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

Antioxidant

Aspergillus/Soybean Germ Ferment Filtrate

ASPERGILLUS/SOYBEAN GERM FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented soybean germ filtrate that offers antioxidant benefits and supports skin barrier function, generally well-tolerated and suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantskin conditioning
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin

4.5

A standout antioxidant that helps defend skin against UV damage and signs of aging, with a growing body of research behind it.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Aster Ageratoides Extract

Aster Ageratoides 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

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Aster Glehnii Extract

Aster Glehnii Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Aster Spathulifolius Oil

Aster Spathulifolius Leaf/Stem Oil

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived oil with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, though research on its cosmetic use is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Asteriscus Graveolens Extract

ASTERISCUS GRAVEOLENS FLOWER/FRUIT/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Astragalus Callus Extract

Astragalus Membranaceus Callus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Astragalus Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/ASTRAGALUS MEMBRANACEUS ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle fermented botanical that may help calm skin and support a healthy barrier, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Astragalus Leaf Extract

Astragalus Membranaceus Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Astragalus Root Extract

Astragalus Gummifer Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Astragalus Root Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/ASTRAGALUS MEMBRANACEUS ROOT FERMENT EXTRACT

3.8

A fermented botanical extract with potential antioxidant and soothing properties, but human skin research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Astragalus Root Powder

Astragalus Membranaceus Root Powder

3.8

Astragalus Root Powder is a gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research in topical use is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Astragalus Seed Extract

Astragalus Sinicus Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Astragalus Sinicus Extract

ASTRAGALUS SINICUS EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Astragalus Sprout Extract

Astragalus Membranaceus Sprout Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Astrocaryum Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

Astrocaryum Vulgare Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

4.3

A mild, plant-based emollient and emulsifier that hydrates skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Astrocaryum Seed Butter

Astrocaryum Vulgare Seed Butter

4.3

A nourishing Amazonian butter that softens skin without feeling greasy, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Atemoya Fruit Extract

ANNONA ATEMOYA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help soothe skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Atemoya Fruit Water

ANNONA ATEMOYA FRUIT WATER

3.8

A gentle, water-based fruit extract that provides light hydration and antioxidant benefits, but research on its specific effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Atemoya Peel Extract

Annona Atemoya Peel Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Atlas Cedar Bark Extract

CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

Atlas Cedar Bark Extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Atlas Cedar Bark Water

CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK WATER

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water from Atlas cedar bark that may help calm and clarify skin, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Atlas Cedar Callus Extract

CEDRUS ATLANTICA CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle antioxidant extract from Atlas cedar callus cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Atlas Cedar Leaf Extract

Cedrus Atlantica Leaf Extract

3.8

Atlas Cedar Leaf Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its specific cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Atlas Cedar Wood Extract

Cedrus Atlantica Wood Extract

3.8

A fragrant wood extract that adds a warm, woody scent and may offer mild antioxidant benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Atlas Cedarwood Bark Oil

CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL

3.8

Atlas cedarwood bark oil adds a warm, woody scent and may offer mild soothing benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Atractylis Root Extract

ATRACTYLIS LYRATA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant root extract with antioxidant potential, best for calming sensitive or stressed skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Atractylodes Japonica Root Oil

ATRACTYLODES JAPONICA ROOT OIL

3.8

A gentle herbal oil with traditional roots, offering soothing and antioxidant benefits, though modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Atractylodes Rhizome Extract

Atractylodes Chinensis Rhizome Extract

3.8

A gentle herbal extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited compared to more established ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Atractylodes Root Extract

ATRACTYLODES MACROCEPHALA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for soothing and antioxidant support, though modern cosmetic research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Atractylodes Root Powder

ATRACTYLODES MACROCEPHALA ROOT/STALK POWDER

3.5

A gentle botanical powder with traditional use in herbal medicine, offering antioxidant and soothing benefits in skincare, though modern cosmetic research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Atriplex Halimus Callus Extract

ATRIPLEX HALIMUS CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Absorbent

Attapulgite

ATTAPULGITE

3.8

Attapulgite is a gentle clay that soaks up excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin, making it a solid choice for oily or combination skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Aucoumea Klaineana Resin Extract

Aucoumea Klaineana Resin Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Aurantiochytrium Oil

Aurantiochytrium limacinum oil

4.3

A nourishing, algae-based oil that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Australian Finger Lime Extract

Citrus Australasica Fruit Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Australian Finger Lime Seed Oil

Citrus Australasica Seed Oil

4.0

A lightweight, nutrient-rich oil that moisturizes without clogging pores, but research on its unique benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Australian Sandalwood Fruit Powder

SANTALUM ACUMINATUM FRUIT POWDER

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from Australian sandalwood fruit, best for those who prefer plant-based scrubs over synthetic beads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Australian Sandalwood Oil

SANTALUM SPICATA WOOD OIL

4.0

Australian Sandalwood Oil offers a gentle, woody fragrance with mild soothing and antioxidant benefits, but it's primarily used for scent in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Avenanthramides

Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract

4.5

Avenanthramides are gentle oat compounds that soothe irritation and fight free radicals, making them ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

UV Filter

Avobenzone

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

4.0

Avobenzone is a reliable UVA sunscreen ingredient, but it needs stabilizers to remain effective and can cause staining on clothes.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresunscreen
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Avocadamide DEA

AVOCADAMIDE DEA

3.5

Avocadamide DEA is a mild foam booster and thickener for cleansers, but its DEA component raises some safety questions.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Avocadamide DIPA

Avocadamide DIPA

4.0

A gentle, avocado-derived surfactant that helps create rich lather without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Avocadamidopropalkonium Chloride

Avocadamidopropalkonium Chloride

4.0

A gentle conditioning ingredient from avocado oil that helps soften hair and skin while offering mild antimicrobial benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Avocadamidopropyl Betaine

Avocadamidopropyl Betaine

4.3

A gentle, avocado-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Avocado Butter

PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) FRUIT BUTTER

4.3

Avocado butter is a deeply moisturizing, nutrient-rich emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, making it a great choice for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Avocado Callus Powder

Persea Gratissima Callus Powder

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown avocado ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a calmer complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Avocado Fruit Extract

Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract

4.2

Avocado fruit extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe skin, but its benefits are best supported by general knowledge of avocado oil rather than specific clinical studies on the extract itself.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Avocado Fruit Powder

Persea gratissima fruit powder

3.8

A gentle, nutrient-rich powder that can help soften and soothe skin when used in rinse-off or leave-on formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Avocado Fruit Water

Persea Gratissima Fruit Water

4.0

Avocado Fruit Water is a gentle, hydrating base ingredient that provides light antioxidant benefits without the richness of avocado oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review