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

Sweet Violet Flower Water

VIOLA ODORATA FLOWER WATER

3.8

A gentle floral water that may help calm sensitive skin and provide light hydration, but lacks strong clinical evidence for most claims.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Sweet Violet Leaf Wax

VIOLA ODORATA LEAF WAX

4.0

A gentle plant wax that adds richness and a smooth feel to balms and creams, with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Sweet Violet Oil

VIOLA ODORATA OIL

3.8

Sweet Violet Oil adds a delicate floral scent and potential soothing benefits, but is used in tiny amounts and may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sweet Woodruff Extract

ASPERULA ODORATA FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sweetgum & Tribulus & Peony Root Extract

Liquidambar Styraciflua Fruit Extract, Tribulus Terrestris Fruit Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on this specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sweetgum Balsam Extract

Liquidambar Styraciflua Balsam Extract

3.8

A natural balsam extract with soothing potential, but its fragrance components may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sweetgum Fruit Extract

Liquidambar Styraciflua Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Sweetgum Oil

Liquidambar Styraciflua Oil

3.8

Sweetgum oil adds a warm, balsamic scent to products and may offer mild soothing benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and is not well-studied in modern skincare.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Swertia Japonica Extract

SWERTIA JAPONICA POWDER

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Swiftlet Nest Extract

Swiftlet Nest Extract

3.8

A luxurious natural humectant that may help hydrate and smooth skin, but scientific evidence is limited and ethical sourcing is a concern.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Swiftlet Nest Ferment Filtrate

Saccharomyces/Swiftlet Nest Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented bird's nest ingredient that may support hydration and skin comfort, but human evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Swiss Pine Wood Extract

Pinus Cembra Wood Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Swiss Stone Pine Leaf/Twig Oil

Pinus Cembra Leaf/Twig Oil

3.8

A fragrant essential oil from Swiss stone pine that adds a fresh scent and may offer mild soothing benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Swiss Stone Pine Oil

Pinus Cembra Twig Leaf Oil

3.8

A fragrant essential oil from Swiss stone pine that adds a fresh, woodsy scent to products, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sword Bean Extract

CANAVALIA GLADIATA LEAF/VINE EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sword Bean Fruit Extract

Canavalia gladiata fruit extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sword Bean Pod Extract

Canavalia gladiata pod extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sycamore Bark Extract

Platanus Occidentalis Bark Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Sycamore Maple Extract

Acer Pseudoplatanus 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

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Symplocos Bark Extract

SYMPLOCOS RACEMOSA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

Symplocos Bark Extract is a gentle botanical with traditional soothing and astringent benefits, but modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Synechococcus Manganese Ferment

SYNECHOCOCCUS/MANGANESE FERMENT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Firming agent

Synephrine

SYNEPHRINE

3.0

Synephrine may offer temporary skin firming effects, but evidence is limited and it can cause irritation, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareactive
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Synephrine HCL

SYNEPHRINE HCL

2.5

Synephrine HCL is a synthetic ingredient sometimes added to cosmetics for a temporary tightening sensation, but its effectiveness and safety for topical use are not well-established.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareactive
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Synthetic Beeswax

Synthetic Beeswax

4.0

Synthetic beeswax is a vegan-friendly, stable alternative to natural beeswax that helps thicken and soften products without the risk of allergens.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Thickener

Synthetic Candelilla Wax

Synthetic Candelilla Wax

4.0

A vegan-friendly wax alternative that gives lip products and creams a smooth, stable texture without the irritation risk of natural waxes.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecosmetic-wax
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Synthetic Carnauba Wax

Synthetic Carnauba

4.0

A vegan-friendly, lab-made wax that gives lipsticks and balms a smooth, glossy finish without the environmental concerns of harvesting natural carnauba.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecosmetic
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Synthetic Conotoxin Peptide

S-MU-CONOTOXIN CNIIIC

2.5

A novel synthetic peptide inspired by cone snail venom, marketed as a neurotoxin-like anti-wrinkle ingredient, but with very limited human safety and efficacy data.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Synthetic Japan Wax

Synthetic Japan Wax

3.8

A synthetic wax that adds texture and stability to products, generally safe for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Opacifying Agent

Synthetic Moonstone Powder

Synthetic Moonstone Powder

3.8

A shimmering mineral powder that adds a subtle glow and gentle texture, but offers no skincare benefits beyond aesthetics.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecosmetic
Read ingredient review

Occlusive

Synthetic Petrolatum

Synthetic Petrolatum

4.0

Synthetic Petrolatum is a reliable, non-comedogenic occlusive that locks in moisture without the impurities of natural petroleum jelly.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareocclusive
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Synthetic Ruby Powder

Synthetic Ruby Powder

3.8

A gentle, non-irritating physical exfoliant that polishes skin without the sharp edges of natural crystals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Synurus Leaf/Stem Extract

Synurus Palmatopinnatifidus Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Syringa Oblata Bark/Leaf Powder

Syringa Oblata Bark/Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle plant powder that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research on its specific effects in skincare is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Syringaldehyde

SYRINGALDEHYDE

3.8

Syringaldehyde is a gentle antioxidant from plants that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Syringic Acid

Syringic Acid

4.0

A gentle plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Syzygium Nervosum Fruit Extract

Syzygium Nervosum Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Szechuan Lovage Root Extract

LIGUSTICUM CHUANXIONG 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
Read ingredient review

Solvent

T-Butyl Alcohol

T-BUTYL ALCOHOL

3.5

T-Butyl alcohol is a synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
Read ingredient review

Solvent

T-Butyl Methyl Ether

T-BUTYL METHYL ETHER

1.0

T-Butyl Methyl Ether is a synthetic solvent with limited cosmetic use and potential skin irritation concerns.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

t-Butylhydroxylamine Acetate

T-BUTYLHYDROXYLAMINE ACETATE

3.8

A synthetic antioxidant that helps keep other active ingredients stable, but is less studied than common alternatives like vitamin E.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tabebuia Bark Extract

Tabebuia Impetiginosa Bark Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tabebuia Bark Powder

Tabebuia Avellanedae Bark Powder

3.8

Tabebuia bark powder is a gentle botanical with antioxidant potential, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tabebuia Leaf Extract

Tabebuia Impetiginosa Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but human skin research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tabebuia Wood Extract

Tabebuia Serratifolia Wood Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tachibana Orange Fruit Juice

CITRUS TACHIBANA/RETICULATA FRUIT JUICE

3.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit juice that may help brighten and refresh the skin, but lacks strong clinical evidence.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Tachibana Orange Peel Oil

Citrus Tachibana/Reticulata Peel Oil

3.8

A fragrant citrus oil with antioxidant potential, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin due to natural aromatic compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Tachibana Orange Peel Powder

Citrus Tachibana/Reticulata Peel Powder

3.8

A natural citrus peel powder that provides gentle physical exfoliation and a dose of antioxidants, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tachibana Peel Extract

Citrus Aurantium Tachibana Peel Extract

4.0

A gentle citrus extract that may help brighten skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Bleaching Agent

TAED

Tetraacetylethylenediamine

2.5

TAED is a synthetic bleach activator that boosts whitening and brightening effects, but it can be irritating and is not a standard skincare ingredient for everyday use.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Tagetes Erecta Root Extract

TAGETES ERECTA ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle, plant-derived extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Tagetes Minuta Flower Extract

TAGETES MINUTA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review