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

Anti-aging agent

RH-Polypeptide-59

RH-Polypeptide-59

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

RH-Polypeptide-60

RH-Polypeptide-60

3.8

RH-Polypeptide-60 is a lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

RH-Polypeptide-61

RH-Polypeptide-61

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and firm skin, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

RH-Polypeptide-62

RH-Polypeptide-62

3.8

RH-Polypeptide-62 is a lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

RH-Polypeptide-63

RH-Polypeptide-63

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

RH-Polypeptide-64

RH-Polypeptide-64

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

RH-Polypeptide-65

RH-Polypeptide-65

3.8

RH-Polypeptide-65 is a synthetic peptide that may help support collagen production and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

RH-Polypeptide-66

RH-Polypeptide-66

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

RH-Polypeptide-67

RH-Polypeptide-67

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

RH-Polypeptide-68

RH-Polypeptide-68

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

RH-Polypeptide-69

RH-Polypeptide-69

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

RH-Polypeptide-79

RH-Polypeptide-79

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin by encouraging collagen, but research is still limited compared to well-studied peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

RH-Polypeptide-82

RH-Polypeptide-82

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

RH-Polypeptide-83

RH-Polypeptide-83

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and firm skin, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

RH-Polypeptide-84

RH-Polypeptide-84

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and firmness, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

RH-Polypeptide-87

RH-Polypeptide-87

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

RH-Polypeptide-88

RH-Polypeptide-88

3.8

RH-Polypeptide-88 is a lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still limited compared to more established peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

RH-Polypeptide-94

RH-Polypeptide-94

3.8

RH-Polypeptide-94 is a synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

RH-Polypeptide-95

RH-Polypeptide-95

3.8

A promising synthetic peptide that may help firm and smooth skin, but research is still early and benefits vary by formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

RH-Polypeptide-96

RH-Polypeptide-96

3.8

RH-Polypeptide-96 is a lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Rhamnose

RHAMNOSE

4.0

Rhamnose is a gentle plant-derived sugar that helps hydrate and lightly exfoliate skin, making it a good option for sensitive skin looking for mild renewal.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Rhatany Root Extract

Krameria Triandra Root Extract

4.0

Rhatany Root Extract is a gentle botanical astringent that can help tighten pores and calm irritation without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareastringent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rhein

Rhein

3.8

Rhein is a plant-derived antioxidant with emerging research for soothing and protecting skin, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Thickener

Rhizobian Gum

Rhizobian Gum

4.0

Rhizobian Gum is a gentle, natural thickener that improves product texture without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarethickener
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Rhizobium Ferment Filtrate

Sinorhizobium Meliloti Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived ferment that may help strengthen the skin barrier and support a healthy microbiome without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaremicrobiome
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rhizome Extract

RHYOLITE EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and its benefits are not well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Rhizopus/Saccharomyces Collagen Ferment Filtrate

RHIZOPUS/SACCHAROMYCES/COLLAGEN FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented collagen ingredient that may help hydrate and condition skin, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Rhodella Violacea Extract

Rhodella Violacea Extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating microalgae extract that helps skin retain moisture and defends against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Rhodinol

RHODINOL

3.8

Rhodinol is a natural fragrant alcohol that gives a rose-like scent, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Rhodinyl Acetate

RHODINYL ACETATE

3.8

Rhodinyl acetate adds a pleasant rose-like scent to products, but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Rhodinyl Butyrate

RHODINYL BUTYRATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a floral, rosy note to products; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Rhodinyl Formate

RHODINYL FORMATE

3.5

A synthetic rose-like fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit and may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Rhodinyl Isobutyrate

RHODINYL ISOBUTYRATE

3.5

Rhodinyl isobutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral, rose-like scent to products; it is generally safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Rhodinyl Isovalerate

Rhodinyl Isovalerate

3.5

A synthetic rose-like fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits and may trigger sensitivities in some people.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Rhodinyl Phenylacetate

RHODINYL PHENYLACETATE

3.5

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that is generally safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Rhodinyl Propionate

RHODINYL PROPIONATE

3.5

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that is generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rhodiola Ferment Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/RHODIOLA CRENULATA ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rhodiola Rosea Callus Extract

Rhodiola Rosea Callus Extract

4.0

Rhodiola rosea callus extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more resilient complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract

Sedum Rosea Root Extract

4.0

Rhodiola rosea root extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a calm, even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Rhodochrosite Extract

Rhodochrosite Extract

2.5

Rhodochrosite is a natural mineral colorant with no proven skincare benefits beyond its pink hue.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Skin brightening agent

Rhododendrol

RHODODENDROL

3.5

Rhododendrol is a plant-derived brightener that can help even skin tone, but it carries a moderate risk of irritation and has been linked to a rare skin-lightening disorder in some users.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebrightening agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rhododendron Adamsii Extract

Rhododendron Adamsii Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm and protect skin, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rhododendron Anthopogon Extract

RHODODENDRON ANTHOPOGON FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Rhododendron Anthopogon Flower Powder

Rhododendron Anthopogon Flower Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may offer soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it primarily serves as a natural fragrance or texture enhancer.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rhododendron Bark Extract

Rhododendron Arboreum Bark Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rhododendron Extract

Rhododendron Yedoense Branch/Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rhododendron Flower Extract

Rhododendron Weyrichii Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rhododendron Flower Ferment Extract

Bacillus/Rhododendron Weyrichii Flower Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented flower extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rhododendron Leaf Cell Culture Extract

Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant from alpine rose that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rhododendron Weyrichii Extract

Rhododendron Weyrichii Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rhodopseudomonas Ferment Extract

RHODOPSEUDOMONAS FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, probiotic-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and support a healthy skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review