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

Avocado Leaf Extract

Persea Gratissima Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Avocado Oil

Persea Gratissima Oil

4.5

Avocado oil is a gentle, nutrient-packed emollient that deeply moisturizes and soothes dry or sensitive skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emulsifier

Avocado Oil PEG-11 Esters

AVOCADO OIL PEG-11 ESTERS

3.8

A gentle, semi-synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emollient

Avocado Oil PEG-8 Esters

AVOCADO OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, water-dispersible emollient that softens skin without a heavy greasy feel, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Avocado Oil Unsaponifiables

Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil Unsaponifiables

4.3

A gentle, research-backed emollient from avocado oil that supports skin barrier repair without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Avocado Seed Extract

Persea Gratissima Seed Extract

4.0

Avocado Seed Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Avocado Sterols

Persea Gratissima Sterols

4.2

Avocado sterols are a gentle, plant-based lipid that helps strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Avocado Wax

Persea Gratissima Wax

4.0

A gentle, plant-based wax that adds richness and stability to balms and creams without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing Agent

Awkeotsang Fig Extract

Ficus Awkeotsang Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm and hydrate skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Ayapana Extract

EUPATORIUM AYAPANA EXTRACT

3.8

Ayapana extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Azafullerenedione Derivative

Docosyloxymethoxybenzyl Azafullerenedione

3.5

A novel, lab-made antioxidant that may help fight free radicals, but human research is very limited and it's mostly found in luxury products.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antimicrobial

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic Acid

4.5

Azelaic acid is a gentle multitasker that reduces redness, fights acne, and fades dark spots without the irritation of stronger acids.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareactive
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Skin-conditioning agent

Azelaic Acid Copolymer

Azelaic Acid/Polyglyceryl-3 Copolymer

4.0

A gentler, more stable version of azelaic acid that helps calm redness, reduce breakouts, and even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareactive
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Soothing Agent

Azelamide MEA

Azelamide MEA

4.0

Azelamide MEA is a milder, less irritating cousin of azelaic acid that helps calm redness and support a clearer complexion without the typical itch or sting.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Azelamidopropyl Dimethylamine

Azelamidopropyl Dimethylamine

4.0

A gentle, azelaic-acid-derived ingredient that helps condition skin and manage oiliness without the irritation of pure azelaic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Soothing agent

Azelaoyl Dipeptide-27

Azelaoyl Dipeptide-27

4.0

A gentle peptide that combines the calming benefits of azelaic acid with a peptide to help reduce redness and even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Soothing agent

Azelaoyl Octapeptide-9

Azelaoyl Octapeptide-9

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help reduce facial redness and reactivity, making it a promising option for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Soothing agent

Azelaoyl Tetrapeptide-32

Azelaoyl Tetrapeptide-32

4.0

A gentle peptide that combines the soothing benefits of azelaic acid with the signaling power of a peptide to help reduce redness and even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Soothing agent

Azelaoyl Tripeptide-1

Azelaoyl Tripeptide-1

4.0

A gentle peptide that pairs azelaic acid's soothing properties with a signaling peptide to help calm redness and support a more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Soothing agent

Azeloyl Bis-Dipeptide-10

Azeloyl Bis-Dipeptide-10

4.0

A gentle peptide that targets redness and uneven tone without the irritation of stronger brighteners.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Exfoliant

Azeloyl Diethyl Salicylate

Azeloyl Diethyl Salicylate

4.0

A gentle hybrid of azelaic and salicylic acids that aims to brighten skin and smooth texture with less irritation than either parent ingredient alone.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Soothing agent

Azeloyl Pentapeptide-37

AZELAOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-37

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help reduce visible redness and even out skin tone, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Antioxidant

Azolla Imbricata Extract

Azolla Imbricata Extract

3.8

Azolla Imbricata Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Azuki Bean Callus Extract

Phaseolus Angularis Callus Culture Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from azuki bean cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Azuki Bean Extract

Phaseolus Angularis Seed Extract

3.8

Azuki Bean Extract offers gentle enzymatic exfoliation and antioxidant protection, making it a mild alternative to harsh physical scrubs.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Azuki Bean Hairy Root Extract

Phaseolus angularis hairy root extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Azuki Bean Powder

Phaseolus angularis seed powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant from azuki beans that helps polish skin without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Azuki Bean Seed Extract

Vigna Angularis Seed Extract

4.0

Azuki bean seed extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and protect the skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Absorbent

Azuki Bean Starch

Phaseolus Angularis Seed Starch

4.0

A gentle, natural starch that soaks up excess oil and gives a silky feel, ideal for oily or combination skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
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Soothing Agent

Azulene

AZULENE

4.0

Azulene is a gentle, blue-hued ingredient that helps calm redness and irritation, making it a favorite for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Colorant

Azurite

AZURITE

2.0

Azurite is a blue mineral used as a colorant in cosmetics, but it lacks proven skincare benefits and may pose safety concerns due to its copper content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Azurite Extract

Azurite Extract

3.0

Azurite extract is a mineral pigment used mainly for its blue color in cosmetics, but its skincare benefits are not well-studied.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
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Skin conditioning agent

B-Complex Yeast Peptide Blend

Biotin, Folic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Niacinamide, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Yeast Polypeptides

4.0

A nourishing blend of B vitamins and yeast peptides that supports skin barrier health and may improve radiance.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Emollient

Babassu Acid

BABASSU ACID

4.0

Babassu Acid is a gentle, plant-derived fatty acid that cleanses and softens skin without stripping moisture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollientsurfactant
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Soothing Agent

Babassu Mesocarp Extract

Orbignya Speciosa Mesocarp Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm irritation and provides antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Emollient

Babassu Oil

Orbignya Speciosa Kernel Oil

4.3

Babassu oil is a gentle, non-comedogenic plant oil that moisturizes without clogging pores, making it a great choice for oily and sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Babassu Oil Glycereth-8 Esters

BABASSU OIL GLYCERETH-8 ESTERS

4.3

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from babassu oil that softens skin and helps other ingredients absorb better.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Babassu Oil PEG-8 Esters

ORBIGNYA OLEIFERA SEED OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps soften and condition skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Babassu Seed Powder

Orbignya Phalerata Seed Powder

4.0

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from babassu palm seeds that buffs away dead skin without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Surfactant

Babassuamide DEA

BABASSUAMIDE DEA

3.5

A mild foaming agent from babassu oil that helps create rich lather, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Babassuamide MEA

Babassuamide MEA

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that helps create a rich lather while being kinder to skin than many harsher cleansers.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Surfactant

Babassuamidopropalkonium Chloride

Babassuamidopropalkonium Chloride

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning agent that helps soften hair and skin while providing mild antimicrobial benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Surfactant

Babassuamidopropyl Betaine

BABASSUAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE

4.3

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
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Antioxidant

Babchi Fruit Extract

Psoralea Corylifolia Fruit Extract

3.5

Babchi fruit extract is a traditional botanical with potential skin-brightening effects, but it is not well-studied in modern cosmetic science and may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Babchi Seed Powder

Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Powder

3.5

Babchi seed powder is a traditional botanical ingredient with potential brightening benefits, but it requires careful formulation due to possible skin sensitivity and limited modern safety data.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Cleansing Agent

Baby's Breath Root Extract

Gypsophila Paniculata Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based cleansing extract that may also help calm the skin, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleansing agent
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Soothing agent

Baby's Tears Extract

Soleirolia soleirolii extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Emollient

Bacaba Fruit Oil

Oenocarpus Bacaba Fruit Oil

4.0

Bacaba Fruit Oil is a gentle, plant-based emollient rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, ideal for dry or sensitive skin, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing agent

Baccharis Oil

Baccharis Dracunculifolia Herb Oil

3.8

Baccharis Oil is a gentle, plant-based oil with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Bacillus Clover Soybean Ferment

Bacillus/Clover Flower/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help strengthen the skin barrier and fight oxidative stress.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin conditioning agent

Bacillus Corn Ferment Filtrate

BACILLUS/CORN SEED FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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