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

Red Belted Polypore Extract

Phellinus Ribis Extract

3.8

A mushroom extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Clover Juice

TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE FLOWER/LEAF/STEM JUICE

3.8

Red Clover Juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Clover Leaf Extract

Trifolium Pratense Leaf Extract

4.0

Red Clover Leaf Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Clover Seed Extract

TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE SEED EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Clover Symbiosome Extract

Trifolium Pratense Symbiosome Extract

4.0

A lab-grown red clover extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Humectant

Red Clover Water

TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE FLOWER/LEAF/STEM WATER

4.0

A mild, plant-based water that provides light hydration and soothing benefits, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Red Currant Callus Extract

RIBES RUBRUM CALLUS 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

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Antioxidant

Red Currant Callus Powder

RIBES RUBRUM CALLUS POWDER

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Currant Fruit Extract

RIBES RUBRUM FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a brighter, more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Currant Fruit Water

RIBES RUBRUM FRUIT WATER

3.8

Red Currant Fruit Water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that adds a touch of hydration and skin-soothing benefits, but its effects are mild and best as part of a broader formula.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Red Hot Poker Nectar

KNIPHOFIA UVARIA NECTAR

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and calm the skin, though research on its benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Colorant

Red Iron Oxide

CI 77015

4.0

A safe, natural mineral pigment that gives red and pink hues to makeup without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
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Skin conditioning

Red Junglefowl Stem Cell Culture

RED JUNGLEFOWL BLASTODERM PLURIPOTENT CELL CULTURE CONDITIONED MEDIA

3.5

A novel biotech ingredient from bird stem cells that may support skin repair, but human research is very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareactive
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Antioxidant

Red Kangaroo Paw Flower Extract

Anigozanthos Manglesii Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing agent

Red Lily Bulb Extract

Lilium Speciosum Rubrum Bulb Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Red Mangrove Callus Extract

Rhizophora Mangle Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Red Maple Bark Powder

Acer Rubrum Bark Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Osier Dogwood Extract

CORNUS STOLONIFERA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Pepper Callus Extract

Capsicum Annuum Callus Culture Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from red pepper cells that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Pepper Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/CAPSICUM ANNUUM FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented red pepper extract that may provide antioxidant support, but research is limited and it may not suit very sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Red Pepper Fruit Extract

Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract

3.5

A plant extract that can boost circulation and provide antioxidants, but may cause stinging or irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Pepper Fruit Juice

Capsicum Annuum Fruit Juice

3.5

A natural fruit juice with antioxidant potential, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin due to natural capsaicin traces.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Pepper Fruit Meristem Cell

Capsicum Annuum Fruit Meristem Cell

3.8

A gentle plant stem cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Occlusive

Red Petrolatum

Petrolatum (and) CI 15850

3.8

Red Petrolatum is a tinted occlusive that locks in moisture and adds a pop of color, but may clog pores for some skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareocclusive
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Absorbent

Red Poppy Flower Powder

PAPAVER RHOEAS FLOWER POWDER

3.5

Red Poppy Flower Powder adds gentle texture and a natural tint to powders and soaps, but its skincare benefits beyond physical exfoliation are not well-studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecosmetic
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Antioxidant

Red Raspberry Bud Extract

Rubus Idaeus Bud Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from raspberry buds that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Raspberry Callus Extract

RUBUS IDAEUS CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from red raspberry cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress and soothe irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Raspberry Fruit Extract

RUBUS IDAEUS FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

Red Raspberry Fruit Extract is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stressors and may soothe irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Raspberry Leaf Cell Culture

Rubus Idaeus Leaf Cell Culture

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant from raspberry cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Red Raspberry Leaf Powder

RUBUS IDAEUS LEAF POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its topical effects is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Emollient

Red Raspberry Leaf Wax

RUBUS IDAEUS LEAF WAX

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived wax that adds richness and a smooth feel to balms and sticks without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Red Raspberry Seed

Rubus Strigosus Seed

4.0

Red raspberry seed is a gentle, natural exfoliant that also provides antioxidant benefits, making it a good choice for sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Raspberry Seed Extract

Rubus Idaeus Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Red Raspberry Seed Oil

RUBUS IDAEUS SEED OIL

4.3

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and helps protect skin from environmental stress without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Red Raspberry Seedcake Powder

RUBUS IDAEUS SEEDCAKE POWDER

4.0

A gentle, natural exfoliant from raspberry seeds that polishes skin without harsh microbeads, with mild antioxidant properties.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Red Rice Vinegar

Red Rice Vinegar

3.8

A gentle, naturally fermented exfoliant that may help brighten skin and improve texture, but research is limited compared to standard AHAs.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Red Sandalwood Extract

PTEROCARPUS SANTALINUS STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm redness and provide antioxidant protection, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Absorbent

Red Sandalwood Powder

PTEROCARPUS SANTALINUS WOOD POWDER

3.8

Red sandalwood powder is a gentle botanical ingredient that can help soothe skin and provide mild antioxidant benefits, but its effectiveness depends on formulation and particle size.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Red Seaweed Extract

Polysiphonia lanosa extract

3.8

A gentle red seaweed extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Water Lily Flower Extract

NYMPHAEA RUBRA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Red Yeast Rice & Yam Ferment

Monascus/ Dioscorea Japonica Root Ferment Extract Filtrate

3.8

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Red Yeast Rice Ferment

Monascus/Oryza Sativa Ferment

3.8

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Redbud Flower Extract

Cercis Chinensis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Redwood Leaf Cell Extract

Sequoia Sempervirens Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Rehmannia Root Extract

Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract

3.8

A gentle herbal extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skin research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing agent

Rehmannia Root Ferment Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Reindeer Lichen Extract

MESOPHYLLUM LICHENOIDES EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Reindeer Moss Extract

CLADONIA RANGIFERINA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, natural extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Reishi & Apple Ferment Extract

Ganoderma Amboinense (Mushroom)/Apple Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented blend that may help soothe and protect the skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reishi & Bellflower Root Ferment

Ganoderma Lucidum/Platycodon Grandiflorus Root Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Reishi & Hovenia Ferment Extract

Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi) / Hovenia Dulcis Branch/Stem Extract Ferment Mycelium Extract

4.0

A gentle fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reishi & Willow Ferment Extract

Ganoderma Lucidum/Salix Gracilistyla Leaf/Stem Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reishi & Willow Stem Ferment

Ganoderma Lucidum/Salix Gracilistyla Stem Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reishi Ferment Filtrate

Ganoderma Lucidum Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented reishi mushroom extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reishi Mushroom Extract

Ganoderma Neo-Japonicum Fruiting Body Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reishi Mushroom Stem Extract

Ganoderma Lucidum Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress—great for sensitive or aging skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Reishi Mushroom Stem Powder

Ganoderma Lucidum Stem Powder

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom powder that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its topical benefits is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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