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

Emollient

Stearyl Dimethicone

Stearyl Dimethicone

4.0

A gentle silicone that improves product feel and spreadability without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresilicone
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearyl Erucamide

STEARYL ERUCAMIDE

3.8

A gentle emollient that helps products feel smooth and creamy, with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Stearyl Erucate

Stearyl Erucate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearyl Ethylhexanoate

Stearyl Ethylhexanoate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Stearyl Gallate

Stearyl Gallate

3.8

Stearyl Gallate is a synthetic antioxidant that helps keep oils fresh in skincare products, but it may cause skin sensitivity in rare cases.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearyl Glycol

Stearyl Glycol

4.0

Stearyl Glycol is a gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth skin, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearyl Glycol Isostearate

STEARYL GLYCOL ISOSTEARATE

3.8

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, with low irritation and comedogenic risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate

Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate

4.0

A gentle, oil-friendly licorice derivative that helps calm redness and soothe sensitive skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Stearyl HDI/PEG-50 Copolymer

Stearyl HDI/PEG-50 Copolymer

3.8

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearyl Heptanoate

Stearyl Heptanoate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearyl Lactate

Stearyl Lactate

4.0

A gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores, making it a solid choice for dry or sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Stearyl Linoleate

Stearyl Linoleate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps restore skin softness and may support the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Stearyl Methacrylate

STEARYL METHACRYLATE

3.5

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but offers no skincare benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Film Former

Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer

STEARYL METHACRYLATE/PERFLUOROOCTYLETHYL METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER

3.5

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup last longer and resist water, but its perfluoro components raise environmental concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearyl Methicone

Stearyl Methicone

4.2

A gentle silicone that provides a silky, non-greasy feel and helps other ingredients spread evenly on skin and hair.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearyl Olivate

Stearyl Olivate

4.3

A gentle, plant-based emollient and emulsifier that helps moisturize and stabilize formulas without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollientemulsifier
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Emollient

Stearyl Palmitate

Stearyl Palmitate

4.0

Stearyl Palmitate is a gentle wax ester that softens skin and gives creams a smooth, non-greasy feel, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Conditioning Agent

Stearyl PG-Dimethylamine

STEARYL PG-DIMETHYLAMINE

4.0

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps detangle and soften hair without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearyl Stearate

Stearyl Stearate

4.0

A gentle wax ester that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearyl Stearoyl Stearate

STEARYL STEAROYL STEARATE

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Surface Modifier

Stearyl Triethoxysilane

Stearyl Triethoxysilane

4.0

A surface-coating ingredient that improves the feel and wear of powders and pigments, with a strong safety profile.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecosmetic ingredient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearyl Trimethicone

Stearyl Trimethicone

4.0

A gentle silicone that smooths skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stearylgluconamide Dilaurate

Stearylgluconamide Dilaurate

4.0

A gentle, sugar-derived emollient that helps moisturize and condition skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Stearylvinyl Ether/MA Copolymer

STEARYLVINYL ETHER/MA COPOLYMER

3.8

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Stellaria Extract

STELLERA CHAMAEJASME FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

A traditional herbal extract with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, but limited modern safety data means caution is warranted.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Stellaria Leaf/Stem Extract

STELLERA CHAMAEJASME LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a skincare staple.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Stem Cell Conditioned Media

Immortalized Human Tooth Pulp Stem Cell Conditioned Media

3.0

A novel biotech ingredient with promising lab research but very limited human studies; best viewed as a luxury novelty rather than a proven essential.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareactive
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Stemmadenia Root Extract

STEMMACANTHA CARTHAMOIDES ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant root extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Stemona Root Extract

Stemona Sessilifolia Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional roots and emerging research for soothing and antioxidant benefits in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Stemona Root Powder

Stemona Sessilifolia Root Powder

3.5

A gentle botanical powder with traditional use for soothing skin, but modern cosmetic evidence is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Stenoloma Chusanum Extract

Stenoloma Chusanum Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle fern extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and mostly traditional.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Stephania Root Extract

STEPHANIA CEPHALANTHA ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract

STEPHANIA TETRANDRA ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

A traditional herbal root extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research in cosmetics is still emerging and quality can vary.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sterculia Platanifolia Extract

STERCULIA PLATANIFOLIA FLOWER/LEAF/SEED EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Sterculia Scaphigera Seed Extract

STERCULIA SCAPHIGERA SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm skin and provide a light protective film, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Stereospermum Root Powder

STEREOSPERMUM SUAVEOLENS ROOT POWDER

3.5

A traditional botanical root powder with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but scientific research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Stevia Ferment Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/STEVIA REBAUDIANA LEAF/STEM FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Stevia Leaf & Stem Powder

Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Powder

3.8

A gentle, plant-based powder that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Stevia Leaf Extract

Eupatorium Rebaudianum Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Stevia Leaf/Stem Extract

Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem 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
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Stevia-Turmeric Root Extract

Steviol Glycosides / Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract

3.8

A natural antioxidant blend that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on this specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Steviol Glycosides & Platycodon Extract

Steviol Glycosides/Platycodon Grandiflorus Flower/Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived blend that offers antioxidant protection and soothing benefits, ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Stevioside

Stevioside

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived humectant with antioxidant potential, but research in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Emollient

Stigmastanol Maltoside

Stigmastanol Maltoside

4.0

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Hair Conditioning Agent

Stigmasteryl Chloride

STIGMASTERYL CHLORIDE

3.5

A gentle plant-derived conditioner that helps soften hair and skin without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehaircare
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Emollient

Stigmasteryl Isostearate

Stigmasteryl Isostearate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and improves the feel of creams and serums without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Stigmasteryl Nonanoate

Stigmasteryl Nonanoate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that mimics natural skin lipids to support barrier function without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review