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

Piper Umbellatum Root Extract

PIPER UMBELLATUM ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, though human skin research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Piperazine Bisferulate

PIPERAZINE BISFERULATE

3.8

A synthetic ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still limited compared to more established anti-aging ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin brightening agent

Piperidinedione

Piperidinedione

3.5

Piperidinedione is a synthetic ingredient that may help brighten skin and reduce signs of aging, but research is still emerging and it can cause irritation for some.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarebrightening agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Piperidinepropionic Acid

Piperidinepropionic Acid

3.8

A gentle, synthetic amino-acid derivative that may help improve skin hydration and barrier function, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Penetration enhancer

Piperine

Piperine

3.5

Piperine may boost ingredient absorption but can be irritating; it's not a common or well-studied skincare ingredient on its own.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareactive
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Piperitone

PIPERITONE

3.0

Piperitone is a natural fragrance compound with a minty, camphor-like scent, but it has limited skincare benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Piperlongumine

Piperlongumine

3.5

Piperlongumine is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Piperlonguminine

Piperlonguminine

3.5

A plant-based antioxidant from long pepper with early research suggesting skin-soothing and brightening potential, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Piperonyl Acetate

PIPERONYL ACETATE

3.5

Piperonyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Piperonyl Acetone

Piperonyl Acetone

3.5

Piperonyl Acetone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Synergist

Piperonyl Butoxide

Piperonyl Butoxide

2.0

Piperonyl Butoxide is a synthetic ingredient rarely used in mainstream skincare; it functions mainly as a synergist in anti-lice or insect-repellent products and is not a typical cosmetic active.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareother
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Piperonyl Glucoside

Piperonyl Glucoside

4.0

Piperonyl glucoside is a gentle, sugar-based humectant that attracts moisture to the skin and may help calm irritation, making it a good option for sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Piperonylic Acid

Piperonylic Acid

3.8

Piperonylic acid is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pipewort Flower/Stem Extract

Eriocaulon buergerianum flower/stem extract

3.8

A gentle botanical 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

Astringent

Pipsissewa Leaf Extract

Chimaphila Umbellata Leaf Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with traditional astringent and soothing uses, but limited modern research to confirm efficacy in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Piracetam

PIRACETAM

3.5

Piracetam is a synthetic compound with limited but promising research for skin hydration and barrier support; it is not a proven anti-aging ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antifungal

Piroctone Olamine

Piroctone Olamine

4.0

A well-studied, gentle anti-dandruff ingredient that helps control scalp flaking and yeast overgrowth without the harshness of older alternatives.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantidandruffantifungal
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Pisces Extract

Pisces Extract

3.0

Pisces Extract is a fish-derived ingredient that may offer moisturizing benefits, but scientific evidence is limited and it may not be suitable for vegans or those with fish allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pisonia Grandis Leaf Extract

PISONIA GRANDIS LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pistachio Seed Oil

PISTACIA VERA SEED OIL

4.0

Pistachio seed oil is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Pistachio Shell Powder

PISTACIA VERA SHELL POWDER

3.8

A natural, biodegradable exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells, but may be too harsh for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pitanga Leaf Powder

EUGENIA UNIFLORA LEAF POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder from pitanga leaves that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its cosmetic use is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Pitcher Plant Extract

SARRACENIA LEUCOPHYLLA FLOWER/LEAF/SEED/STALK EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived extract with soothing and antioxidant potential, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Pithecellobium Tenue Wood Extract

Pithecellobium Tenue Wood Extract

3.8

A gentle wood extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited — best used as a supporting ingredient in soothing formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Absorbent

Pithecellobium Tenue Wood Powder

Pithecellobium Tenue Wood Powder

3.5

A gentle natural wood powder that can absorb oil and provide mild physical exfoliation, but research on its specific benefits is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pittosporum Flower Extract

PITTOSPORUM VIRIDIFLORUM FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pittosporum Flower-Leaf Extract

PITTOSPORUM EUGENIOIDES FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract from a New Zealand tree that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pittosporum Tobira Extract

PITTOSPORUM TOBIRA BRANCH/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Placental Protein

Placental Protein

3.5

Placental protein is a traditional ingredient with anecdotal benefits for skin hydration and firmness, but modern research is limited and ethical concerns may steer you toward plant-based alternatives.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Plankton Cell Extract

PROROCENTRUM MICANS CELL EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle marine extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Absorbent

Plant Ash

Plant Ash

3.5

Plant ash is a natural absorbent and texture agent, but its high alkalinity and variable composition require careful formulation to avoid skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Plantago Ovata Leaf Extract

PLANTAGO OVATA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Plantain Callus Culture Extract

PLANTAGO MAJOR CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A lab-grown plant cell extract that may help calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Plantain Callus Extract

PLANTAGO MAJOR CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Plantain Leaf Juice

Plantago Lanceolata Juice

3.8

A gentle, plant-based water that may help calm irritated skin and provide light hydration, but scientific evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Plantain Seed Extract

PLANTAGO MAJOR SEED EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm irritated skin and provides antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Plastics

Plastics

2.0

Plastics in cosmetics are effective for texture and film-forming but are controversial due to environmental persistence and potential microplastic pollution.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Platinum

Platinum

3.5

Platinum is a rare, high-end antioxidant ingredient that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but scientific evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Platinum Ferment

Saccharomyces/Platinum Ferment

4.0

A novel fermented ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Platinum Thioethylamino Hyaluronic Acid

Platinum Thioethylamino Hyaluronic Acid

3.8

A novel hybrid ingredient that combines the moisture-binding power of hyaluronic acid with platinum's antioxidant potential, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Platonia Seed Butter

PLATONIA INSIGNIS SEED BUTTER

4.0

A nourishing plant butter that softens and protects skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Platonin

Platonin

3.8

Platonin is a synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help calm irritation and support skin resilience, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Platycarya Branch Extract

PLATYCARYA STROBILACEA BRANCH EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Platycodin D

Platycodin D

3.8

A gentle plant saponin from balloon flower root that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Plectranthus Amboinicus Oil

PLECTRANTHUS AMBOINICUS LEAF/STEM OIL

3.5

A fragrant essential oil with some antimicrobial potential, but limited research on skin benefits and a moderate risk of irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Plectranthus Tomentosa Extract

PLECTRANTHUS TOMENTOSA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pleuropterus multiflorus Callus Extract

PLEUROPTERUS MULTIFLORUS CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Plukenetia Volubilis Seedcake

PLUKENETIA VOLUBILIS SEEDCAKE

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant from Sacha Inchi seeds that also provides antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Plum Ferment Filtrate

Bacillus/Prunus Mume Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented plum extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Plum Flower Extract

Prunus Domestica Flower Extract

3.8

A mild, plant-derived extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Plum Fruit Extract

Prunus Salicina Fruit Extract

4.0

Plum Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Plum Fruit Juice

Prunus Salicina Fruit Juice

3.8

A gentle, hydrating fruit juice that offers light antioxidant benefits, but its effects are mild compared to more concentrated extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Plum Seed Extract

Prunus Domestica Seed Extract

4.0

Plum seed extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Plum Seed Oil

Prunus Domestica Seed Oil

4.3

A gentle, non-greasy plant oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review