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

Soothing Agent

Pulsatilla Root Extract

PULSATILLA CHINENSIS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use and emerging research on soothing and antioxidant benefits, but limited direct skincare studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Surfactant

Pulsatilla Saponin

Pulsatilla Saponin

3.5

A gentle plant-based surfactant with mild cleansing and soothing potential, but research is limited and it may not replace more established ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Pulvinate Algae Extract

Pulvinata Extract

3.8

A gentle, hydrating algae extract that may help soothe and moisturize skin, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Abrasive

Pumice

PUMICE

3.8

Pumice is a natural volcanic abrasive that effectively smooths rough skin, but it can be harsh if overused or applied with too much pressure.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Physical Exfoliant

Pumice Extract

Pumice

3.8

Pumice extract is a natural volcanic abrasive that physically buffs away dead skin cells, but its particle size and pressure during use can cause micro-tears if not formulated carefully.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Pumpkin Ferment Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/CURCURBITA PEPO FRUIT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented pumpkin extract that helps exfoliate and calm skin without harsh scrubbing.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pumpkin Fruit Extract

CUCURBITA PEPO GIROMONTIINA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that offers mild enzymatic exfoliation and skin-soothing benefits, ideal for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Pumpkin Fruit Extract with Beta-Glucan

Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Fruit Extract, Beta-Glucan

4.0

A gentle, hydrating blend that combines pumpkin's natural enzymes with beta-glucan's soothing power—great for a brighter, smoother complexion without harsh irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantexfoliant
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Humectant

Pumpkin Fruit Juice

CUCURBITA MAXIMA FRUIT JUICE

3.8

Pumpkin fruit juice is a gentle, water-based hydrator with mild antioxidant benefits, but its effects are mostly from its water content and trace nutrients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Skin conditioner

Pumpkin Phytoplacenta Extract

Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Phytoplacenta Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that may support skin firmness and hydration, but lacks robust clinical evidence.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Pumpkin Seed Extract

CUCURBITA PEPO (PUMPKIN) SEED EXTRACT

4.0

Pumpkin seed extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and moisturize skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Pumpkin Seed Ferment Filtrate

ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/PUMPKIN SEED FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps smooth skin texture and provides antioxidant benefits without harsh scrubbing.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantantioxidant
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Emollient

Pumpkin Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters

PUMPKIN SEED OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that combines the nourishing fatty acids of pumpkin seed oil with better spreadability and water compatibility.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Pumpkin Seed Powder

Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Powder

4.0

A natural, finely milled powder that gently exfoliates and provides antioxidant benefits without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Pumpkin Sprout Extract

Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Cotyledon Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract from pumpkin sprouts that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Purple Bean Plant Extract

Macroptilium Atropurpureum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Purple Loosestrife Extract

LYTHRUM SALICARIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Purple Pitcher Plant Extract

SARRACENIA PURPUREA FLOWER/LEAF/SEED/STALK EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Purple Shamrock Oil

Oxalis Triangularis Oil

3.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant oil that may help soothe and moisturize skin, but research is very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Purple Willow Bark Extract

Salix Purpurea Bark Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived alternative to salicylic acid that helps soothe and mildly exfoliate the skin without harshness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Purslane Extract

Portulaca Oleracea Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.3

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Soothing Agent

Purslane Juice

Portulaca Oleracea Juice

4.2

Purslane juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm irritated skin and supports a healthy moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Film Former

PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer

PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer

4.0

A synthetic polymer that helps skincare and makeup stay put by forming a flexible, breathable film on the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm former
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Film Former

PVP

PVP

3.8

PVP is a safe, synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and feel smooth, but it can feel stiff or tacky in high concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Absorbent

PVP Montmorillonite

PVP Montmorillonite

3.8

A gentle oil-absorbing clay-polymer hybrid that helps mattify skin without stripping it.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareabsorbent
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

PVP-Hydrogen Peroxide Complex

PVP-Hydrogen Peroxide

3.8

A stabilized hydrogen peroxide that can help with acne and brightening, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantimicrobial
Read ingredient review

Film Former

PVP/Decene Copolymer

PVP/DECENE COPOLYMER

3.8

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put longer, but it may feel slightly tacky on some skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Pycnanthus Angolensis Nut Oil

PYCNANTHUS ANGOLENSIS NUT OIL

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, though research on its unique benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pylaiella Littoralis Extract

Pylaiella littoralis extract

4.0

A gentle seaweed extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyrenaria Leaf Extract

Pyrenaria Microcarpa Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Insecticide

Pyrethrins

Pyrethrins

2.0

Pyrethrins are effective insecticides but are not recommended for routine skincare due to high irritation potential and lack of skin benefits.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincareinsecticide
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Fragrance

Pyrethrum Flower Extract

TANACETUM CINERARIIFOLIUM FLOWER EXTRACT

2.5

Pyrethrum flower extract is a potent natural insecticide that is rarely used in skincare due to a high risk of skin irritation and allergy.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Pyricarbate

Pyricarbate

3.8

A gentle, vitamin B6-inspired ingredient that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid

Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid

4.0

A gentle, emerging exfoliant that may brighten skin and improve texture with less irritation than traditional acids.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate

PYRIDOXAL 5-PHOSPHATE

4.0

A gentle, active form of vitamin B6 that helps calm skin and strengthen the moisture barrier without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarevitamin
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Skin conditioning agent

Pyridoxine

Pyridoxine

3.8

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is a gentle, water-soluble vitamin that may help regulate oil production and support skin barrier health, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarevitamin
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Pyridoxine Dicaprylate

Pyridoxine Dicaprylate

4.0

A gentle, oil-friendly form of vitamin B6 that helps calm skin and support a healthy barrier without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Dilaurate

PYRIDOXINE DILAURATE

3.8

A gentle, fat-soluble form of vitamin B6 that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Dioctenoate

Pyridoxine Dioctenoate

4.0

A gentle, fat-soluble form of vitamin B6 that helps calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Dipalmitate

Pyridoxine Dipalmitate

4.0

A gentle, oil-friendly form of vitamin B6 that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Pyridoxine Glycyrrhetinate

Pyridoxine Glycyrrhetinate

4.0

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that pairs vitamin B6 with a licorice root compound to help calm redness and support skin comfort.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Hydroxybenzoate

Pyridoxine Hydroxybenzoate

3.8

A gentle, stabilized vitamin B6 derivative that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Hydroxycitrate

Pyridoxine Hydroxycitrate

3.8

A gentle antioxidant ingredient that may help calm skin and support a healthy glow, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Pyridoxine Salicylate

Pyridoxine Salicylate

3.8

A gentle exfoliating ingredient that combines vitamin B6 with salicylic acid to help smooth skin and reduce redness.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Soothing Agent

Pyridoxine Serinate

Pyridoxine Serinate

3.8

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that combines vitamin B6 with serine to help calm irritation and support a healthy skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Tripalmitate

PYRIDOXINE TRIPALMITATE

4.0

A stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin B6 that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyridoxine Tris-Hexyldecanoate

Pyridoxine Tris-Hexyldecanoate

4.0

A gentle, oil-soluble vitamin B6 derivative that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyridyloxide T-Butylnitrone

Pyridyloxide T-Butylnitrone

3.5

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from oxidative stress, but human skincare research is still emerging.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Pyroglutamyl Dipeptide-30 Amide

Pyroglutamyl Dipeptide-30 Amide

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more independent research is needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Fragrance

Pyroligneous Acid Ethyl Esters

PYROLIGNEOUS ACIDS ETHYL ESTERS

3.5

A natural fragrance ingredient with potential antioxidant benefits, but limited research and a moderate risk of skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Pyroligneous Acid Extract

PYROLIGNEOUS ACIDS EXTRACTS

3.8

A natural wood-derived extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Absorbent

Pyrophyllite

PYROPHYLLITE

3.5

Pyrophyllite is a gentle clay that helps absorb excess oil and improve product texture, but its skincare benefits are not well-studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Pyrosia Hastata Extract

Pyrrosia Hastata Extract

3.8

A gentle fern extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone

3.8

PQQ is a potent antioxidant that may help protect skin from oxidative stress and support cellular energy, but human skincare research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)

Disodium Pyrroloquinolinequinone Tricarboxylate

3.8

PQQ is a cutting-edge antioxidant that may help energize skin cells and fight signs of aging, but research in topical skincare is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review