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

Shunkokan Fruit Extract

Citrus Shunkokan Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich citrus extract that may help brighten and soothe skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Shunkokan Peel Extract

Citrus Shunkokan Peel Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Sialyllactose

Sialyllactose

4.0

Sialyllactose is a gentle, milk-derived sugar that helps hydrate skin and support a healthy microbiome, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantprebiotic
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Soothing Agent

Siberian Catmint Extract

Nepeta Sibirica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Siberian Chrysanthemum Extract

Chrysanthemum Sibiricum Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Siberian Cocklebur Fruit Extract

XANTHIUM SIBIRICUM FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Siberian Columbine Extract

AQUILEGIA SIBIRICA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Siberian Corispermum Extract

Corispermum Sibiricum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Siberian Crab Apple Extract

Malus Baccata Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Siberian Fern Extract

Diplazium Sibiricum Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fern extract that may help calm stressed skin, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Siberian Fir Needle Extract

Abies Sibirica Needle 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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Fragrance

Siberian Fir Needle Oil

Abies Sibirica Needle Oil

3.8

Siberian Fir Needle Oil adds a fresh, woodsy scent to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Siberian Fir Oil

Abies Sibirica Oil

3.8

Siberian Fir Oil adds a fresh, pine-like scent to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Siberian Ginseng Callus Extract

Acanthopanax Senticosus Callus Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Siberian Ginseng Root Extract

Acanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Siberian Ginseng Root Water

Acanthopanax Senticosus Root Water

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root water that helps soothe and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Siberian Ginseng Stem Extract

Acanthopanax Senticosus Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract from Siberian ginseng stems that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Siberian Hawkweed Extract

Crepis Sibirica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Siberian Iris Root Extract

Iris Sibirica Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Siberian Juniper Needle Extract

Juniperus Sibirica Needle Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, best known for its fresh, woody scent and mild soothing effects.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Siberian Larch Needle Extract

Larix Sibirica Needle Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Siberian Larch Wood Extract

Larix Sibirica Wood Extract

4.0

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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Soothing Agent

Siberian Motherwort Extract

Leonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Siberian Motherwort Leaf Extract

Leonurus Sibiricus Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Siberian Motherwort Seed Extract

Leonurus Sibiricus Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract 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

Siberian Pine Needle Extract

Pinus Sibirica Needle Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from Siberian pine needles that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Siberian Pine Seed Extract

Pinus Sibirica Seed Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Siberian Rocket Extract

Hesperis Sibirica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich 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

Siberian Sea Holly Extract

MESSERSCHMIDIA SIBIRICA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from a Siberian plant that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Siberian Solomon's Seal Root Powder

POLYGONATUM SIBIRICUM ROOT/RHIZOME POWDER

3.8

A gentle, plant-based powder that may help calm irritation and support skin hydration, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Siberian Spruce Needle Extract

Picea obovata needle extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Sichuan Pepper Extract

ZANTHOXYLUM BUNGEANUM BARK/FRUIT/FLOWER/STALK EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Sichuan Pepper Fruit Extract

ZANTHOXYLUM BUNGEANUM FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Sida Cordifolia Root Extract

Sida Cordifolia Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical root extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though human skincare studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Sida Cordifolia Root Powder

Sida Cordifolia Root Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical root powder with traditional soothing and antioxidant potential, though modern cosmetic evidence is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Sideritis Hyssopifolia Extract

SIDERITIS HYSSOPIFOLIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Sideritis Perfoliata Extract

Sideritis Perfoliata Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Sideritis Raeseri Extract

Sideritis Raeseri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from Greek mountain tea that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Sigesbeckia Extract

Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Anti-aging agent

Signal Peptide Complex

SH-Polypeptide-56, Tripeptide-44, SH-Oligopeptide-1

4.0

A synthetic peptide trio that signals skin to produce more collagen, but results are gradual and not instant.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Soothing agent

Sikkim Primrose Flower Extract

PRIMULA SIKKIMENSIS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin, but research is limited and benefits are not well-documented.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Exfoliant

Silanediol Salicylate

SILANEDIOL SALICYLATE

4.0

A gentle exfoliant that pairs salicylic acid's pore-clearing power with silicon's soothing touch, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Film Former

Silanetriol

Silanetriol

4.0

Silanetriol is a gentle, water-soluble silicon ingredient that helps improve skin firmness and hydration without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Humectant

Silanetriol Arginine Complex

Silanetriol Argininate

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble silicon complex that helps hydrate and support skin barrier function without the stickiness of some silicones.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Silanetriol Glutamate

SILANETRIOL GLUTAMATE

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble silicon compound that helps support skin firmness and hydration without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Silanetriol Lysinate

SILANETRIOL LYSINATE

4.0

A gentle, silica-delivering ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and elasticity over time.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Antioxidant

Silanetriol Melaninate

Silanetriol Melaninate

3.8

A synthetic melanin-silane hybrid that may help defend against oxidative stress and support a more even complexion, though human research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Silanetriol Trehalose Ether

Silanetriol Trehalose Ether

4.0

A gentle, hydrating ingredient that forms a breathable film to lock in moisture and smooth the skin's surface.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectantfilm-forming
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Soothing agent

Silene Colorata Extract

SILENE COLORATA EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Silene Firma Extract

SILENE FIRMA BRANCH/FRUIT/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Silene Uniflora Extract

SILENE UNIFLORA FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Silene Velutina Extract

SILENE VELUTINA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in humans.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Absorbent

Silica

Silica

4.0

Silica is a safe, non-irritating mineral that improves product texture and absorbs excess oil, but can be drying if overused.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaretexturizer
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Absorbent

Silica Caprylyl Silylate

SILICA CAPRYLYL SILYLATE

4.0

A safe, non-irritating powder ingredient that helps control shine and gives a silky feel to makeup and skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
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Texture Enhancer

Silica Cetyl Silylate

SILICA CETYL SILYLATE

4.0

A silica derivative that gives products a silky feel and helps control shine without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
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