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

Basil Hairy Root Extract

Ocimum Basilicum Hairy Root Culture Extract

4.0

A lab-grown basil root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Basil Leaf and Flower Extract

OCIMUM BASILICUM FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

Basil extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research on topical use is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Basil Leaf Extract

Ocimum Basilicum Herb Extract

3.8

Basil leaf extract brings antioxidant and soothing benefits to skincare, but research on its topical effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Basil Leaf Powder

Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Powder

3.5

Basil leaf powder brings antioxidant and soothing potential to skincare, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Basil Leaf Water

Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Water

3.8

Basil leaf water is a mild, aromatic botanical water that can add a subtle soothing feel and light herbal scent to skincare, but its benefits are largely from its water content and minor antioxidant traces.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical water
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Antioxidant

Basil Meristem Cell Culture

OCIMUM BASILICUM MERISTEM CELL CULTURE

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant stem cell ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more youthful appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Basil Meristem Cell Extract

Ocimum Basilicum Meristem Cell Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Basil Root Extract

Ocimum Basilicum Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stressors, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Bassia Butter

BASSIA BUTYRACEA SEED BUTTER

4.0

A gentle, plant-based butter that helps lock in moisture and soften skin without feeling overly greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Batyl Alcohol

Batyl Alcohol

4.0

Batyl alcohol is a gentle emollient that softens skin and improves product texture, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Batyl Isostearate

Batyl Isostearate

4.0

A gentle, synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without common irritation concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Emollient

Batyl Stearate

Batyl Stearate

3.8

Batyl Stearate is a gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth skin, but it's less common and less researched than traditional moisturizing ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Bauhinia Aureifolia Leaf Extract

BAUHINIA AUREIFOLIA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bay Laurel Fruit Extract

Laurus Nobilis Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Bay Laurel Fruit Oil

Laurus Nobilis Fruit Oil

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps soften and soothe the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Fragrance

Bay Leaf & Berry Oil

Pimenta racemosa leaf/fruit oil

3.8

A fragrant botanical oil with antimicrobial potential, but its strong aroma and moderate irritation risk mean it's best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Bay Leaf Extract

Laurus Nobilis Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant benefits, but its fragrance potential may be a concern for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Bay Leaf Water

Laurus Nobilis Leaf/Stem Water

3.8

A gentle, aromatic botanical water that may offer mild soothing and antioxidant benefits, but lacks strong clinical evidence for specific skincare claims.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Bay Passionfruit Extract

Passiflora Laurifolia Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Astringent

Bayberry Bark Extract

Myrica Cerifera Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with astringent and soothing potential, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Bayberry Fruit Extract

Myrica Cerifera Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Bayberry Fruit Wax

Myrica Cerifera Fruit Wax

4.0

A natural plant wax that gives lip balms and solid creams a smooth, firm texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Bayberry Fruit/Bark Extract

MYRICA CERIFERA FRUIT/BARK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Bayberry Leaf Extract

Pimenta Racemosa Fruit Leaf 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

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Antioxidant

Beach Morning Glory Extract

Ipomoea pes-caprae flower/leaf/stem extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract with traditional use for soothing skin, though modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beaked Hazel Leaf Extract

CORYLUS ROSTRATA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beaked Hazel Twig Extract

Corylus Rostrata Twig Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early — it's a nice-to-have rather than a must-have ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beaked Hazelnut Seed Extract

Corylus Rostrata Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich seed extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Bean Palmitate

Bean Palmitate

3.8

Bean Palmitate is a gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, with low irritation and comedogenic risk.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing Agent

Bean Phytoplacenta Ferment

Phaseolus Vulgaris Phytoplacenta Conditioned Media

3.8

A gentle, plant-based ferment that may help calm irritation and support skin barrier function, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Bean Sprout Extract

Phaseolus Vulgaris Sprout Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help soothe and protect the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bearberry Leaf Powder

Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Bee Balm Flower Extract

Monarda Didyma Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Bee Pollen Extract

POLLEN

3.5

Bee pollen may offer antioxidant benefits, but it can also cause allergic reactions in some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Firming Agent

Bee Venom

Apis Mellifera Venom

3.5

Bee venom may offer temporary plumping effects, but it carries a high risk of irritation and allergic reactions, making it a risky choice for sensitive skin.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincareactive
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Antioxidant

Beech Bark Extract

Fagus Sylvatica Bark Extract

3.8

Beech bark extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beech Bud Extract

Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beech Flower Extract

Fagus Sylvatica Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Beech Seed Extract

Fagus Sylvatica Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle antioxidant extract from beech seeds that may help calm and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beech Tree Shell Extract

Fagus Sylvatica Shell Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm and protect the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beer Extract

BEER

3.5

Beer extract may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Beeswax

CERA ALBA

4.3

Beeswax is a gentle, natural ingredient that helps lock in moisture and create a protective film on the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Beet Leaf Powder

Beta Vulgaris Leaf Powder

3.5

Beet leaf powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Beet Root Juice

Beta Vulgaris Root Juice

4.0

Beet root juice is a gentle, hydrating ingredient with antioxidant benefits, but its bright red color can stain fabrics and skin temporarily.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Beet Sprout Extract

Beta Vulgaris Sprout Extract

4.0

Beet sprout extract is a gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Beetroot Extract

Beta Vulgaris Root Extract

4.0

Beetroot extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a healthy glow.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Colorant

Beetroot Powder

Beta Vulgaris Root Powder

3.8

Beetroot powder adds a natural pink-red tint and provides mild antioxidant benefits, but its color can be unstable and may stain fabrics or skin temporarily.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antistatic Agent

Behenalkonium Chloride

Behenalkonium Chloride

3.5

Behenalkonium chloride is a gentle conditioning agent that helps reduce static and soften hair, but it can be irritating to sensitive skin or eyes in high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Viscosity Controlling

Behenamide

Behenamide

3.8

Behenamide is a safe, synthetic thickener that helps create a smooth, creamy texture in skincare and haircare products.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Surfactant

Behenamide DEA

Behenamide DEA

3.5

Behenamide DEA helps create rich lather and thick texture in cleansers, but it has moderate irritation potential and environmental concerns.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Viscosity Controlling

Behenamide MEA

Behenamide MEA

3.5

Behenamide MEA is a mild thickening and foaming agent that helps create a rich lather in cleansers, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Antistatic Agent

Behenamidoethyl Diethylamine

BEHENAMIDOETHYL DIETHYLAMINE

3.8

A gentle conditioning agent that helps soften hair and skin without heavy buildup, but may not suit very sensitive scalps.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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Surfactant

Behenamidopropyl Betaine

Behenamidopropyl Betaine

4.0

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that helps create rich foam and a silky feel in cleansers and conditioners, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircaresurfactant
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Conditioning Agent

Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine

BEHENAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE

4.0

A gentle, effective conditioning ingredient that softens hair and skin without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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