothing skin and supporting a balanced microbiome, though modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Picrasma Quassioides Fruit Extract

PICRASMA QUASSIOIDES FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Picrorhiza Kurroa Root Extract

PICRORHIZA KURROOA RHIZOME/ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

A promising Ayurvedic botanical with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, but human skincare studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin lightening agent

Pidobenzone

PIDOBENZONE

3.5

Pidobenzone is a synthetic skin-lightening ingredient that may help fade dark spots, but it has limited safety data compared to more established alternatives.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareskin lightening
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Antioxidant

Pierre Turmeric Root Extract

Curcuma Pierreana Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich turmeric extract that may help calm skin and even out tone, though research on this specific species is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Conditioning Agent

Pig Adipose Cell Conditioned Media

Pig Adipose Stromal Cell Conditioned Media

2.5

An experimental biotech ingredient with limited human safety data; not recommended for routine use until more research is available.

Irritation

moderate

Source

biotech

beautyskincarebiotech
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Colorant

Pigment Blue 15:1

CI 74160

3.5

A widely used synthetic blue pigment that provides vibrant color with a strong safety record in cosmetics.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Pigment Red 57:1

Pigment Red 57:1

3.5

A widely used synthetic red colorant in cosmetics, generally safe but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Humectant

Pigskin Extract

Pigskin Extract

3.5

Pigskin extract is a collagen-rich ingredient that may help hydrate and plump skin, but evidence is limited and it may not suit vegans or those with ethical concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Pikea Robusta Extract

PIKEA ROBUSTA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle red algae extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Hair conditioning agent

Pilocarpus Microphyllus Leaf Extract

Pilocarpus Microphyllus Leaf Extract

3.5

A botanical extract with traditional use in haircare, but limited modern scientific evidence to support its benefits.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarehaircare
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Antioxidant

Pimenta Acris Fruit Extract

Pimenta Acris Fruit Extract

3.5

A plant-based antioxidant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is limited and it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Pimenta Acris Leaf Oil

Pimenta Acris Leaf Oil

3.5

A fragrant essential oil with antimicrobial potential, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
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Fragrance Component

Pimenta Acris Leaf Powder

Pimenta Acris Leaf Powder

3.5

A botanical powder with mild astringent and aromatic properties, but limited research and potential for skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance

Pimenta Acris Leaf Water

Pimenta Acris Leaf Water

3.8

A fragrant botanical water with mild astringent properties, but limited research and potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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