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

Skin conditioning agent

Bifida Ferment Extract

Bifida Ferment Extract

4.3

A gentle probiotic ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve resilience, popular in K-beauty and sensitive-skin formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareprobiotic
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Bifida Ferment Filtrate

Bifida Ferment Lysate

4.0

A probiotic ferment that may help calm irritation and support a healthy skin barrier, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareprobiotic
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bifida Ferment Filtrate Complex

BIFIDA/HYDROLYZED MILK/LACTOSE/SODIUM ASCORBATE/SILICON FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented probiotic-like ingredient that may help support skin barrier function and provide antioxidant benefits, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantprobiotic
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Bifida Ferment Lysate

Bifida Ferment Lysate

4.3

A fermented probiotic ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve resilience against environmental stressors.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareprobiotic
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Bifida Ginseng Ferment Filtrate

Bifida/Panax Ginseng Root Cell Culture Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented blend that may help strengthen the skin barrier and calm sensitivity, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Bifida Polysaccharide

Bifida Polysaccharide

4.2

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention, popular in K-beauty and probiotic skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Bifida Soy Ferment

Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract

4.0

A fermented probiotic-soy blend that may help calm skin and support a healthy skin barrier, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Bifida Soymilk Ferment Filtrate

Hydrolyzed Bifida/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate

4.2

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve resilience against environmental stressors.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareprobiotic
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Bifidobacterium Ferment Lysate

Bifidobacterium Ferment Lysate

4.0

A probiotic ingredient that may help calm irritation and reinforce the skin barrier by supporting beneficial bacteria on the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaremicrobiome
Read ingredient review

Antifungal Agent

Bifonazole

Bifonazole

3.5

Bifonazole is a proven antifungal ingredient for treating fungal skin infections, but it is not a routine cosmetic ingredient and should only be used under medical guidance.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantifungal
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bilberry Bud Extract

VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS BUD EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bilberry Fruit Extract

Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bilberry Fruit Water

VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS FRUIT WATER

4.0

Bilberry fruit water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bilberry Fruit/Leaf Extract

Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bilberry Leaf Cell Extract

Vaccinium Myrtillus Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps shield skin from pollution and UV damage without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Bilberry Seed Oil

VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS SEED OIL

4.2

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that helps moisturize and protect the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Bilberry Seedcake Powder

VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS SEEDCAKE POWDER

4.0

A natural, gentle exfoliating powder rich in antioxidants that helps smooth skin without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bilberry Stem Extract

VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bilimbi Leaf Extract

Averrhoa Bilimbi Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Billy Goat Weed Extract

AGERATUM CONYZOIDES FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Preservative

Bioresmethrin

BIORESMETHRIN

1.0

Bioresmethrin is a synthetic insecticide rarely used in skincare; it may be found in anti-lice or insect repellent products but is not a typical cosmetic ingredient.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Biosaccharide Gum-1

BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1

4.3

A gentle, biotech-derived sugar that hydrates and calms skin without stickiness, ideal for sensitive or dehydrated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Biosaccharide Gum-2

Biosaccharide Gum-2

4.2

A gentle, sugar-based humectant that hydrates and soothes without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive or dehydrated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Biosaccharide Gum-3

Biosaccharide Gum-3

4.3

A gentle, biotech-derived humectant that hydrates and soothes skin while supporting a healthy barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Biosaccharide Gum-4

BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-4

4.2

A gentle, fermented sugar derivative that hydrates and calms skin without clogging pores—great for sensitive and dry types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Biosaccharide Gum-5

BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-5

4.3

A gentle, sugar-based humectant that hydrates and calms skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Biotin

Biotin

3.8

Biotin is a gentle B vitamin that supports skin barrier health and may help hair and nails, but topical benefits are modest compared to oral intake.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarevitamin
Read ingredient review

Conditioning agent

Biotinoyl Hexapeptide-2 Amide

Biotinoyl Hexapeptide-2 Amide

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce hair thinning and improve skin firmness by supporting collagen and keratin production.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Hair conditioning agent

Biotinoyl Tetrapeptide-51

BIOTINOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-51

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help strengthen hair and improve skin firmness, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Conditioning agent

Biotinoyl Tripeptide Complex

BIOTINOYL HISTIDYL D-TRYPTOPHANYL DIPEPTIDE-29 D-PHENYLALANYL LYSINAMIDE TRIFLUOROACETATE

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help strengthen hair and support skin firmness, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Hair growth stimulant

Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1

BIOTINOYL TRIPEPTIDE-1

4.0

A lab-made peptide that encourages hair and nail growth by mimicking natural signaling molecules.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehair care
Read ingredient review

Conditioning Agent

Biotinoyl Tripeptide-35

BIOTINOYL TRIPEPTIDE-35

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help strengthen hair and support skin firmness, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Opacifying Agent

Biotite

Biotite

3.5

Biotite is a natural mineral that adds shimmer and color to makeup, but its iron content may cause discoloration in some formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

UV Absorber

Biphenyl Azepanyl Methanone

BIPHENYL AZEPANYL METHANONE

3.8

A modern synthetic UV filter that offers broad-spectrum protection with a low irritation profile, but its use is still limited compared to older filters.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresunscreen
Read ingredient review

Chelating Agent

Biphenylhydroxamic Acid

BIPHENYLHYDROXAMIC ACID

4.0

A gentle synthetic chelator that helps your skincare stay stable and effective by neutralizing trace metals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative booster
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Birch Bark Extract

Betula Allegheniensis Bark Extract

4.0

Birch Bark Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Birch Bark Water

Betula Alba Bark Water

4.0

Birch bark water is a gentle, hydrating botanical water that provides antioxidants and a soothing feel, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Birch Leaf Water

Betula Alba Leaf Water

4.0

Birch leaf water is a gentle, hydrating botanical water that can soothe and refresh the skin, but its benefits are mild compared to more concentrated extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Birch Sap

Betula Alba Juice

4.0

Birch sap is a gentle, hydrating water-like ingredient that provides light moisture and soothing benefits, but it's not a powerhouse active.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Birch Twig Extract

Betula Pendula Twig Extract

3.8

Birch twig extract offers gentle antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its specific effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Birch Twig Oil

BETULA PUBESCENS TWIG OIL

3.8

Birch Twig Oil offers a natural, earthy option for soothing and clarifying skin, but its potency means it's best used in low concentrations and patch-tested first.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Birch Wood Powder

Betula Pendula Wood Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder that helps smooth skin without harsh microbeads, but may feel gritty in some formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bird Cherry Extract

Prunus Padus 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
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bird of Paradise Seed Extract

Strelitzia Nicolai Seed Aril Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Bis-Adamantanyl PEG-2300 Dicarboxamide

BIS-ADAMANTANYL PEG-2300 DICARBOXAMIDE

3.8

A synthetic film-forming polymer that helps lock in moisture and improve skin feel, but research is limited compared to more common humectants.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Film Former

Bis-Adamantanyl PEG-800 Dicarboxamide

BIS-ADAMANTANYL PEG-800 DICARBOXAMIDE

4.0

A high-tech synthetic polymer that delivers extended hydration and a protective film, but is best suited for those who enjoy advanced, silicone-like textures.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol

BIS-AMINOPROPYL DIGLYCOL

3.8

A gentle synthetic humectant that helps skin retain moisture and improves the texture of skincare formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Hair Conditioner

Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone

BIS-AMINOPROPYL DIMETHICONE

4.0

A gentle silicone that adds slip and shine to hair and a silky feel to skin, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review