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

Soothing Agent

Centella Asiatica Callus Culture Extract

CENTELLA ASIATICA CALLUS CONDITIONED MEDIA

4.3

A lab-grown version of the popular centella asiatica (cica) that delivers soothing and skin-repairing benefits with high purity and consistency.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Centella Asiatica Callus Extract

CENTELLA ASIATICA CALLUS EXTRACT

4.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from the centella plant that helps calm irritation and supports the skin's natural repair process.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Centella Asiatica Extract

PLANTAGO ASIATICA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.5

A well-researched botanical that calms redness, supports collagen, and strengthens the skin barrier with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Centella Asiatica Leaf Cell Culture Extract

CENTELLA ASIATICA LEAF CELL CULTURE EXTRACT

4.3

A gentle, lab-grown version of the classic soothing herb Centella asiatica, offering antioxidant and calming benefits with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Centella Asiatica Leaf Water

CENTELLA ASIATICA LEAF WATER

4.5

A gentle, hydrating base ingredient that soothes irritation and supports skin barrier health, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Centella Asiatica Powder

CENTELLA ASIATICA LEAF/STEM POWDER

4.0

A gentle, plant-based powder that helps calm irritated skin and supports a healthy skin barrier, but its effectiveness depends on the specific active compounds present.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Centipeda Cunninghamii Extract

CENTIPEDA CUNNINGHAMII LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and product benefits may vary.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Centipede Decapeptide-1

S-Centipede Decapeptide-1

3.8

A lab-made peptide inspired by centipede venom that may help relax facial muscles and reduce the look of fine lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Anti-aging agent

Centipede Oligopeptide-1 Amide

S-Centipede Oligopeptide-1 Amide

3.5

A novel synthetic peptide that may help firm and smooth skin, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Centotheca Lappacea Extract

Centotheca Lappacea Extract

3.5

A gentle, plant-based extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cera Alba

Cera Alba

4.0

Cera Alba is a gentle, natural wax that helps lock in moisture and gives products a smooth, protective texture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Occlusive

Ceramide 1

Ceramide 1

4.5

A skin-identical lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and reduces water loss.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareocclusive
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Skin barrier repair

Ceramide 1 A

Ceramide 1 A

4.5

Ceramide 1 A is a skin-identical lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier, making it a gentle and effective choice for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarelipid
Read ingredient review

Barrier Repair

Ceramide 2

Ceramide 2

4.5

Ceramide 2 is a skin-identical lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier, making it a gentle and effective choice for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarebarrier-repair
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Skin barrier repair

Ceramide 4

Ceramide 4

4.5

Ceramide 4 is a skin-identical lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and helps prevent dryness and irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarelipid
Read ingredient review

Skin barrier repair

Ceramide 5

Ceramide 5

4.5

Ceramide 5 is a skin-identical lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier, making it a gentle and effective choice for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaremoisturizer
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Skin barrier repair

Ceramide 6 II

Ceramide 6 II

4.5

A skin-identical ceramide that strengthens the moisture barrier and reduces water loss, making it a staple for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarelipid
Read ingredient review

Skin barrier repair

Ceramide AG

Ceramide AG

4.5

A potent ceramide that reinforces the skin barrier, reduces water loss, and soothes sensitivity.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarelipid
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Skin barrier repair

Ceramide AP

Ceramide AP

4.5

Ceramide AP is a skin-identical lipid that helps repair the moisture barrier, making it a gentle and effective choice for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarebarrier repair
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Skin barrier repair

Ceramide EOP

Ceramide EOP

4.5

Ceramide EOP is a key skin lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier, making it ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarelipid
Read ingredient review

Skin barrier repair

Ceramide NG

Ceramide NG

4.5

A skin-identical lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and reduces water loss.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarebarrier repair
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Skin barrier repair

Ceramide NG Dilaurate

Ceramide NG Dilaurate

4.5

A synthetic ceramide that mimics skin's natural lipids to strengthen the moisture barrier and reduce water loss.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarebarrier repair
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Skin barrier repair

Ceramide NP

Ceramide NP

4.5

A skin-identical lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and reduces water loss.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarebarrier repair
Read ingredient review

Skin barrier repair

Ceramide NS Copolymer

Ceramide NS/PEG-8/Succinic Acid Copolymer

4.3

A synthetic ceramide that helps strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarebarrier repair
Read ingredient review

Skin Barrier Support

Ceramide NS Dilaurate

Ceramide NS Dilaurate

4.3

A gentle, barrier-strengthening lipid that helps dry or sensitive skin retain moisture without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarelipid
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Ceramide-like Amino Acid Complex

Cetamido Lysinamido Polyaspartic Acid

4.0

A synthetic ingredient that mimics ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarebarrier repair
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Ceramium Kondoi Extract

Ceramium Kondoi Extract

3.8

A gentle red algae extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ceratostigma Willmottianum Flower Extract

CERATOSTIGMA WILLMOTTIANUM FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

A plant extract with promising antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skincare studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin conditioning agent

Cerebrosides

Cerebrosides

4.0

Cerebrosides are skin-identical lipids that help reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture, making them a gentle choice for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Thickener

Ceresin

Ceresin

4.0

Ceresin is a safe, non-irritating wax that gives products a smooth texture and helps lock in moisture.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarethickener
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Humectant

Cereus Hildmannianus Extract

Cereus Hildmannianus Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, with antioxidant benefits to protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Soothing Agent

Cereus Jamacaru Extract

Cereus Jamacaru Extract

3.8

A gentle cactus extract that may help calm and hydrate the skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Texture Enhancer

Ceria Silica Talc

CERIA/SILICA TALC

3.5

A mineral blend that improves powder texture and oil control, but may not suit very dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecosmetic-texturizer
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Emollient

Cerotic Acid

CEROTIC ACID

3.8

A gentle, wax-derived fatty acid that helps soften and smooth skin while reinforcing the moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Cerotyl Dimethicone

Cerotyl Dimethicone

4.0

A gentle silicone that smooths skin and reduces friction without clogging pores, making it a reliable texture enhancer for many formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresilicone
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Cestro Leaf Extract

Cestrum Latifolium Leaf Extract

3.0

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use but very limited modern cosmetic research; may offer soothing and antioxidant benefits but is not a proven powerhouse.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Preservative

Cetalkonium Chloride

CETALKONIUM CHLORIDE

3.5

Cetalkonium chloride is an effective preservative and conditioning agent, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin or eyes.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative
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Antistatic Agent

Cetealkonium Bromide

CETEARALKONIUM BROMIDE

3.5

Cetealkonium bromide is an effective conditioning and antimicrobial ingredient, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and is best used in rinse-off formulas.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Antistatic Agent

Ceteardimonium Chloride

Ceteardimonium Chloride

3.8

Ceteardimonium Chloride is a synthetic conditioning agent that reduces static and softens hair, but it may cause irritation or clog pores in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Emulsifier

Ceteareth-10

Ceteareth-10

4.0

Ceteareth-10 is a gentle emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare, but it may be slightly drying for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Surfactant

Ceteareth-10 Phosphate

Ceteareth-10 Phosphate

4.0

Ceteareth-10 Phosphate is a gentle emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in products, with low irritation potential and good skin compatibility.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

Ceteareth-100

Ceteareth-100

3.8

Ceteareth-100 is a reliable emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions, but it is a PEG compound, which raises mild concerns about potential impurities.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Ceteareth-11

Ceteareth-11

4.0

Ceteareth-11 is a gentle emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Ceteareth-12

Ceteareth-12

3.8

Ceteareth-12 is a reliable emulsifier that helps products feel smooth, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin due to its cleansing nature.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Ceteareth-13

Ceteareth-13

4.0

A reliable emulsifier that keeps your lotions and creams smooth and stable, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Ceteareth-14

Ceteareth-14

3.8

Ceteareth-14 is a reliable emulsifier that keeps creams smooth and stable, but it may be less gentle for very sensitive skin due to its surfactant nature.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Ceteareth-15

Ceteareth-15

4.0

Ceteareth-15 is a safe, widely used emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare, though it may be slightly drying for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review