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

Caffeic Acid

CAFFEIC ACID

4.0

Caffeic acid is a gentle antioxidant that helps defend skin against pollution and UV damage, but it's not a replacement for sunscreen or vitamin C.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Caffeine

Caffeine

4.2

Caffeine is a popular skincare ingredient that can temporarily tighten skin and reduce puffiness, but its long-term anti-aging benefits are still being studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Caffeine Benzoate

Caffeine Benzoate

3.8

Caffeine benzoate is a gentle, semi-synthetic form of caffeine that may help reduce puffiness and provide antioxidant protection, but its effects are temporary and best used in targeted treatments.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Caffeine Carboxylic Acid

Caffeine Carboxylic Acid

3.8

A gentler, modified caffeine that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Anti-aging agent

Caffeine Decapeptide-1

Caffeine Carboxyloyl SH-Decapeptide-1

3.8

A hybrid peptide-caffeine ingredient that may help firm skin and fight oxidative stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Caffeine Salicylate

Caffeine Salicylate

3.8

Caffeine Salicylate blends the energizing effects of caffeine with the exfoliating power of salicylic acid, offering a dual-action ingredient for dull or congested skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidantexfoliant
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Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Dipeptide-25 Amide

Caffeoyl Dipeptide-25 Amide

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Caffeoyl Dipeptide-30

Caffeoyl Dipeptide-30

4.0

A promising synthetic peptide with antioxidant benefits, but research is still early and it's not a proven alternative to established antioxidants like vitamin C.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Caffeoyl Heptapeptide-11

Caffeoyl Heptapeptide-11

4.0

A promising peptide-antioxidant hybrid that may help firm skin and fight signs of aging, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-48

Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-48

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-50

CAFFEOYL HEXAPEPTIDE-50

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and reduce fine lines, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-56

Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-56

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-65

Caffeoyl Hexapeptide-65

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Caffeoyl Methoxytryptamine

CAFFEOYL METHOXYTRYPTAMINE

3.8

A lab-made antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Oligopeptide-77

Caffeoyl Oligopeptide-77

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Pentapeptide-20

Caffeoyl Pentapeptide-20

4.0

A promising peptide-antioxidant hybrid that may support collagen and protect skin from environmental damage, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Pentapeptide-27

Caffeoyl Pentapeptide-27

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl Pentapeptide-4

Caffeoyl Pentapeptide-4

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl SH-Decapeptide-23

CAFFEOYL SH-DECAPEPTIDE-23

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl SH-Decapeptide-9

CAFFEOYL SH-DECAPEPTIDE-9

4.0

A peptide ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl SH-Heptapeptide-13

CAFFEOYL SH-HEPTAPEPTIDE-13

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften expression lines, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl SH-Octapeptide-4

Caffeoyl SH-Octapeptide-4

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Caffeoyl SH-Pentapeptide-1

Caffeoyl SH-Pentapeptide-1

4.0

A peptide designed to help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness by supporting collagen production.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Firming agent

Caffeoyl Tripeptide-1

CAFFEOYL TRIPEPTIDE-1

4.0

A peptide-caffeine hybrid that may help firm skin and reduce puffiness, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Caffeoyl Tripeptide-34

Caffeoyl Tripeptide-34

4.0

A peptide ingredient that may help support skin firmness and reduce the look of fine lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Caffeoyl Tripeptide-35

CAFFEOYL TRIPEPTIDE-35

4.0

A promising synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Caffeoyl Tripeptide-7

CAFFEOYL TRIPEPTIDE-7

4.0

A promising synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines and support skin firmness, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Caffeyl Glucoside

Caffeyl Glucoside

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps defend skin from daily damage and may gradually improve brightness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cajaput Fruit Extract

MELALEUCA LEUCADENDRON CAJAPUT FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Cajaput Oil

Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajaput Oil

3.8

Cajaput oil can offer antimicrobial benefits for acne-prone skin, but its potency means it must be used at low concentrations to avoid irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
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Antimicrobial

Cajaputi Extract

Melaleuca cajaputi extract

3.8

Cajaputi extract offers antimicrobial benefits similar to tea tree oil, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantimicrobial
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Antimicrobial

Cajeput Leaf Oil

Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajputi Leaf Oil

3.8

Cajeput leaf oil is a natural essential oil with antimicrobial properties that may help with acne, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and should be used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
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Antioxidant

Cajuput Fruit Extract

MELALEUCA LEUCADENDRON FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Cajuput Leaf Extract

Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajputi Leaf Extract

3.8

A traditional botanical extract with potential soothing and clarifying benefits, but limited modern research and a moderate risk of skin irritation for sensitive types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Calamine

Calamine

4.0

Calamine is a gentle, time-tested ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and absorb excess oil, making it a good choice for sensitive or breakout-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing agent

Calamintha Extract

CALAMINTHA OFFICINALIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with limited but promising research for soothing and antioxidant benefits in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Calamondin Fruit Extract

Citrofortunella Microcarpa Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle citrus fruit extract that may help brighten skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited compared to more established antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Calamondin Fruit Juice

Citrofortunella Microcarpa Fruit Juice

3.8

A natural citrus fruit juice that may offer mild brightening and antioxidant benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its acidity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Calamus Root Extract

Acorus Calamus Root Extract

3.5

Calamus root extract may offer soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but its safety is debated due to potential carcinogenic compounds in some varieties.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Calamus Root Oil

Acorus Calamus Root Oil

3.5

Calamus root oil adds a warm, spicy scent to products but has limited research on skin benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Calamus Root Water

Acorus Calamus Rhizome Water

3.5

A mild botanical water that may offer soothing benefits, but research is limited and some safety concerns exist regarding certain chemotypes.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Calanthe Discolor Extract

Calanthe Discolor Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Absorbent

Calcite

CALCITE

3.5

Calcite is a safe, natural mineral that helps absorb oil and provide gentle texture in powders and scrubs, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaremineral
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Buffering Agent

Calcium Acetate

CALCIUM ACETATE

3.5

Calcium acetate is a safe, low-irritation pH adjuster that helps keep your skincare products stable and gentle on your skin, but it doesn't provide direct skin benefits like hydration or anti-aging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarebuffering agent
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Thickener

Calcium Alginate

CALCIUM ALGINATE

4.0

A gentle, seaweed-derived thickener that can help soothe and calm the skin while improving product texture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarethickener
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Bulking Agent

Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate

CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE

3.5

A safe, non-reactive mineral that improves texture and feel in makeup and skincare, but offers no active skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecosmetic
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Calcium Ascorbate

CALCIUM ASCORBATE

4.2

A gentler, non-acidic form of vitamin C that brightens skin and fights free radicals with minimal irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Calcium Aspartate

CALCIUM ASPARTATE

3.8

Calcium Aspartate is a gentle mineral-amino acid ingredient that may help support skin hydration and barrier function, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
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Viscosity controlling agent

Calcium Behenate

Calcium Behenate

3.5

Calcium Behenate is a safe, non-irritating ingredient that helps give cosmetics a smooth, creamy texture and stable consistency.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecosmetic ingredient
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Preservative

Calcium Benzoate

Calcium Benzoate

3.5

Calcium benzoate is a safe, effective preservative that helps keep products fresh, but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals at high concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative
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Skin conditioning agent

Calcium Beta-Sitosteryl Sulfate

CALCIUM BETA-SITOSTERYL SULFATE

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived lipid that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Abrasive

Calcium Carbonate

Calcium Carbonate

3.5

A safe, natural mineral that works as a gentle scrubber and thickener, but can be too harsh for sensitive skin in high concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecosmetic ingredient
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Film Former

Calcium Caseinate

CALCIUM CASEINATE

3.5

A gentle, milk-derived protein that helps form a protective film on skin, but may not suit those with dairy allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefilm-former
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