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

Emulsifier

Steareth-14

STEARETH-14

3.8

Steareth-14 is a reliable emulsifier that helps keep your creams and lotions smooth and stable, but it is synthetic and may be less suitable for those seeking fully natural formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-15

STEARETH-15

3.8

Steareth-15 is a reliable emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions, but it is synthetic and may not appeal to those seeking natural ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-16

STEARETH-16

3.8

Steareth-16 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-2

Steareth-2

4.0

A reliable emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare products with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-2 Phosphate

Steareth-2 Phosphate

3.8

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

Steareth-20

STEARETH-20

3.8

Steareth-20 is a reliable emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions, but it may be contaminated with potentially irritating 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Thickener

Steareth-200

STEARETH-200

3.5

A synthetic thickener and emulsifier that helps stabilize formulas but may feel heavy on oily skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

Steareth-21

Steareth-21

4.0

Steareth-21 is a reliable synthetic emulsifier that creates smooth, stable creams and lotions, but it may be less appealing to those seeking fully natural formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Steareth-25

Steareth-25

3.8

Steareth-25 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps keep creams and lotions stable, but it may be less eco-friendly due to its ethoxylated nature.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

Steareth-27

STEARETH-27

4.0

Steareth-27 is a mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare and haircare products.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

Steareth-3

STEARETH-3

4.0

Steareth-3 is a gentle emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, making creams and lotions smooth and stable.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Surfactant

Steareth-3 Phosphate

Steareth-3 Phosphate

4.0

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

Steareth-30

STEARETH-30

4.0

Steareth-30 is a widely used emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-4 Stearate

Steareth-4 Stearate

4.0

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that stabilizes creamy formulas without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-40

STEARETH-40

4.0

Steareth-40 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-5

STEARETH-5

4.0

Steareth-5 is a gentle emulsifier that helps water and oil mix in your products, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-5 Stearate

Steareth-5 Stearate

4.0

A gentle emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without heavy irritation or pore-clogging concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-50

STEARETH-50

4.0

Steareth-50 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-6

Steareth-6

3.8

A gentle emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in creams and cleansers, with a low risk of irritation for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether

Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether

4.0

A reliable emulsifier that creates smooth, stable creams without common irritation concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-7

STEARETH-7

4.0

Steareth-7 is a well-tolerated synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare products.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-8

STEARETH-8

3.5

Steareth-8 is a common synthetic emulsifier that helps products feel smooth, but it may be mildly irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Steareth-80

STEARETH-80

3.8

Steareth-80 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in products, but its ethoxylation process may raise mild purity concerns for some users.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

Steareth-9 Stearate

Steareth-9 Stearate

3.8

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps water and oil mix, making creams and lotions smooth and stable.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emollient

Stearic Acid

Stearic Acid

4.0

A gentle fatty acid that helps thicken and stabilize creams while softening skin, but may clog pores for some people.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Surfactant

Stearoamphoacetic Acid

Stearoamphoacetic Acid

4.0

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearone

Stearone

3.5

Stearone is a waxy emollient that helps stabilize and thicken formulas, but it's not a star active ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Stearoptenes

Stearoptenes

3.8

Stearoptenes are natural waxy solids from essential oils that help moisturize and stabilize skincare formulas, but they are not a standalone active ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Stearoxy Dimethicone

Stearoxy Dimethicone

4.0

A gentle silicone that smooths skin and hair without a heavy feel, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Conditioning Agent

Stearoxypropyl Dimethylamine

Stearoxypropyl Dimethylamine

3.8

A synthetic conditioning agent that softens hair and skin but may cause irritation or clog pores in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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Antistatic Agent

Stearoxypropyltrimonium Chloride

Stearoxypropyltrimonium Chloride

3.5

A gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and improves manageability in hair products, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearoxytrimethylsilane

Stearoxytrimethylsilane

4.0

A gentle silicone that makes products feel silky and spread easily, with low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresilicone
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Film Former

Stearoyl Epoxy Resin

STEAROYL EPOXY RESIN

3.5

Stearoyl Epoxy Resin is a synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and feel smoother, but it offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Surfactant

Stearoyl Glutamic Acid

Stearoyl Glutamic Acid

4.3

A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while respecting your skin's natural barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

Stearoyl Inulin

Stearoyl Inulin

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that improves product feel and stability without common irritation concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Stearoyl Lactylic Acid

Stearoyl Lactylic Acid

4.0

A mild emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products while offering gentle skin conditioning and barrier support.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Surfactant

Stearoyl Leucine

Stearoyl Leucine

4.3

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while respecting the skin barrier, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Stearoyl Sarcosine

Stearoyl Sarcosine

4.0

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Antistatic Agent

Steartrimonium Bromide

Steartrimonium Bromide

3.8

An effective conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair, but may cause irritation or clog pores in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Antistatic Agent

Steartrimonium Chloride

Steartrimonium Chloride

3.8

A synthetic conditioning ingredient that smooths hair and reduces static, but may cause irritation or clog pores in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearyl Acetate

Stearyl Acetate

4.0

A gentle emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, but may be slightly pore-clogging for acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Surfactant

Stearyl Acetyl Glutamate

Stearyl Acetyl Glutamate

4.3

A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while respecting your skin's natural balance.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanseremulsifier
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Surfactant

Stearyl Acetyl Glutaminate

Stearyl Acetyl Glutaminate

4.2

A mild, amino-acid-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emollient

Stearyl Alcohol

Stearyl Alcohol

4.3

A gentle fatty alcohol that helps thicken and soften products without drying or irritating the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollientthickener
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Hair Conditioner

Stearyl Aminopropyl Methicone

Stearyl Aminopropyl Methicone

4.0

A gentle silicone that smooths hair and softens skin without heavy buildup, but may not suit those avoiding silicones entirely.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearyl Beeswax

Stearyl Beeswax

4.0

Stearyl Beeswax is a gentle, plant-friendly wax that gives creams and balms a smooth, stable texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollientthickener
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Emollient

Stearyl Behenate

Stearyl Behenate

4.0

A gentle waxy emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Stearyl Benzoate

Stearyl Benzoate

4.0

Stearyl Benzoate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Surfactant

Stearyl Betaine

Stearyl Betaine

4.0

A gentle, conditioning surfactant that cleanses without over-drying, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin and hair.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Emollient

Stearyl Caprylate

Stearyl Caprylate

4.2

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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