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

Rapeseed Flower Extract

Brassica Napus Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Rapeseed Gamma-Lactone

RAPESEED GAMMA-LACTONE

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps soften and smooth skin with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Surfactant

Rapeseed Glucoside

Rapeseed Glucoside

4.5

A mild, biodegradable surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
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Emollient

Rapeseed Oil

Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, non-comedogenic plant oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emulsifier

Rapeseed Oil PEG-20 Esters

RAPESEED OIL PEG-20 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emollient

Rapeseed Oil PEG-3 Esters

RAPESEED OIL PEG-3 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient and emulsifier that helps moisturize and stabilize formulas without heavy greasiness.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollientemulsifier
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Emollient

Rapeseed Oil Unsaponifiables

BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES

4.0

A gentle, lipid-rich emollient that helps restore the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Surfactant

Rapeseed Sophorolipids

Sophorolipids

4.3

A mild, eco-friendly surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarecleanser
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Antioxidant

Rapeseed Sprout Extract

BRASSICA NAPUS SPROUT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Rapeseed Sterols

Brassica Campestris Sterols

4.3

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that mimics the skin's natural lipids to strengthen the moisture barrier and soothe dryness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Film Former

Rapeseed/Tung Oil Copolymer

BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS/ALEURITES FORDI OIL COPOLYMER

4.0

A plant-derived film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer without feeling heavy or sticky.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircarefilm-former
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Antioxidant

Raponticin Glucoside

Raponticin Glucoside

4.0

A gentle plant-derived antioxidant that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental stress, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Raspberry Callus Powder

RUBUS IDAEUS CALLUS POWDER

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich powder from raspberry cells that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Raspberry Fruit Water

RUBUS IDAEUS FRUIT WATER

3.8

Raspberry Fruit Water offers gentle antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its effects are mild compared to concentrated extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Raspberry Ketone

RASPBERRY KETONE

3.8

Raspberry ketone adds a sweet scent and mild antioxidant benefits to skincare, but its effects are subtle and not a substitute for proven antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Raspberry Ketone Glucoside

Raspberry Ketone Glucoside

3.8

A gentle, water-soluble antioxidant that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Raspberry Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters

RASPBERRY SEED OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that combines the nourishing fatty acids of raspberry seed oil with improved texture and water compatibility.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing agent

Rauwolfia Root Extract

Rauwolfia Serpentina Root Extract

3.0

Rauwolfia Root Extract is a traditional botanical with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but its use in modern skincare is limited and lacks strong clinical evidence.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Ravenala Aril Extract

Ravenala Madagascariensis Aril Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from the traveler's palm that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Ravenala Leaf Extract

Ravenala Madagascariensis Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Ravenala Leaf/Stem Extract

RAVENALA MADAGASCARIENSIS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Ravenala Stem Extract

Ravenala Madagascariensis Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract from the traveler's palm that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Ravensara Aromatica Twig Oil

RAVENSARA AROMATICA TWIG OIL

3.8

Ravensara Aromatica Twig Oil adds a pleasant scent and may offer mild skin-soothing benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
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Fragrance

Ravensara Leaf Oil

RAVENSARA AROMATICA LEAF OIL

3.8

Ravensara leaf oil adds a pleasant scent and may offer mild soothing benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance component

Ravensara Twig Extract

RAVENSARA AROMATICA TWIG EXTRACT

3.5

A fragrant botanical extract with limited research; may offer soothing benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Binding Agent

Rayon

Rayon

2.5

Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber used as a binder in powders and masks, but it offers no direct skin benefit and may raise environmental concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarebinding agent
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Antioxidant

Rebaudioside A

REBAUDIOSIDE A

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but its skincare benefits are still being studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin-conditioning agent

Recombinant Polypeptide-47

TRANSGENIC NEMATODE RH-POLYPEPTIDE-47

3.5

A biotech-derived peptide that may help support skin firmness, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Antioxidant

Recombinant Synechococcus Polypeptide-1

R-SYNECHOCOCCUS POLYPEPTIDE-1

4.0

A lab-made peptide from a marine microbe that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Recombinant Thioredoxin-1

R-Escherichia Coli Thioredoxin-1

3.8

A biotech antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV stress, but human skincare research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Rectified Camphor Leaf Oil

Cinnamomum Camphora Formosana Leaf Oil Rectified

3.8

Camphor leaf oil can provide a cooling sensation and mild antimicrobial benefits, but it is a potent essential oil that may irritate sensitive skin and should be used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
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Colorant

Red 27 Lake

CI 45410

3.5

A safe, widely used synthetic pigment that adds vibrant red color to makeup but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Red 33

CI 17200

3.5

A widely used synthetic red dye that is generally safe in cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Red 33 (CI 12420)

CI 12420

3.5

A widely used synthetic dye that adds vibrant red color to cosmetics, generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Red 33 Lake

CI 15525

3.5

A widely used synthetic colorant that adds vibrant red shades to makeup but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Red 4

CI 14815

3.5

CI 14815 is a synthetic red dye that adds vibrant color to cosmetics, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Red 4 (CI 15800)

CI 15800

3.5

A widely used synthetic red pigment that adds color to makeup but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Red 4 (CI 16255)

CI 16255

3.0

A common synthetic red dye that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits; generally safe for most people but may cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Red 40

CI 16035

3.5

A widely used synthetic red dye that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Red 6 (CI 15880)

CI 15880

3.5

A widely used synthetic red pigment that is generally safe in cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Red Algae Callus Extract

Botryocladia Adhaerens Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating marine extract that may help soothe and protect the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Red Algae Complex Extract

Hydrolyzed Gelidium Elegans/Gracilaria Vermiculophylla/Gracilaria Gigas/Pterocladiella Capillacea/Ahnfeltia Plicata Extract

4.0

A gentle, multi-species red algae extract that helps hydrate and soothe skin while forming a light protective film.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Red Algae Extract

RHODOSORUS MARINUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, hydrating algae extract that helps skin retain moisture and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Red Algae Extract Blend

Gigartina stellata/Kappaphycus alvarezii Extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps soothe skin and support moisture retention without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Soothing agent

Red Algae Ferment Filtrate

PORPHYRIDIUM CRUENTUM CULTURE CONDITIONED MEDIA

4.0

A gentle, fermented red algae ingredient that supports skin hydration and calmness without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Humectant

Red Algae Powder

Porphyra Umbilicalis Powder

4.0

A gentle, ocean-derived powder that helps hydrate and calm the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Film Former

Red Algae Protein

Gelidium Pulchrum Protein

3.8

A gentle, plant-based protein that helps form a light film on skin to lock in moisture and improve texture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefilm-former
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