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

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-16

Ceteareth-16

3.8

Ceteareth-16 is a reliable emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but it may be slightly irritating for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-17

Ceteareth-17

3.5

Ceteareth-17 is a reliable emulsifier that helps keep formulas stable, but it may be less common in modern 'clean' beauty due to its synthetic origin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Ceteareth-18

Ceteareth-18

4.0

Ceteareth-18 is a reliable emulsifier that helps keep your creams and lotions smooth and stable, but it may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-2

Ceteareth-2

4.0

Ceteareth-2 is a gentle emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare, but it may be derived from ethylene oxide, which concerns some consumers.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Surfactant

Ceteareth-2 Phosphate

Ceteareth-2 Phosphate

4.0

A gentle emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and creams, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-20

Ceteareth-20

4.0

A reliable emulsifier that helps your skincare products feel smooth and mix well, but it's synthetic and may be too heavy for very oily skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-22

Ceteareth-22

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-23

Ceteareth-23

4.0

A reliable emulsifier that helps water and oil mix, making creams and lotions stable and smooth.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-24

Ceteareth-24

3.8

Ceteareth-24 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in products, generally considered safe and low-irritation for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-25

Ceteareth-25

4.0

Ceteareth-25 is a reliable emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable lotions and creams, but it may be drying for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Ceteareth-25 Carboxylic Acid

CETEARETH-25 CARBOXYLIC ACID

3.8

A gentle cleansing and emulsifying ingredient that helps blend oil and water in skincare products, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing agentsurfactant
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Surfactant

Ceteareth-27

Ceteareth-27

4.0

Ceteareth-27 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in creams and cleansers, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-28

Ceteareth-28

4.0

Ceteareth-28 is a gentle emulsifier that helps water and oil mix in your skincare, making creams and cleansers smooth and stable without harshness.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-29

Ceteareth-29

4.0

Ceteareth-29 is a gentle, synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-3

Ceteareth-3

4.0

Ceteareth-3 is a reliable emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Surfactant

Ceteareth-30

Ceteareth-30

4.0

Ceteareth-30 is a gentle emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in creams and cleansers, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Ceteareth-33

Ceteareth-33

3.8

Ceteareth-33 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but it can be mildly irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-34

Ceteareth-34

3.8

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps keep your lotions and creams smooth and stable, but may be too heavy for very oily skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-4

Ceteareth-4

3.5

A reliable emulsifier that helps keep your lotions and creams smooth, but may be too heavy for very oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Ceteareth-4 Phosphate

Ceteareth-4 Phosphate

4.0

A gentle emulsifier and surfactant that helps blend oil and water in cleansers and creams, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-40

Ceteareth-40

4.0

Ceteareth-40 is a reliable emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions, but it may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane in its raw form.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-5

Ceteareth-5

4.0

Ceteareth-5 is a gentle emulsifier that helps keep your lotions and creams smooth and stable, but it may contain trace impurities from its manufacturing process.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Ceteareth-5 Phosphate

Ceteareth-5 Phosphate

4.0

A gentle, phosphate-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-50

Ceteareth-50

3.5

Ceteareth-50 is a reliable emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and cleansers, but it may be slightly irritating for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-55

CETEARETH-55

4.0

Ceteareth-55 is a reliable emulsifier that keeps creams and lotions smooth, but it's synthetic and may be a minor concern for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-6

Ceteareth-6

4.0

Ceteareth-6 is a gentle emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in your skincare, but it may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, so look for purified versions.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-6 Olivate

Ceteareth-6 Olivate

4.0

A gentle, olive-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-60

Ceteareth-60

4.0

Ceteareth-60 is a reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, but it may be too rich for very oily or acne-prone skin in high concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-7

Ceteareth-7

4.0

Ceteareth-7 is a gentle emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in skincare products, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-7 Stearate

Ceteareth-7 Stearate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-8

Ceteareth-8

4.0

Ceteareth-8 is a gentle emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in your products, but it may be contaminated with trace levels of 1,4-dioxane, a potential impurity to watch for.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-80

Ceteareth-80

3.8

Ceteareth-80 is a reliable emulsifier that helps products feel smooth, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-9

Ceteareth-9

3.8

Ceteareth-9 is a reliable emulsifier that helps products feel smooth, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin due to its surfactant nature.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Ceteartrimonium Chloride

Ceteartrimonium Chloride

3.8

A gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair, but may cause mild irritation for sensitive scalps.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Emollient

Cetearyl Alcohol

Cetearyl Alcohol

4.5

A safe, non-drying fatty alcohol that makes creams and lotions feel smooth and creamy without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Cetearyl Behenate

Cetearyl Behenate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that makes creams feel silky without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Cetearyl Candelillate

Cetearyl Candelillate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based wax that gives products a smooth, creamy feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Cetearyl Dimethicone

CETEARYL DIMETHICONE

4.0

A gentle silicone that improves product feel and skin softness with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresilicone
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate

CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE

4.2

A lightweight, silky emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, making it a favorite for non-greasy formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emulsifier

Cetearyl Glucoside

Cetearyl Glucoside

4.5

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetearyl Methicone

Cetearyl Methicone

4.0

A gentle silicone that smooths skin and hair without feeling heavy, making it a popular choice for lightweight formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cetearyl Nonanoate

CETEARYL NONANOATE

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Cetearyl Olivate

Cetearyl Olivate

4.5

A gentle, olive-derived emulsifier that stabilizes formulas and softens skin, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emollient

Cetearyl Palmate

Cetearyl Palmate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps moisturizers feel silky without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Cetearyl Palmitate

Cetearyl Palmitate

4.0

A gentle, waxy emollient that helps creams feel silky and spread smoothly without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emulsifier

Cetearyl Phosphate

CETEARYL PHOSPHATE

4.2

A mild emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emollient

Cetearyl Rice Branate

Cetearyl Rice Branate

4.3

A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Cetearyl Stearate

Cetearyl Stearate

4.0

Cetearyl Stearate is a gentle, waxy ingredient that helps creams feel rich and smooth without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollientstabilizer
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Surfactant

Ceteth-1

CETETH-1

3.5

Ceteth-1 is a gentle emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in cleansers and lotions, but it is not a star active ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

Ceteth-10

CETETH-10

4.0

Ceteth-10 is a gentle emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and creams, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Ceteth-10 Phosphate

CETETH-10 PHOSPHATE

4.0

A gentle, phosphate-based emulsifier that helps water and oil mix without stripping the skin, making it a solid choice for mild cleansers and lotions.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteth-10 Stearate

CETETH-10 STEARATE

4.0

Ceteth-10 Stearate is a gentle emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare products with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Ceteth-12

CETETH-12

3.5

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be too heavy for very sensitive or acne-prone skin in high concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ceteth-13

CETETH-13

3.8

Ceteth-13 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in creams and cleansers, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review