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-2 C12-13 Pareth-8

PPG-2 C12-13 PARETH-8

3.8

A synthetic cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may be drying for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 C12-15 Pareth-6

PPG-2 C12-15 Pareth-6

3.8

A gentle synthetic emulsifier 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

PPG-2 C9-11 Pareth-11

PPG-2 C9-11 PARETH-11

3.8

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-2 C9-11 Pareth-5

PPG-2 C9-11 Pareth-5

3.8

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

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 C9-11 Pareth-7

PPG-2 C9-11 PARETH-7

3.5

A synthetic cleansing agent that helps products foam and rinse clean, but may be drying for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 C9-11 Pareth-8

PPG-2 C9-11 PARETH-8

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-2 Ceteth-20

PPG-2-CETETH-20

3.5

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps keep your products smooth and stable, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-2 Ceteth-5

PPG-2-CETETH-5

3.5

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps keep your skincare products stable and well-mixed, but it offers no direct skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Cocamide

PPG-2 Cocamide

3.5

PPG-2 Cocamide helps cleansers foam and mix oil with water, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Cocamine

PPG-2 Cocamine

3.5

A mild surfactant that helps cleanse and condition, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Deceth-10

PPG-2-DECETH-10

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Deceth-40

PPG-2-DECETH-40

3.5

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

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Deceth-50

PPG-2-DECETH-50

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

PPG-2 Dimethicone

PPG-2 Dimethicone

4.0

A gentle silicone that smooths skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Film Former

PPG-2 Diurethane

BIS-(C12-14 ALKYL PPG-2) HEXAMETHYLENEDIUREA

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Humectant

PPG-2 Glyceryl Ether

PPG-2 Glyceryl Ether

3.8

A gentle synthetic humectant that helps keep skin hydrated without the stickiness of glycerin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Hydrogenated Tallowamine

PPG-2 HYDROGENATED TALLOWAMINE

3.5

A synthetic conditioning ingredient that can improve hair feel but may cause irritation or clog pores for some skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide

PPG-2 HYDROXYETHYL COCAMIDE

4.0

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that helps create a rich lather and improve the feel of cleansers without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-2 Isoceteth-20 Acetate

PPG-2 ISOCETETH-20 ACETATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Isodeceth-25

PPG-2-ISODECETH-25

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Isodeceth-4

PPG-2-ISODECETH-4

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Isodeceth-6

PPG-2-ISODECETH-6

3.5

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

Emollient

PPG-2 Isostearate

PPG-2 Isostearate

3.8

A synthetic emollient that improves texture and spreadability, but may be moderately pore-clogging for some skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

PPG-2 Lanolin Alcohol Ether

PPG-2 Lanolin Alcohol Ether

3.8

A gentle, lanolin-derived emollient that softens skin but may be too heavy for oily or acne-prone types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Laureth-12

PPG-2-Laureth-12

3.5

PPG-2 Laureth-12 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers foam and rinse clean, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleansingemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Laureth-5

PPG-2-Laureth-5

3.5

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

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Laureth-8

PPG-2-Laureth-8

3.5

PPG-2 Laureth-8 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers, but may be slightly drying for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Lauryl Ether Maleamide

PPG-2 LAURYL ETHER MALEAMIDE

3.5

A mild synthetic ingredient that helps hair feel soft and smooth, but it's not a star player and is best understood as part of a larger formula.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Solvent

PPG-2 Methyl Ether Acetate

PPG-2 Methyl Ether Acetate

3.5

A fast-evaporating solvent that helps products spread and dry quickly, but can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate

PPG-2 MYRISTYL ETHER PROPIONATE

4.0

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores, commonly used in moisturizers and cleansers.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Solvent

PPG-2 Phenyl Ether

PPG-2 Phenyl Ether

3.8

A gentle synthetic ingredient that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight on skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
Read ingredient review

Solvent

PPG-2 Propyl Ether

PPG-2 Propyl Ether

3.5

A gentle synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients spread evenly without leaving a greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Tallowamine

PPG-2 TALLOWAMINE

3.0

PPG-2 Tallowamine is an effective emulsifier but may cause irritation for sensitive skin and is not suitable for those avoiding animal-derived ingredients.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2 Tocophereth-5

PPG-2 Tocophereth-5

4.0

A mild, vitamin-E-derived cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactantantioxidant
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Surfactant

PPG-2-Buteth-1

PPG-2-Buteth-1

3.5

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps products spread and rinse cleanly, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2-Buteth-2

PPG-2-Buteth-2

3.5

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but offers no skin benefit beyond cleansing.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2-Buteth-3

PPG-2-Buteth-3

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

Emulsifier

PPG-2-Ceteareth-9

PPG-2-CETEARETH-9

3.8

A workhorse emulsifier that helps water and oil mix in your creams and cleansers, generally well-tolerated but not a star active ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-2-Ceteth-1

PPG-2-CETETH-1

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-2-Ceteth-10

PPG-2-CETETH-10

3.8

PPG-2-Ceteth-10 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps oil and water mix in your skincare products, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2-Deceth-12

PPG-2-Deceth-12

3.5

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers and lotions mix smoothly without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2-Deceth-15

PPG-2-Deceth-15

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2-Deceth-20

PPG-2-Deceth-20

3.5

PPG-2-Deceth-20 is a mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause irritation for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2-Deceth-3

PPG-2-Deceth-3

3.5

A synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but may be drying for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2-Deceth-30

PPG-2-Deceth-30

3.8

A synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but may be drying for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2-Deceth-5

PPG-2-Deceth-5

3.5

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps cleanse without stripping, but offers no direct skin benefit beyond formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2-Deceth-60

PPG-2-Deceth-60

4.0

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps oil and water mix, commonly found in rinse-off cleansers and shampoos.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2-Deceth-7

PPG-2-Deceth-7

3.8

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, generally well-tolerated but best for rinse-off products.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2-Deceth-8

PPG-2-Deceth-8

3.5

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2-Isodeceth-10

PPG-2-ISODECETH-10

3.5

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-2-Isodeceth-12

PPG-2-Isodeceth-12

3.8

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify, generally well-tolerated but not a standout active ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2-Isodeceth-18

PPG-2-Isodeceth-18

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2-Isodeceth-8

PPG-2-Isodeceth-8

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

PPG-2-Isodeceth-9

PPG-2-Isodeceth-9

3.5

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps products spread and rinse cleanly, generally well-tolerated but best for rinse-off formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-2/PEG-8 Cocoate

PPG-2/PEG-8 Cocoate

3.8

A gentle emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

PPG-20 Buteth-30

PPG-20-BUTETH-30

3.8

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in skincare products; generally considered safe and low-irritation for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

PPG-20 Cetyl Ether

PPG-20 Cetyl Ether

4.0

A gentle synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without being greasy or clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review