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

Soothing agent

Sasa Kurilensis Water

Sasa Kurilensis Water

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich bamboo water that soothes skin and provides light hydration, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Sasa Palmata Leaf Extract

Sasa Palmata Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Sasa Veitchii Extract

SASA VEITCHII EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Sasa Veitchii Leaf Extract

SASA VEITCHII LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Sasa Veitchii Leaf Powder

SASA VEITCHII LEAF POWDER

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder from Japanese bamboo that may help soothe and protect skin, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Sasa Veitchii Leaf/Stem Water

SASA VEITCHII LEAF/STEM WATER

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich bamboo water that soothes and hydrates, but research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Saskatoon Berry Extract

AMELANCHIER ALNIFOLIA FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may soothe irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Saskatoon Berry Flower Extract

AMELANCHIER ALNIFOLIA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Astringent

Sassafras Bark Extract

SASSAFRAS OFFICINALE BARK EXTRACT

3.5

Sassafras Bark Extract may offer astringent and soothing benefits, but its use is limited by safety concerns and lack of robust research.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Sassafras Bark/Root Extract

Sassafras Officinale Bark/Root Extract

2.5

Sassafras extract is a traditional botanical with potential skin benefits, but its use is limited by safety concerns related to the compound safrole, which is restricted in many countries.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Sassafras Root Oil

SASSAFRAS OFFICINALE ROOT OIL

1.5

Sassafras Root Oil is a fragrant essential oil that is largely avoided in modern skincare due to safety concerns over its main component, safrole, which is regulated as a potential carcinogen.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Satsuma Ferment Filtrate

Citrus Unshiu Fruit Juice Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented citrus extract that may help brighten and protect skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Satsuma Flower Oil

Citrus Unshiu Flower Oil

3.8

Satsuma Flower Oil adds a fresh citrus scent and mild astringent feel, but its fragrance components can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Satsuma Flower Water

CITRUS UNSHIU FLOWER WATER

3.8

A gentle, lightly fragrant floral water that can refresh and mildly tone the skin, but its benefits are subtle and not backed by strong research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical water
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Fragrance

Satsuma Mandarin Fruit Oil

CITRUS UNSHIU FRUIT OIL

3.8

A fragrant citrus oil that can brighten the complexion but may cause irritation in sensitive skin due to natural limonene content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Exfoliant

Satsuma Mandarin Fruit Powder

Citrus Unshiu Fruit Powder

3.8

A gentle fruit powder that offers mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its effects are not as well-studied as more common citrus extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliantantioxidant
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Skin-Conditioning Agent

Satsuma Mandarin Fruit Water

Citrus Unshiu Fruit Water

3.5

A gentle, water-based citrus extract that adds light antioxidant benefits and a subtle natural scent, but its effects are mild and not well-studied in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Satsuma Mandarin Peel Extract

CITRUS UNSHIU PERICARP EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich peel extract that can help brighten skin and protect against environmental stress without common citrus irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Satsuma Peel Oil

Citrus Unshiu/Aurantium Peel Oil

3.8

Satsuma Peel Oil adds a fresh citrus scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but its fragrance components can irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Saururus Chinensis Extract

SAURURUS CHINENSIS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, best for those seeking plant-based calming ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Saururus Chinensis Flower Extract

Saururus Chinensis Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Saururus Chinensis Root Extract

SAURURUS CHINENSIS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant root extract with early evidence of soothing and antioxidant benefits, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Saussurea Lappa Root Powder

SAUSSUREA LAPPA ROOT POWDER

3.8

A traditional botanical root powder with soothing potential, but limited modern research and a moderate risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Anti-inflammatory

Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract

Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help balance oil production and calm skin, but research is mostly preliminary.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Emollient

Saw Palmetto Fruit Oil

Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Oil

3.8

A plant-based oil that helps soften skin and may support a balanced complexion, but can be pore-clogging for some.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Saw Palmetto Fruit Powder

Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm inflammation and balance oil production, but its effects are mild and best for supporting overall skin health.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Saw Palmetto Fruit Water

Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Water

3.8

A gentle, water-based botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Saxifraga Cespirosa Extract

SAXIFRAGA CESPITOSA EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Saxifraga Extract

SAXIFRAGA ROTUNDIFOLIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Saxifraga Leaf Powder

SAXIFRAGA STOLONIFERA LEAF POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with traditional use for soothing skin, though modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Saxifraga Oppositifolia Extract

SAXIFRAGA OPPOSITIFOLIA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Scented Cyclopropane Derivative

OCTAHYDRO-TETRAMETHYL-METHANO-CYCLOPENTACYCLOPROPABENZENE-4-METHANOL FORMATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; best used in low concentrations and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Schinus Molle Fruit Extract

Schinus Molle Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Schinus Molle Leaf Extract

Schinus Molle Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Schinus Molle Seed Extract

Schinus Molle Seed Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Schinziophyton Kernel Powder

SCHINZIOPHYTON RAUTANENII KERNEL POWDER

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from the Manketti tree kernel, ideal for physical scrubs and oil-absorbing masks.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Schisandra Berry Extract

Schizandra Sphenanthera Fruit Extract

4.0

Schisandra berry extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Schisandra Berry Powder

Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Powder

4.0

Schisandra Berry Powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps protect skin from environmental stress while supporting a calm, even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Schisandra Callus Extract

Schisandra Chinensis Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle antioxidant extract from the schisandra berry plant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a calm, even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Schisandra Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/LEUCONOSTOC/POLYSORBATE 80/SCHISANDRA CHINENSIS FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT LYSATE FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented schisandra extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Schisandra Fruit Oil

Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Oil

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps soften skin and protect against environmental stress without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Schisandra Phytoplacenta Extract

Schisandra Chinensis Phytoplacenta Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Schisandra Seed Extract

Schisandra Chinensis Seed Extract

4.0

Schisandra Seed Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Schisandrin

Schisandrin

4.0

Schisandrin is a plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a calmer, more resilient complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Schist Powder

SCHIST

3.5

Schist powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and oil absorption, but its particle size and shape can vary, so it may be too abrasive for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Schizandra Nigra Fruit Extract

Schizandra Nigra Fruit Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Schizophyllan

SCHIZOPHYLLAN

4.0

A mushroom-derived polysaccharide that hydrates and forms a protective film on the skin, with some research supporting its soothing and antioxidant properties.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantfilm-former
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Soothing Agent

Schizophyllum Commune Extract

SCHIZOPHYLLUM COMMUNE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle mushroom-derived ingredient that helps calm skin and support moisture, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Humectant

Schizophyllum Commune Ferment

SCHIZOPHYLLUM COMMUNE MYCELIUM FERMENT FILTRATE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, hydrating mushroom ferment that may help soothe skin and support moisture retention, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Soothing Agent

Schizophyllum Commune Ferment Filtrate

SCHIZOPHYLLUM COMMUNE MYCELIUM/RICE FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented mushroom extract that may help calm skin and support hydration, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Schizothrix Calcicola Extract

Schizothrix Calcicola Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich algae extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Schkuhria Pinnata Extract

Schkuhria Pinnata Extract

3.8

Schkuhria Pinnata Extract is a gentle botanical with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it is not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Sciadopitys Root Extract

Sciadopitys Verticillata Root Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Sciadopitys Verticillata Extract

SCIADOPITYS VERTICILLATA BRANCH/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract from the Japanese umbrella pine that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Scirpus Extract

SCIRPUS TABERNAEMONTANI EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antimicrobial

Sclareol

SCLAREOL

4.0

Sclareol is a natural compound from clary sage that may help calm skin and fight acne-causing bacteria, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantimicrobial
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