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

Emulsifier

Poloxamine 1502

POLOXAMINE 1502

4.0

Poloxamine 1502 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Poloxamine 1504

Poloxamine 1504

4.0

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Poloxamine 1508

Poloxamine 1508

4.0

Poloxamine 1508 is a gentle synthetic ingredient that helps cleanse and stabilize formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Poloxamine 304

Poloxamine 304

4.0

Poloxamine 304 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in skincare products, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Poloxamine 504

Poloxamine 504

3.8

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Poloxamine 604

Poloxamine 604

4.0

Poloxamine 604 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Poloxamine 702

POLOXAMINE 702

4.0

Poloxamine 702 is a mild synthetic ingredient that helps mix oil and water, making cleansers and makeup removers more effective without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Poloxamine 704

Poloxamine 704

4.0

Poloxamine 704 is a gentle synthetic ingredient that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Poloxamine 707

Poloxamine 707

4.0

Poloxamine 707 is a mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing agent
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Surfactant

Poloxamine 901

POLOXAMINE 901

4.0

Poloxamine 901 is a gentle synthetic ingredient that helps mix oil and water, making it useful in cleansers and lotions without causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Poloxamine 904

Poloxamine 904

4.0

Poloxamine 904 is a gentle synthetic ingredient that helps cleansers and makeup removers work effectively without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate

POLY C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE

4.0

A gentle synthetic polymer that improves product texture and wear without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Emollient

Poly C30-45 Olefin

POLY(C30-45 OLEFIN)

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy synthetic oil that helps skin feel smooth and silky without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Humectant

Poly HEMA Glucoside

Poly HEMA Glucoside

4.2

A gentle, sugar-based humectant that hydrates and leaves a smooth, non-sticky feel on skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
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Film Former

Poly Lactobionamidomethylstyrene

POLY LACTOBIONAMIDOMETHYLSTYRENE

3.5

A gentle synthetic polymer that helps lock in moisture and create a smooth feel on skin, but research on its long-term benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Poly(C4-12 Olefin)

POLY(C4-12 OLEFIN)

3.8

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Poly(Dimer Almond Oil)

POLY(DIMER ALMOND OIL)

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Poly(Dimer Grapeseed Oil)

POLY(DIMER GRAPESEED OIL)

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from grapeseed oil that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Poly(Dimer Hempseed Oil)

POLY(DIMER HEMPSEED OIL)

4.0

A gentle, plant-based polymer that helps lock in moisture and gives products a silky feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollientfilm-former
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Thickener

Polyacrylamide

POLYACRYLAMIDE

4.0

Polyacrylamide is a safe, effective thickener that gives products a smooth, silky feel, but it's often paired with preservatives that raise concerns for some users.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarethickener
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Thickener

Polyacrylate

Polyacrylate

3.8

Polyacrylate is a safe, widely used synthetic thickener that gives products a smooth, gel-like texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Thickener

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-10

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-10

4.0

A reliable synthetic thickener that gives products a silky, non-greasy feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Viscosity Controlling

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11

4.0

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives water-based products a silky, lightweight feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Viscosity Controlling

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-14

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-14

3.8

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives skincare products a silky, non-greasy feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Viscosity Controlling

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-3

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-3

3.8

A reliable synthetic thickener that gives a smooth, non-greasy feel, but offers no active skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Viscosity Controlling

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-4

POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-4

4.0

A synthetic thickener and stabilizer that gives gels and creams a smooth, silky feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Thickener

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-5

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-5

4.0

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives skincare products a silky, lightweight feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Viscosity Controlling

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

4.0

A reliable synthetic thickener that gives products a silky, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-7

POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-7

4.0

A safe, synthetic thickener that helps create a smooth, silky texture in skincare products without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarethickener
Read ingredient review

Thickener

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-8

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-8

3.8

A reliable synthetic thickener that gives products a silky, non-greasy feel with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Viscosity Controlling

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-9

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-9

4.0

A reliable synthetic thickener that improves product feel and stability with a very low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Thickener

Polyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer

POLYACRYLATE-1 CROSSPOLYMER

4.0

A safe, effective thickener and stabilizer that improves product texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareformulation
Read ingredient review

Viscosity Controlling

Polyacrylate-2 Crosspolymer

Polyacrylate-2 Crosspolymer

4.0

A safe, synthetic thickener and stabilizer that gives products a smooth, lightweight feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate-32

Polyacrylate-32

4.0

A safe, synthetic thickener and film-former that gives skincare products a smooth, non-sticky feel.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate-33

Polyacrylate-33

3.8

Polyacrylate-33 is a synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate-34

Polyacrylate-34

3.8

A synthetic polymer that helps create smooth, lightweight gel textures and improves water resistance, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate-35

Polyacrylate-35

3.8

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and feel smooth, but offers no active skincare benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate-36

Polyacrylate-36

4.0

A synthetic polymer that helps create smooth, lightweight gel textures and improves water resistance in skincare products.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Viscosity Controlling Agent

Polyacrylate-37

POLYACRYLATE-37

3.8

A safe, effective thickener that improves product feel and stability, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate-38

Polyacrylate-38

3.8

A synthetic polymer that helps create smooth, lightweight gel textures and a subtle film on skin, generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate-39

POLYACRYLATE-39

4.0

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate-40

Polyacrylate-40

3.8

Polyacrylate-40 is a synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, resist water, and feel smooth, but it offers no skin benefit and may feel heavy on some.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate-41

Polyacrylate-41

3.8

A safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and stay put without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate-42

Polyacrylate-42

3.5

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate-43

POLYACRYLATE-43

3.5

Polyacrylate-43 is a synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but it offers no skin benefit and may feel heavy on some skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate-44

Polyacrylate-44

3.8

A synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate-45

Polyacrylate-45

3.8

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but may feel tight or dry on some skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate-46

Polyacrylate-46

3.8

A synthetic film-former that helps products spread evenly and stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyacrylate-47

Polyacrylate-47

3.8

Polyacrylate-47 is a safe, synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Thickener

Polyacrylic Acid

Polyacrylic Acid

4.0

A safe, effective thickener that gives gels and creams a smooth, non-greasy feel, but can pill if not formulated well.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Polyalkylaminoester-1

Polyalkylaminoester-1

3.8

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put longer, especially in water-resistant sunscreens and long-wear makeup.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Film Former

Polyamide Film Former

ISOPHORONE DIAMINE/CYCLOHEXYLAMINE/ISOPHTHALIC ACID/AZELAIC ACID COPOLYMER

3.5

A synthetic film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but offers no skincare benefit and may feel tight on dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review