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

Rhodopseudomonas PABA Ferment

RHODOPSEUDOMONAS/PABA FERMENT

3.8

A gentle, biotech-derived ferment that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Rhubarb Fruit Water

Rheum Rhaponticum Fruit Water

3.8

A gentle, hydrating fruit water with mild antioxidant benefits, best for normal to dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Rhubarb Root Extract

Rheum Undulatum Root/Stalk/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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Antioxidant

Rhubarb Stalk Extract

Rheum Rhabarbarum Stalk Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Rhubarb Stalk Juice

Rheum Rhabarbarum Stalk Juice

3.8

Rhubarb Stalk Juice is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Rhubarb Stem Extract

Rheum Officinale Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rhus Cotinus Leaf Extract

Rhus Cotinus Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rhus Javanica Fruit Extract

Rhus Javanica Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Film Former

Rhus Sap Extract Crosspolymer

ACRYLATES/RHUS VERNICIFLUA SAP EXTRACT CROSSPOLYMER

3.8

A semi-synthetic film former that helps products stay put, but may feel tight or stiff on some skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Antioxidant

Rhus Semialata Gall Extract

Rhus Semialata Gall Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rhus Semialata Leaf Extract

Rhus Semialata Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early-stage.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax

RHUS SUCCEDANEA FRUIT WAX

4.0

A natural fruit wax that provides a smooth, glossy feel and helps thicken products, but may be moderately comedogenic for acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Rhyolite Powder

Rhyolite

3.8

Rhyolite powder is a natural volcanic mineral that gently exfoliates and absorbs excess oil, but its benefits are based more on tradition than strong clinical research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Riberry Fruit Extract

Syzygium luehmannii fruit extract

4.0

Riberry fruit extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing mild hydration and soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Riberry Fruit Powder

Syzygium luehmannii fruit powder

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit powder that provides mild physical exfoliation and may help brighten skin over time.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Emollient

Riberry Seed Oil

Syzygium luehmannii seed oil

4.0

Riberry seed oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich emollient that helps soften and condition skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaremoisturizer
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Antioxidant

Riboflavin

Riboflavin

3.8

Riboflavin is a gentle antioxidant that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental stress, but it is less studied than other vitamins like C or E.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Riboflavin Tetraacetate

Riboflavin Tetraacetate

3.8

A gentle, stabilized form of vitamin B2 that may help protect skin from oxidative stress and support a more even tone, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Riboflavin Tetrabutyrate

RIBOFLAVIN TETRABUTYRATE

3.8

A fat-soluble form of vitamin B2 that may help protect skin from oxidative stress and support a more even tone, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Ribonic Acid

RIBONIC ACID

3.8

Ribonic acid is a gentle, less-studied sugar acid that may offer mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but more research is needed to confirm its efficacy compared to better-known AHAs.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Ribonolactone

Ribonolactone

4.0

A gentle PHA exfoliant that smooths skin and boosts hydration with minimal irritation, ideal for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Humectant

Ribose

RIBOSE

3.5

Ribose is a gentle sugar molecule that may help energize skin cells and improve hydration, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rice Bean Seed Extract

Vigna Umbellata Seed Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rice Bran & Germ Extract

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran/Germ Extract

4.2

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from rice that helps nourish and protect the skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin conditioning agent

Rice Bran Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/DEFATTED RICE BRAN FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and condition skin, with some antioxidant benefits from the fermentation process.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Rice Bran Ferment Extract

AUREOBASIDIUM PULLULANS/RICE BRAN FERMENT

4.0

A gentle fermented rice bran extract that supports skin barrier function and provides antioxidant benefits, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE EXTRACT

4.3

A gentle, fermented rice bran extract that hydrates and smooths skin with antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Emollient

Rice Bran Oil Esters

Rice Bran Oil/Hydrogenated Rice Bran Oil Esters

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Rice Bran Oil Extract

ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) BRAN OIL EXTRACT

4.2

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Rice Bran Sterol

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Sterol

4.3

A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to support a healthy moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Humectant

Rice Bran Water

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Water

4.0

Rice bran water is a mild, antioxidant-rich hydrator that soothes and softens skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Emollient

Rice Bran Wax

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax

4.0

Rice bran wax is a gentle, plant-based wax that adds texture and moisture to products without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Rice Bran Wax Ethyl Esters

Rice Bran Wax Ethyl Esters

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps create a smooth, non-greasy feel in skincare and makeup, with a very low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Surfactant

Rice Branamide DEA

Ricebranamide DEA

3.5

A semi-synthetic emulsifier from rice bran oil that helps create stable, creamy cleansers but may be mildly irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Antioxidant

Rice Callus Culture Extract

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Callus Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Rice Ferment (Acetobacter/Saccharomyces)

ACETOBACTER/SACCHAROMYCES/RICE KERNEL FERMENT

4.0

A gentle fermented rice ingredient that lightly exfoliates and hydrates, ideal for those seeking a mild alternative to stronger acids.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfolianthumectant
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Humectant

Rice Ferment Extract

ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES RICE FERMENT LEES

4.1

A gentle fermented rice ingredient that helps hydrate, brighten, and smooth skin without harsh exfoliation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantexfoliant
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Humectant

Rice Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/RICE KERNEL FERMENT

4.2

A gentle, fermented rice ingredient that hydrates, lightly exfoliates, and supports a smoother, more even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantconditioning agent
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Humectant

Rice Ferment Lees

Rice Ferment Lees

4.0

A gentle, nutrient-rich byproduct of sake brewing that hydrates, soothes, and supports a brighter, more even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Emollient

Rice Ferment Lipids

SACCHAROMYCES/RICE FERMENT LIPIDS

4.2

A gentle, fermented lipid complex that helps reinforce the skin barrier and improve moisture retention without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Rice Germ Cell Culture Extract

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Cell Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rice Germ Extract

ORYZA SATIVA GERM EXTRACT

4.0

Rice germ extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect and nourish the skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Rice Germ Oil

ORYZA SATIVA GERM OIL

4.0

Rice germ oil is a lightweight, antioxidant-rich emollient that hydrates and protects skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Rice Germ Powder

ORYZA SATIVA GERM POWDER

4.0

A gentle, natural exfoliant and antioxidant that helps smooth skin without harsh abrasion, ideal for sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Rice Hull Powder

ORYZA SATIVA HULL POWDER

4.0

A gentle, natural exfoliant that polishes skin without harsh microbeads, but may feel gritty for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Rice Hull Vinegar

Rice Hull Vinegar

3.8

A mild, natural exfoliant and pH balancer that may help smooth skin and refine texture without harshness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Rice Leaf Extract

Oryza Sativa Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rice Leaf/Stem Extract

ORYZA SATIVA LEAF/STEM 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
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Antioxidant

Rice Lees Extract

ORYZA SATIVA LEES EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented rice byproduct that may help soothe skin and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Rice Lees Ferment Lysate

Saccharomyces/Rice Lees Ferment Lysate

4.3

A gentle fermented ingredient that hydrates and supports skin barrier health without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Rice Lees Water

Oryza Sativa Lees Water

4.0

A gentle, nutrient-rich hydrator from sake fermentation that can help improve skin texture and radiance.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Emulsifier

Rice Oil Diglyceryl Esters

Rice Oil Diglyceryl Esters

4.3

A mild, rice-derived emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in formulas while leaving skin feeling soft.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Rice Oil Glycereth-8 Esters

Rice Oil Glycereth-8 Esters

4.0

A mild, rice-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulas while leaving skin feeling soft.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Soothing Agent

Rice Paper Plant Extract

Tetrapanax Papyrifer Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with promising soothing and antioxidant benefits, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Humectant

Rice Polypeptide-1

SR-RICE POLYPEPTIDE-1

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived peptide that helps hydrate and support skin barrier function, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Absorbent

Rice Powder

Oryza Sativa Powder

4.0

Rice powder is a gentle, natural absorbent that helps control oil and gives a silky feel, but it offers minimal active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
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Anti-aging agent

Rice RH-Oligopeptide-2

Rice RH-Oligopeptide-2

3.8

A gentle, bioengineered peptide that may support collagen and firmness, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Humectant

Rice Rh-Polypeptide-45

Rice Rh-Polypeptide-45

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived peptide from rice that helps hydrate and condition skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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