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

Rose Cow-wheat Extract

MELAMPYRUM ROSEUM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Rose Damascena Flower Powder

Rosa Damascena Flower Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant with a pleasant rose scent, best suited for dry or normal skin types in rinse-off formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Emollient

Rose Damascena Flower Wax

Rosa Damascena Flower Wax

4.0

A gentle, fragrant wax that softens skin and adds a natural rose scent, but offers limited active benefits beyond moisturizing.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Rose Ferment Filtrate

Saccharomyces/Rosa Damascena Flower Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented rose ingredient that may help soothe and protect the skin, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Rose Flower Extract

Rosa Odorata Extract

4.0

Rose flower extract adds a gentle, pleasant scent and offers mild antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its effects are subtle and not a substitute for proven active ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Rose Flower Juice

Rosa Centifolia Flower Juice

3.8

A gentle, fragrant floral water that provides light hydration and a soothing feel, but its benefits are mostly sensory and short-lived.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Fragrance

Rose Flower Oil

Rosa Damascena Flower Oil

4.0

Rose flower oil adds a luxurious scent and offers mild antioxidant and soothing benefits, but it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals and is primarily used for fragrance.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing Agent

Rose Flower Water

ROSA HYBRID FLOWER WATER

4.0

A mild, aromatic hydrator that can soothe skin and add a pleasant scent, but its benefits are largely from water and trace rose compounds.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Rose Flower Wax

Rosa Hybrid Flower Wax

4.0

A gentle, natural wax that adds texture and a subtle rose scent to balms and creams, but offers limited active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Rose Gallica Flower Powder

Rosa Gallica Flower Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant and soothing powder from rose petals, best for dry or normal skin types seeking a mild physical scrub.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Fragrance

Rose Geranium Flower Extract

Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, rose-scented botanical extract that offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its fragrance can be a concern for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Rose Geranium Flower Water

PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS FLOWER WATER

4.0

A gentle, lightly astringent floral water that can help refresh and balance skin without the intensity of essential oils.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical water
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Fragrance

Rose Geranium Leaf Extract

Pelargonium Roseum Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, rose-scented botanical extract that offers mild antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its primary role in most products is fragrance.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Rose Geranium Oil

PELARGONIUM ROSEUM STEM OIL

4.0

Rose geranium oil adds a pleasant floral scent and may help balance oily or combination skin, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin if used undiluted.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Rose Geranium Stem Extract

Pelargonium Roseum Stem Extract

3.8

A mild botanical extract that adds a rosy scent and some antioxidant activity, but its benefits are not as well-studied as the essential oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Rose Geranium Water

Pelargonium Graveolens Water

3.8

A gentle, lightly fragrant hydrosol that can refresh skin and offer mild astringent benefits, but its active compound levels are very low.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaretoner
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Fragrance Ingredient

Rose Ketone-2

CIS-ROSE KETONE-2

3.8

Rose Ketone-2 is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a soft, powdery rose note to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Rose Ketone-3

Damascenone

3.5

Rose Ketone-3 is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that gives a pleasant rose scent, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Rose Ketone-4

Damascenone

3.5

Rose Ketone-4 is a natural fragrance compound that gives a rose-like scent, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Rose Ketone-5

Rose Ketone-5

3.5

Rose Ketone-5 adds a pleasant rose scent but can be a skin sensitizer for some, especially those with fragrance allergies.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Rose Leaf Cell Extract

Rosa Pendulina Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Rose of Jericho Extract

SELAGINELLA PULVINATA EXTRACT

4.0

A unique desert plant extract that helps skin hold onto moisture and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rose Ovary Extract

Rosa Hybrid Ovary Extract

3.5

Rose ovary extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rose Phytoplacenta Extract

Rosa Hybrid Phytoplacenta Extract

3.5

A trendy botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but human studies are lacking and its benefits are mostly based on tradition and lab data.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rose Soybean Ferment Filtrate

Bacillus/Rose Flower/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rosehip Extract

Rosa Spinossissima Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while soothing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rosehip Ferment Extract

PLEUROTUS/ROSA CANINA FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented blend that may support skin radiance and antioxidant defense, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin Conditioning

Rosehip Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented rosehip ingredient that may help soothe and condition skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Rosehip Flower Oil

Rosa Canina Flower Oil

3.8

A gentle, fragrant flower oil that adds a light emollient feel and subtle rose scent, but offers less documented antioxidant activity than rosehip seed oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Rosehip Fruit Juice

Rosa Canina Fruit Juice

4.0

Rosehip fruit juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and protect the skin, but it is less concentrated in fatty acids than rosehip oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rosehip Leaf Extract

Rosa Moschata Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stressors, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Rosehip Oil

Rosa Moschata Oil

4.3

Rosehip oil is a gentle, non-greasy plant oil that hydrates and provides antioxidant support, but it's not a cure-all and may not suit very oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Rosehip Oil PEG-8 Esters

Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters

4.0

A water-friendly version of rosehip oil that delivers fatty acids without the greasy feel, ideal for lightweight hydration and gentle cleansing.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollientsurfactant
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Emulsifier

Rosehip Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

4.3

A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products while offering mild skin-conditioning benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Antioxidant

Rosehip Seed Extract

Rosa Canina Seed Extract

4.0

Rosehip seed extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress while soothing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosa Moschata Seed Oil

4.5

Rosehip seed oil is a lightweight, non-greasy oil rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that helps hydrate, soothe, and support skin barrier function.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Rosemary Callus Extract

Rosmarinus Officinalis Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown rosemary extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rosemary Extract

Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.3

Rosemary extract is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may soothe minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rosemary Flower Extract

Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle antioxidant extract from rosemary flowers that helps protect skin from environmental stress without causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Rosemary Flower Oil

Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Oil

4.0

Rosemary Flower Oil offers antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its essential oil nature.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Emollient

Rosemary Flower Wax

ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS FLOWER WAX

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived wax that adds texture and moisture to skincare without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Fragrance

Rosemary Leaf Oil

ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF OIL

4.0

Rosemary leaf oil adds a pleasant herbal scent and antioxidant benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin if used at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Rosemary Leaf Powder

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Powder

3.8

Rosemary Leaf Powder adds gentle exfoliation and antioxidant protection, but its gritty texture and potential for irritation in high amounts mean it's best used in rinse-off products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Skin conditioner

Rosemary Leaf Water

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water

4.0

Rosemary leaf water is a mild, fragrant hydrosol that can add light antioxidant benefits and a refreshing feel to skincare, but its effects are subtle compared to concentrated extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rosemary Leaf/Stem Oil

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf/Stem Oil

4.0

Rosemary oil offers antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin if used at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rosemary Phytoplacenta Extract

ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS PHYTOPLACENTA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown rosemary extract that may support skin repair and fight oxidative stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Rosemary Stem Oil

ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) STEM OIL

4.0

Rosemary stem oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps moisturize and protect the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareoil
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Soothing Agent

Rosemary Water

ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM WATER

4.0

Rosemary water is a mild, aromatic hydrosol that can offer gentle antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its effects are subtle and best suited for those who enjoy botanical skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Film-Former

Rosin

Rosin

3.5

Rosin helps products stay put, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people, especially those with allergies to pine or tree resins.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Film Former

Rosin Acrylate

Rosin Acrylate

3.5

Rosin Acrylate is a reliable film-former that boosts water resistance and wear time, but it may feel stiff or heavy on sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Film Former

Rosin Hydrolyzed Collagen

Rosin Hydrolyzed Collagen

3.5

Rosin Hydrolyzed Collagen is a hybrid ingredient that adds hold and shine to hair and makeup while offering some conditioning, but it's not a true collagen treatment for skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Antioxidant

Rosmarinic Acid

Rosmarinic Acid

4.0

Rosmarinic acid is a gentle plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rosmarinyl Glucoside

Rosmarinyl Glucoside

4.0

Rosmarinyl Glucoside is a gentle antioxidant derived from rosemary that helps defend skin against free radicals without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Round-Leaf Sundew Extract

Drosera Rotundifolia Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Round-Leaf Sundew Powder

Drosera Rotundifolia Powder

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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