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

Banksia Flower Extract

BANKSIA SPINULOSA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Banksia Serrata Flower Extract

BANKSIA SERRATA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Banksia Serrata Seed Oil

BANKSIA SERRATA SEED OIL

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Banyan Tree Bark Extract

Ficus Benghalensis Bark/Bud Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Baobab Oil

Adansonia Digitata Oil

4.3

Baobab oil is a gentle, non-greasy moisturizer rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, suitable for most skin types including sensitive and oily skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Baobab Oil PEG-8 Esters

ADANSONIA DIGITATA SEED OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, water-friendly version of baobab oil that helps soften skin and hair without a greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Baobab Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

4.3

A gentle, eco-friendly emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Baobab Seed Extract

Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract

4.0

Baobab Seed Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps hydrate and protect the skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Baobab Seed Oil

Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil

4.3

Baobab seed oil is a gentle, non-greasy emollient rich in essential fatty acids that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Baobab Seed Powder

Adansonia Digitata Seed Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural powder that helps exfoliate and absorb excess oil without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Soothing Agent

Baptisia Root Extract

BAPTISIA TINCTORIA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

Baptisia root extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research in cosmetics is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Barberry Stem Extract

BERBERIS VULGARIS 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

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Opacifying Agent

Barium Sulfate

CI 77120

3.5

A safe, non-irritating mineral pigment that adds opacity and texture to color cosmetics, but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
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Antioxidant

Barklya Syringifolia Extract

Barklya Syringifolia Flower/Leaf Extract

3.5

A gentle, plant-based extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits for skin is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Barklya Syringifolia Seed Oil

Barklya Syringifolia Seed Oil

3.8

A gentle, plant-based emollient oil that helps soften and smooth skin, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Barleria Prionitis Powder

Barleria Prionitis Powder

3.5

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but limited modern cosmetic research to support strong claims.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Barley Extract

Hordeum Distichon Extract

4.0

Barley Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and protect the skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Barley Ferment Filtrate

Saccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that hydrates and supports skin barrier health, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Barley Leaf Extract

Hordeum Vulgare Leaf Extract

4.0

Barley leaf extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Barley Leaf Juice

HORDEUM VULGARE LEAF JUICE

3.8

Barley Leaf Juice is a gentle, hydrating ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Barley Leaf Powder

HORDEUM VULGARE LEAF POWDER

3.8

Barley leaf powder is a gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Barley Leaf/Stem Powder

Hordeum Vulgare Leaf/Stem Powder

3.8

Barley leaf/stem powder is a gentle botanical ingredient that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its topical use is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Exfoliant

Barley Powder

Hordeum Vulgare Powder

3.8

Barley powder is a gentle, natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells and absorb excess oil without harshness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliantabsorbent
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Antioxidant

Barley Root Extract

Hordeum Vulgare Root Extract

3.8

Barley root extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Barley Seed Extract

SH-Barley Seed Extract

4.0

Barley Seed Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Barley Seed Ferment Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/BARLEY SEED FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps soothe and hydrate the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or irritated skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Exfoliant

Barley Seed Flour

Hordeum Vulgare Seed Flour

3.8

Barley Seed Flour is a natural, gentle exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells and absorb excess oil without harshness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Humectant

Barley Seed Water

Hordeum Vulgare Seed Water

4.0

Barley Seed Water is a gentle, hydrating alternative to plain water in skincare, offering light nourishment and soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Anti-aging agent

Barley SH-Oligopeptide-2

BARLEY SH-OLIGOPEPTIDE-2

3.8

A gentle peptide that may help support skin firmness, but research is still limited compared to more established peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Anti-aging agent

Barley SH-Polypeptide-1

BARLEY SH-POLYPEPTIDE-1

3.8

A plant-derived peptide that may help improve skin firmness and hydration, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
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Anti-aging agent

Barley SH-Polypeptide-17

BARLEY SH-POLYPEPTIDE-17

4.0

A gentle, lab-made peptide inspired by barley that may help firm skin and soften fine lines with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
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Anti-aging agent

Barley SH-Polypeptide-25

BARLEY SH-POLYPEPTIDE-25

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with good tolerability for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
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Anti-aging agent

Barley SH-Polypeptide-3

BARLEY SH-POLYPEPTIDE-3

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived peptide that may help improve skin firmness and hydration with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
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Anti-aging agent

Barley SH-Polypeptide-8

BARLEY SH-POLYPEPTIDE-8

3.8

A gentle peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Anti-aging

Barley SH-Polypeptide-9

BARLEY SH-POLYPEPTIDE-9

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
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Antioxidant

Barley Sprout Extract

Hordeum Vulgare Sprout Extract

4.0

Barley Sprout Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and protect the skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Barley Sprout Ferment

Hordeum Vulgare Sprout/Sucrose Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help strengthen the skin barrier and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Barley Stem Water

Hordeum Vulgare Stem Water

3.8

Barley Stem Water is a gentle, plant-derived water alternative that provides light hydration and soothing benefits, but it lacks strong independent research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Emollient

Barley Wax

HORDEUM VULGARE CERA

4.0

Barley Wax is a gentle, plant-derived wax that helps lock in moisture and gives products a smooth, creamy feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Fragrance

Barosma Betulina Leaf Oil

BAROSMA BETULINA LEAF OIL

3.5

An aromatic essential oil with limited skincare research; best used for its scent rather than proven skin benefits.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing Agent

Barosma Betulina Root Extract

Barosma Betulina Root Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Colorant

Basic Blue 124

Basic Blue 124

3.0

Basic Blue 124 is a synthetic blue dye that adds color to products but offers no skincare benefits; it is generally considered safe in low concentrations for most people.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Basic Blue 75

Basic Blue 75

2.5

Basic Blue 75 is a synthetic blue dye used for color in hair products, but it may cause irritation for sensitive scalps.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Basic Blue 99

Basic Blue 99

2.5

Basic Blue 99 is a synthetic dye that adds blue color to cosmetics, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Basic Brown 16

BASIC BROWN 16

3.0

Basic Brown 16 is a synthetic colorant that can provide a rich brown hue, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is primarily used in rinse-off products.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Basic Orange 31

Basic Orange 31

2.5

Basic Orange 31 is a synthetic hair dye colorant that can provide vibrant orange tones but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Basic Red 1

Basic Red 1

2.5

Basic Red 1 is a vivid synthetic dye used in some cosmetics, but it has a history of safety concerns and is restricted in several regions due to potential irritation and contamination risks.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Basic Red 51

Basic Red 51

3.5

A synthetic red dye that adds color but may cause irritation for sensitive scalps in hair dyes.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Basic Red 76

Basic Red 76

3.0

Basic Red 76 is a synthetic colorant that can add vibrant red tones to cosmetics, but it may cause irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Basic Violet 11

Basic Violet 11

3.5

A synthetic violet dye that adds color to cosmetics but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Basic Violet 2

Basic Violet 2

3.5

Basic Violet 2 is a synthetic dye that adds color to cosmetics, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Basic Yellow 40

Basic Yellow 40

2.5

Basic Yellow 40 is a synthetic yellow dye used mainly in hair color and rinse-off products, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Basic Yellow 57

Basic Yellow 57

3.0

Basic Yellow 57 is a synthetic yellow dye used mainly in rinse-off products; it is generally safe at low levels but may cause irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Basic Yellow 87

Basic Yellow 87

3.0

Basic Yellow 87 is a synthetic yellow dye used mainly in rinse-off products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Antioxidant

Basil Extract

Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

Basil extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its effects are mild and best used as part of a broader formula.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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