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

Anti-wrinkle agent

Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate

Trimethylcyclohexyl Butylcarbamate

3.8

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient that helps soften expression lines by calming facial muscles, offering a gentler alternative to neurotoxins.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Trimethyldecenedione

Trimethyldecenedione

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Trimethyldodecatrien-3-yl Acetate

TRIMETHYLDODECATRIEN-3-YL ACETATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent to products; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Trimethyldodecatrienol

TRANS-TRIMETHYLDODECATRIEN-3-OL

3.5

A synthetic scent ingredient that can make products smell pleasant but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Trimethylhexyl Formate

Trimethylhexyl Formate

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits; generally safe at low concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Trimethylhexyl Propionate

TRIMETHYLHEXYL PROPIONATE

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

Fragrance

Trimethylnorbornan-2-one

Trimethylnorbornan-2-one

3.5

A natural fragrance compound that adds a woody, camphor scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Stabilizer

Trimethylolpropane

Trimethylolpropane

3.0

Trimethylolpropane is a synthetic alcohol used as a building block for other ingredients; it is not a direct active and is generally safe at low concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarestabilizer
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Trimethylolpropane Diallyl Ether

TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE DIALLYL ETHER

3.5

A synthetic ingredient that helps products form a flexible film and control thickness, but it's rarely the star of the formula.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Trimethylolpropane Tricocoate

TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE TRICOCOATE

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut oil that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate

Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products glide on smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Trimethylpentadecatrien-2-one

Trimethylpentadecatrien-2-one

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a warm, woody scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Trimethylpentanediol/IPA/TMA Copolymer

Trimethylpentanediol/Isophthalic Acid/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer

4.0

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put longer by forming a flexible, water-resistant film on skin or hair.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Plasticizer

Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate

TRIMETHYLPENTANEDIYL DIBENZOATE

3.5

A synthetic ingredient that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but it's not a moisturizer or active skincare ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecosmetic ingredient
Read ingredient review

Hair Conditioner

Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone

Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone

4.0

A gentle, modified silicone that provides slip and shine while being less likely to cause buildup than some other silicones.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Trimethylsiloxysilicate

Trimethylsiloxysilicate

4.0

A safe, non-irritating silicone film-former that boosts water resistance and wear time without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Trimethylsilyl Pullulan

TRIMETHYLSILYL PULLULAN

4.0

A gentle film-forming ingredient that gives hair flexible hold and skin a smooth, water-resistant feel without heavy silicones.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircarefilm former
Read ingredient review

Hair conditioner

Trimethylsilylamodimethicone

TRIMETHYLSILYLAMODIMETHICONE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircarefilm former
Read ingredient review

Fragrance ingredient

Trimethyltricyclododecanol

Trimethyltricyclododecanol

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a woody, warm scent; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Trimethyltricyclododecanyl Acetate

TRIMETHYLTRICYCLODODECANYL ACETATE

3.8

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a warm, woody note to products, but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Trimethyltricyclododecanyl Formate

TRIMETHYLTRICYCLODODECANYL FORMATE

3.5

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a warm, woody note to products; generally considered safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Trimethylundecadienal

Trimethylundecadienal

3.5

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh note but may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Trimethylundecadienol

Trimethylundecadienol

3.5

Trimethylundecadienol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Trimethylundecenal

Trimethylundecenal

3.5

A synthetic peach-scented fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant aroma but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Trimethylvinylcyclohexylmethyl Acetate

TRIMETHYL-3-METHYLVINYL-4-VINYLCYCLOHEXYLMETHYL ACETATE

3.5

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh woody note, but offers no skincare benefit and may be unnecessary for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Trimyristin

Trimyristin

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps maintain skin softness without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Trioctyldodecyl Borate

TRIOCTYLDODECYL BORATE

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that spreads easily and leaves a non-greasy, velvety finish on skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Triolein

Triolein

4.0

Triolein is a gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens and smooths skin without clogging pores, making it a safe choice for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Triolein PEG-6 Esters

TRIOLEIN PEG-6 ESTERS

3.8

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may not suit those avoiding PEG compounds.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

TRIOLETH-8 PHOSPHATE

TRIOLETH-8 PHOSPHATE

3.5

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but may be drying for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Trioleyl Citrate

Trioleyl Citrate

4.0

Trioleyl Citrate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve the feel of your skincare products.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Trioleyl Phosphate

TRIOLEYL PHOSPHATE

3.8

Trioleyl Phosphate is a gentle synthetic emollient that helps skincare products feel silky and spread smoothly, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Tripaba Panthenol

Tripaba Panthenol

4.3

A gentle, well-tolerated humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a staple in many sensitive-skin formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Tripalmitin

Tripalmitin

4.0

Tripalmitin is a gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps restore softness and smoothness to the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Tripalmitolein

Tripalmitolein

4.0

Tripalmitolein is a gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Tripelargonin

Tripelargonin

4.0

Tripelargonin is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturize without clogging pores, making it a good option for oily or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Tripeptide-10 Citrulline

Tripeptide-10 Citrulline

4.0

A lab-made peptide that helps strengthen the skin's foundation, making it a gentle but effective option for firming and anti-aging routines.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tripeptide-34

Tripeptide-34

4.0

Tripeptide-34 is a lab-made peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tripeptide-35

Tripeptide-35

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness by signaling collagen production, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Tripeptide-36

Tripeptide-36

4.0

Tripeptide-36 is a lab-made peptide designed to help calm skin and reduce the look of redness and sensitivity.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review