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

Antioxidant

Turmeric Callus Lysate

CURCUMA LONGA CALLUS LYSATE

4.0

A lab-grown turmeric ingredient that offers antioxidant and soothing benefits without the strong color or scent of whole turmeric.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Turmeric Leaf Powder

Curcuma Longa Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skincare benefits is still limited compared to turmeric root.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Turmeric Root Extract

Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract

4.2

A gentle antioxidant extract that helps calm skin and fight environmental damage, but its brightening effects are mild and vary by formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Turmeric Root Oil

CURCUMA LONGA ROOT OIL

4.0

Turmeric Root Oil offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its strong aroma and potential for irritation mean it works best in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Turmeric Root Powder

Curcuma Longa Root Powder

4.0

Turmeric root powder is a natural antioxidant that may help calm skin and provide a healthy glow, but it can temporarily stain skin yellow.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Turmeric Root Water

CURCUMA LONGA ROOT WATER

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water from turmeric root that helps calm and protect skin without the staining of turmeric oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Turnera Diffusa Leaf Extract

TURNERA DIFFUSA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Turnera Diffusa Oil

TURNERA DIFFUSA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM OIL

3.8

A gentle, aromatic plant oil with antioxidant potential, best for calming sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Turnip Callus Extract

Brassica Rapa Callus Extract

3.8

A gentle plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Turnip Seed Extract

Brassica Rapa Seed Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Turpeth Leaf/Stem Extract

Operculina turpethum leaf/stem extract

3.5

A traditional Ayurvedic plant extract with early evidence of antioxidant and soothing benefits, but limited modern cosmetic research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Turquoise Ferment Filtrate

Saccharomyces/Turquoise Ferment Lysate Filtrate

3.8

A novel fermented ingredient that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Colorant

Turquoise Powder

TURQUOISE POWDER

2.5

Turquoise Powder adds a natural blue-green hue to cosmetics but offers no proven skincare benefits and may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
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Antioxidant

Twinflower Extract

Linnaea Borealis Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Tyrosine

TYROSINE

3.8

Tyrosine is a gentle amino acid antioxidant that may support skin's natural defenses and even tone, but its direct brightening effects are limited in topical use.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Tyrosyl Histidine HCl

TYROSYL HISTIDINE HCL

4.0

A gentle dipeptide that may help protect skin from oxidative stress and support a more even tone, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Uapaca Bojeri Leaf Extract

Uapaca Bojeri Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Ubiquinol

UBIQUINOL

4.0

A potent antioxidant form of CoQ10 that helps protect skin from environmental damage and supports natural repair processes.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Ubiquinone

Ubiquinone

4.0

Ubiquinone (CoQ10) is a gentle antioxidant that may help reduce fine lines and support skin repair, but its large molecule size limits how deeply it can penetrate.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Udotea Abbottiorum Callus Culture Extract

UDOTEA ABBOTTIORUM CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

A lab-grown algae extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Ufiprazole

UFIPRAZOLE

2.5

Ufiprazole is a little-known synthetic ingredient with limited research; its benefits and safety are not well documented, so approach with caution.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Ultramarines

ULTRAMARINES

4.0

Ultramarines are safe, vivid mineral pigments widely used in color cosmetics, but they can cause irritation in rare cases for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Ulva Australis Extract

Ulva Australis Extract

4.0

A gentle seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, with early research suggesting antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Ulva Ramulosa Callus Extract

Ulva Ramulosa Callus Culture Extract

3.8

A lab-grown seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research on its benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Umbellate Hawkweed Extract

HIERACIUM UMBELLATUM EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Umber

CI 77492 / CI 77491 / CI 77499 (Iron Oxides)

4.5

Umber is a safe, natural mineral pigment that gives warm brown tones to makeup without common irritation concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
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Antioxidant

Umbrella Leaf Extract

DIPHYLLEIA GRAYI EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Umbrella Leaf Flower Extract

DIPHYLLEIA GRAYI FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Undaria Pinnatifida Powder

Undaria Pinnatifida Powder

4.0

A gentle seaweed powder that hydrates and protects skin with antioxidants, but its benefits are best supported by lab studies rather than large human trials.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Undaria Pinnatifida Root Powder

Undaria Pinnatifida Root Powder

4.0

A gentle seaweed-derived powder that helps hydrate and protect the skin with antioxidants, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Fragrance Ingredient

Undecanal

UNDECANAL

3.5

Undecanal is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh citrus note but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Emollient

Undecane

UNDECANE

3.8

Undecane is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps skincare products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Antimicrobial

Undecanoic Acid

UNDECANOIC ACID

4.0

A gentle fatty acid that helps control acne-causing bacteria and fungi without harsh side effects.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantimicrobial
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Film Former

Undecanoic Acid Dimethicones

UNDECANOIC ACID DIMETHICONES

4.0

A gentle silicone derivative that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but may not suit those avoiding all silicones.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Fragrance Ingredient

Undecenal Cyanoacetate

UNDECENAL/CYANO-ACETATIC ACID

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Surfactant

Undeceth-11

UNDECETH-11

3.8

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps products spread and rinse cleanly, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Undeceth-3

UNDECETH-3

4.0

Undeceth-3 is a gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Undeceth-40

UNDECETH-40

3.5

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Undeceth-5

UNDECETH-5

3.5

Undeceth-5 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but it may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Undeceth-5 Carboxylic Acid

UNDECETH-5 CARBOXYLIC ACID

4.0

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing agent
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Surfactant

Undeceth-7

UNDECETH-7

3.5

Undeceth-7 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Undeceth-8

UNDECETH-8

3.5

Undeceth-8 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Undeceth-9

UNDECETH-9

3.8

Undeceth-9 is a workhorse emulsifier that helps products feel smooth and spread evenly, but it can be slightly drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emollient

Undecyl Alcohol

UNDECYL ALCOHOL

3.8

A gentle fatty alcohol that softens skin and improves product texture without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Surfactant

Undecyl Glucoside

Undecyl Glucoside

4.5

A gentle, biodegradable surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
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Surfactant

Undecyl Rhamnoside

Undecyl Rhamnoside

4.3

A mild, sugar-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while respecting the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
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Film Former

Undecylcrylene Dimethicone

UNDECYLCRYLENE DIMETHICONE

4.0

A silicone film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Fragrance Ingredient

Undecylenal

UNDECYLENAL

3.5

Undecylenal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Surfactant

Undecylenamide DEA

Undecylenamide DEA

3.5

Undecylenamide DEA is a synthetic foaming agent that helps cleansers lather and thicken, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Undecylenamide MEA

UNDECYLENAMIDE MEA

3.8

Undecylenamide MEA is a synthetic surfactant and antimicrobial that helps cleanse and control microbes, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Undecylenamidopropyl Betaine

Undecylenamidopropyl Betaine

4.0

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, often used in sensitive-skin and baby formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Surfactant

Undecylenamidopropylamine Oxide

UNDECYLENAMIDOPROPYLAMINE OXIDE

4.0

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that helps create a rich lather and improve product texture without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Undecyleneth-6

UNDECYLENETH-6

3.5

Undecyleneth-6 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but it may be mildly irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Antimicrobial

Undecylenic Acid

UNDECYLENIC ACID

4.0

Undecylenic acid is a gentle antifungal and antimicrobial ingredient that can help manage acne and dandruff, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantimicrobial
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Antimicrobial

Undecylenic Glycerides

UNDECYLENIC GLYCERIDES

4.0

A mild, plant-based ingredient that fights odor-causing bacteria while being kind to sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantimicrobial
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