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

Surfactant

PPG-1 Trideceth-6

PPG-1 TRIDECETH-6

3.8

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers and lotions blend oil and water without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-1-CETETH-1

PPG-1-CETETH-1

3.5

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, but offers no direct skin benefit beyond formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-1-Ceteth-10

PPG-1-CETETH-10

3.8

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare products.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-1-CETETH-20

PPG-1-CETETH-20

3.5

A workhorse emulsifier that keeps creams and cleansers stable, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-1-Ceteth-5

PPG-1-CETETH-5

3.8

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps oil and water mix, making creams and lotions stable and smooth.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-1-Deceth-4

PPG-1-DECETH-4

3.5

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be slightly drying for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-1-Deceth-5

PPG-1-DECETH-5

3.5

PPG-1-Deceth-5 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in products, but it offers no direct skin benefit beyond formula stability.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-1-Deceth-6

PPG-1-DECETH-6

3.8

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and shampoos, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-1-Deceth-7

PPG-1-Deceth-7

3.5

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-1-Isodeceth-4

PPG-1-ISODECETH-4

3.5

A mild synthetic helper that blends oil and water, generally safe but not a star ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-1-Isodeceth-6

PPG-1-ISODECETH-6

3.5

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-1-Isodeceth-7

PPG-1-ISODECETH-7

3.8

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in cleansers and lotions, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-1-Isodeceth-9

PPG-1-ISODECETH-9

3.8

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, but may be slightly drying for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether

PPG-1-PEG-9 LAURYL GLYCOL ETHER

4.0

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and conditioners, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

PPG-1/PEG-1 Stearamine

PPG-1/PEG-1 Stearamine

3.5

A synthetic conditioning agent that helps reduce static and soften hair, generally considered safe at low concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Humectant

PPG-10 Butanediol

PPG-10 Butanediol

4.0

PPG-10 Butanediol is a reliable synthetic humectant that boosts moisture without common irritation, making it a safe choice for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

PPG-10 Caprylyl Ether

PPG-10 Caprylyl Ether

4.0

A gentle, synthetic emollient that improves product texture and skin feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-10 Ceteareth-20

PPG-10 Ceteareth-20

3.5

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures but offers no direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emollient

PPG-10 Cetyl Ether

PPG-10 Cetyl Ether

4.0

A gentle synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves the feel of creams and lotions without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Humectant

PPG-10 Glyceryl Ether

PPG-10 Glyceryl Ether

4.0

A gentle, synthetic humectant that pulls moisture into the skin without the stickiness of glycerin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

PPG-10 Jojoba Acid

PPG-10 Jojoba Acid

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

PPG-10 Jojoba Alcohol

PPG-10 JOJOBA ALCOHOL

4.0

A gentle, jojoba-derived emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-10 Lauryl Ether

PPG-10 Lauryl Ether

3.8

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, generally safe for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether

PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether

4.0

A gentle, glucose-derived humectant that helps hydrate skin without stickiness, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

PPG-10 Oleyl Ether

PPG-10 Oleyl Ether

3.8

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps products feel smooth and non-greasy, but offers no active skincare benefits on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Humectant

PPG-10 Sorbitol

PPG-10 SORBITOL

4.0

A gentle, synthetic humectant that helps your skin hold onto moisture without feeling sticky or greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-10 Tocophereth-30

PPG-10 Tocophereth-30

4.0

A gentle, non-stripping cleanser that also delivers antioxidant benefits from vitamin E.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-10-Buteth-9

PPG-10-Buteth-9

3.5

A synthetic helper that makes cleansers foam and rinse clean, but can be drying for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-12 Capryleth-18

PPG-12 CAPRYLETH-18

3.8

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps products spread and rinse cleanly, but may be too stripping for very dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

PPG-12 Dimethicone

PPG-12 Dimethicone

4.0

A gentle silicone that makes products feel silky and smooth without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-12 Laneth-50

PPG-12-LANETH-50

3.5

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but offers no direct skin benefit beyond texture.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-12-Buteth-12

PPG-12-Buteth-12

3.5

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps products rinse cleanly, but offers no direct skin benefit beyond formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-12-Buteth-16

PPG-12-Buteth-16

3.8

PPG-12-Buteth-16 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in products, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

PPG-12-PEG-50 Lanolin

PPG-12-PEG-50 Lanolin

3.8

A versatile, low-irritation lanolin derivative that helps blend oil and water while softening skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollientemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Film Former

PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer

PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer

3.5

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but may feel tight or heavy on some skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Texture Enhancer

PPG-120 Butyl Ether

PPG-120 Butyl Ether

4.0

A synthetic polymer that improves product feel and spreadability without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-13 Decyltetradeceth-24

PPG-13 DECYLTETRADECETH-24

3.8

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable lotions and creams with a pleasant feel.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-14 Deceth-6

PPG-14 DECETH-6

4.0

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

PPG-14 Diglyceryl Ether

PPG-14 DIGLYCERYL ETHER

4.0

A gentle, synthetic humectant that pulls moisture into the skin without feeling sticky or heavy.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-15 Buteth-20

PPG-15 BUTETH-20

3.8

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, but may not suit those avoiding ethoxylated ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emollient

PPG-15 Isostearate

PPG-15 Isostearate

3.8

A synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily, but may be slightly clogging for acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

PPG-15 Stearate

PPG-15 Stearate

4.0

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps products feel smooth and spread easily without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning Agent

PPG-16

PPG-16

4.0

PPG-16 is a safe, synthetic ingredient that helps other ingredients spread and absorb, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

PPG-16 Glyceryl Ether

PPG-16 Glyceryl Ether

4.0

A gentle, synthetic humectant that attracts moisture to the skin without feeling sticky or heavy.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-16/PEG-2 Lauryl Ether Sulfate

SODIUM PPG-16/PEG-2 LAURYL ETHER SULFATE

3.5

A mild-to-moderate synthetic cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Emollient

PPG-17 Dioleate

PPG-17 Dioleate

3.5

A synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily, but offers no active skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Solvent

PPG-17-Buteth-17

PPG-17-BUTETH-17

3.8

A safe, synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and leaves a light, non-greasy feel on skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
Read ingredient review

Film Former

PPG-17/IPDI/DMPA Copolymer

PPG-17/IPDI/DMPA Copolymer

3.8

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Humectant

PPG-18 Diglyceryl Ether

PPG-18 Diglyceryl Ether

4.0

A gentle synthetic humectant that pulls moisture into the skin without feeling sticky or greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-19-Buteth-19

PPG-19-BUTETH-19

3.8

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers and shampoos mix oil and water without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

PPG-2 Arginine

PPG-2 Arginine

3.8

PPG-2 Arginine is a gentle, modified amino acid that helps keep skin and hair soft, smooth, and hydrated without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review