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

Film Former

Polyglyceryl Ester Copolymer

POLYGLYCERYL-2 ISONONANOATE/DIMER DILINOLEATE COPOLYMER

4.0

A gentle, biodegradable polymer that improves product feel and wear without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollientfilm-former
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Film Former

Polyglyceryl Shea Butter Crosspolymer

Polyglyceryl-10/Sebacic Acid/Shea Butter Crosspolymer

4.0

A gentle, plant-based film former that gives products a silky, non-greasy finish and helps ingredients stay put without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Humectant

Polyglyceryl Sorbitol

Polyglyceryl Sorbitol

4.2

A mild, effective humectant that hydrates skin without stickiness, suitable for most skin types including sensitive.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Caprate

Polyglyceryl-10 Caprate

4.3

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight formulas while also softening the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate

Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate

4.5

A mild, skin-friendly emulsifier that effectively blends ingredients without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Cocoate

Polyglyceryl-10 Cocoate

4.5

A gentle, coconut-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Decaethylhexanoate

POLYGLYCERYL-10 DECAETHYLHEXANOATE

4.3

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight creams and lotions while leaving skin feeling soft.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Decalinoleate

Polyglyceryl-10 Decalinoleate

4.5

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight formulas while also softening the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Decamacadamiate

Polyglyceryl-10 Decamacadamiate

4.0

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Decaoleate

Polyglyceryl-10 Decaoleate

4.5

A mild, multi-functional emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Dicocoate

Polyglyceryl-10 Dicocoate

4.5

A mild, coconut-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Didecanoate

Polyglyceryl-10 Didecanoate

4.3

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that stabilizes formulas and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate

Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate

4.5

A mild, effective emulsifier that creates silky textures without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive and reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Dilaurate

Polyglyceryl-10 Dilaurate

4.5

A gentle, non-irritating emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Dimyristate

Polyglyceryl-10 Dimyristate

4.5

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate

POLYGLYCERYL-10 DIOLEATE

4.5

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Dipalmitate

Polyglyceryl-10 Dipalmitate

4.5

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures while also softening the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Distearate

Polyglyceryl-10 Distearate

4.5

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that creates stable, creamy textures without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Dodecacaprate

POLYGLYCERYL-10 DODECACAPRATE

4.5

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures while also lightly conditioning the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Dodecacaprylate

Polyglyceryl-10 Dodecacaprylate

4.5

A mild, multi-functional emulsifier that stabilizes formulas and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Ester Blend

POLYGLYCERYL-10 DIMER DILINOLEATE/STEARATE/HYDROXYSTEARATE

4.5

A mild, multi-tasking emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight textures and is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Heptacaprylate

Polyglyceryl-10 Heptacaprylate

4.5

A gentle, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight textures without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Heptaoleate

POLYGLYCERYL-10 HEPTAOLEATE

4.3

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight textures without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Hexaerucate

POLYGLYCERYL-10 HEXAERUCATE

4.3

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Hexaoleate

Polyglyceryl-10 Hexaoleate

4.2

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that stabilizes water-and-oil blends without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Isostearate

Polyglyceryl-10 Isostearate

4.5

A gentle, non-irritating emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight textures without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

4.5

A gentle, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Lauryl Ether

Polyglyceryl-10 Lauryl Ether

4.5

A gentle, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Linoleate

Polyglyceryl-10 Linoleate

4.5

A mild, multi-functional emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight formulas and may support the skin's moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Mono/Dioleate

POLYGLYCERYL-10 MONO/DIOLEATE

4.3

A gentle, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight lotions and creams without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate

Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate

4.5

A mild, skin-friendly emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Nonaerucate

POLYGLYCERYL-10 NONAERUCATE

4.0

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight creams and lotions without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate

Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate

4.3

A gentle, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Palmate

Polyglyceryl-10 Palmate

4.5

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that stabilizes formulas and is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Palmitate

POLYGLYCERYL-10 PALMITATE

4.5

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that creates stable, silky formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Pentacaprylate

Polyglyceryl-10 Pentacaprylate

4.5

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight textures and is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate

POLYGLYCERYL-10 PENTAISOSTEARATE

4.5

A mild, multi-functional emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight textures and is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Pentalaurate

POLYGLYCERYL-10 PENTALAURATE

4.5

A mild, effective emulsifier that stabilizes formulas and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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