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

White Rose Callus Extract

Rosa Alba Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

White Rose Floral Water

ROSA ALBA FLOWER WATER

4.0

A gentle, lightly fragrant floral water that can soothe and hydrate skin, but its benefits are mostly from water content and mild aromatic compounds.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

White Rose Flower Extract

Rosa Alba Flower Extract

4.0

White rose flower extract is a mild, antioxidant-rich botanical that can help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

White Rose Leaf Cell Extract

Rosa Alba Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Soothing Agent

White Sweet Clover Extract

MELILOTUS ALBUS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

White Water Lily Extract

NYMPHAEA ALBA FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

A mild botanical extract that may help calm redness and provide antioxidant protection, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

White Water Lily Leaf Cell Extract

NYMPHAEA ALBA LEAF CELL EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

White Water Lily Root Extract

Nymphaea Alba Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

White Willow Flower Extract

Salix Alba Flower Extract

3.8

A mild, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is limited compared to its bark counterpart.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Whitlow Grass Extract

Draba nemorosa Extract

3.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract with limited but promising research for soothing and protecting the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Wichuraiana Rose Stem Extract

ROSA WICHURAIANA STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Wild Bergamot Extract

Monarda fistulosa extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Skin conditioning

Wild Boar Platelet Extract

Wild Boar Platelet Extract

3.0

An exotic, animal-derived ingredient with potential skin-repair benefits but limited human research and ethical concerns.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareactive
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Soothing agent

Wild Cherry Bark Extract

Prunus Virginiana Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited compared to more established ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Wild Geranium Extract

GERANIUM MACULATUM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with soothing and antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Wild Ginger Root Extract

Asarum Sieboldii Rhizome/Root Extract

3.5

A traditional botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and some species contain compounds of concern.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Wild Grape Stem Extract

Vitis Labrusca Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Wild Himalayan Raspberry Root Extract

RUBUS ELLIPTICUS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract from the root of a wild raspberry species, still under early research but promising for soothing and protecting skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing agent

Wild Indigo Root Extract

BAPTISIA TINCTORIA ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

Wild Indigo Root Extract is a gentle botanical with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research in cosmetics is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Wild Lettuce Leaf Extract

Lactuca Scariola Sativa Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for soothing skin, but limited modern research on its cosmetic benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Wild Lettuce Leaf Juice

Lactuca Scariola Sativa Leaf Juice

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived juice that may help calm irritated skin and provide light hydration, but scientific evidence is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Wild Mustard Flower Extract

Sinapis Arvensis Flower Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Wild Pansy Flower Juice

VIOLA TRICOLOR FLOWER JUICE

4.0

A gentle, soothing botanical juice that helps calm irritated skin and provides antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Wild Pansy Flower Water

Viola Tricolor Flower/Leaf/Stem Water

4.0

A mild, plant-derived water that helps calm irritated or sensitive skin, but its benefits are subtle and best for daily soothing rather than dramatic results.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Wild Rice Extract

Zizania Aquatica Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Wild Rice Stem Extract

Zizania Latifolia Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Wild Sarsaparilla Root Extract

Aralia nudicaulis Root Extract

3.5

A gentle plant root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Wild Strawberry Juice

FRAGARIA VESCA JUICE

3.8

Wild strawberry juice offers gentle antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its effects are mild and best as part of a broader formula.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Wild Strawberry Leaf Extract

FRAGARIA VESCA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Exfoliant

Wild Strawberry Seed

Fragaria Vesca Seed

3.8

A gentle natural exfoliant with antioxidant benefits, but research on its skincare effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Wild Strawberry Seed Butter

FRAGARIA VESCA SEED BUTTER

4.0

A gentle, plant-based butter that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Wild Strawberry Seed Oil

FRAGARIA VIRGINIANA SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy seed oil rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E, ideal for normal to dry skin types seeking lightweight hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antimicrobial

Wild Thyme Oil

Thymus Serpillum Oil

3.8

Wild Thyme Oil offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Wild Turmeric Root Oil

CURCUMA AROMATICA ROOT OIL

4.0

Wild turmeric root oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich essential oil that helps calm skin and add a warm, earthy scent to products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Wild Turmeric Root Water

Curcuma Aromatica Root Water

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water from wild turmeric that may help calm skin and provide a subtle glow.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Wild Yam Root Extract

DIOSCOREA PANTHAICA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Exfoliant

Willow Bark Extract

Salix Tetrasperma Bark Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based alternative to salicylic acid that helps exfoliate and calm the skin without harshness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Exfoliant

Willow Bark Ferment Filtrate

Leuconostoc/Salix Alba Bark Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented alternative to salicylic acid that exfoliates while calming the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Willow Leaf Extract

Salix blinii leaf extract

3.8

A gentle willow leaf extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Willowherb Extract

Epilobium Parviflorum Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps calm redness and provides antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Willowherb Leaf Extract

Epilobium Angustifolium Leaf Extract

4.0

Willowherb leaf extract is a gentle botanical that helps calm redness and provides antioxidant protection, making it a good choice for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Wine Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/WINE EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented wine extract that may help brighten and protect skin, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Winged Bean Root Extract

Psophocarpus tetragonolobus root extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Winged Bean Seed Extract

Psophocarpus tetragonolobus seed extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and calm the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Soothing Agent

Winter Grass Extract

CYMBOPOGON WINTERIANUS HERB EXTRACT MODIFIED

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help calm skin, but research is limited and it's often used for its mild scent.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Fragrance

Winter Grass Oil

Cymbopogon Winterianus Herb Oil

3.8

A fragrant essential oil with some antimicrobial benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance component

Winter Savory Hydrosol

SATUREJA MONTANA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM WATER

3.5

A gentle, aromatic botanical water that may offer mild antioxidant and astringent benefits, but lacks robust clinical evidence for specific skincare claims.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical water
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Fragrance

Wintergreen Leaf Oil

Gaultheria procumbens leaf oil

3.5

Wintergreen leaf oil adds a minty scent and may feel cooling, but its high methyl salicylate content can irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Wisteria Leaf Extract

Wisteria Brachybotrys Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Astringent

Witch Hazel Extract

HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA BARK/TWIG EXTRACT

3.8

Witch hazel extract can help tighten pores and calm minor irritation, but alcohol-based versions may dry or irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Astringent

Witch Hazel Flower Water

HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA FLOWER WATER

3.8

A gentle, distilled witch hazel water that can help tone and soothe skin without the high alcohol content of traditional extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareastringent
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Astringent

Witch Hazel Leaf Water

HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA LEAF WATER

3.8

A mild, water-based astringent that can help tone and refresh skin without the harshness of alcohol-based toners.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Astringent

Witch Hazel Water

HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA WATER

3.8

Witch hazel water can help tighten pores and calm minor irritation, but alcohol-free versions are gentler for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareastringent
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Soothing agent

Woad Leaf Powder

Isatis Tinctoria Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it may not be a standout ingredient in most formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Wogonin

Wogonin

3.8

Wogonin is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research in cosmetics is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Wolf Apple Meristem Cell Culture

Solanum Lycocarpum Meristem Cell Culture Conditioned Media

3.8

A plant stem cell ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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