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

Chamomile Leaf Extract

CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm redness and irritation, suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Chamomile Meristem Cell Extract

CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA MERISTEM CELL CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown chamomile extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm irritation, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Powder

CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA FLOWER POWDER

4.0

Chamomile flower powder is a gentle, natural ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and reduce redness, but it may not be suitable for those with severe allergies to daisy-family plants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Champaca Flower Extract

Michelia Champaca Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Champaca Flower Oil

Michelia Champaca Flower Oil

3.8

Champaca Flower Oil adds a luxurious floral scent and mild skin-conditioning benefits, but its fragrance components can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Humectant

Channeled Wrack Extract

Pelvetia Canaliculata Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Chanterelle Mushroom Extract

Chantharellus Cibarius Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom 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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Fragrance

Chaste Tree Leaf Oil

Vitex Agnus Castus Leaf Oil

3.5

Chaste Tree Leaf Oil is a fragrant botanical oil with traditional uses for balancing skin, but its benefits in skincare are not well-studied and it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Emollient

Chasteberry Fruit Oil

Vitex Agnus-Castus Fruit Oil

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant oil that helps soften and soothe skin, but its specific benefits are not yet backed by strong cosmetic research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareplant oil
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Emollient

Chaulmoogra Seed Extract

HYDNOCARPUS ANTHELMINTHICUS SEED EXTRACT

3.5

A traditional seed extract rich in fatty acids, but modern evidence is limited and it may be comedogenic for some skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Chelidonine

CHELIDONINE

2.5

Chelidonine is a plant alkaloid with potential soothing effects, but its use in cosmetics is rare and lacks strong safety data.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Chenopodium Album Flower Extract

CHENOPODIUM ALBUM FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

A plant-based extract with promising antioxidant activity, but research on its specific benefits for skin is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin conditioning agent

Chenopodium Ambrosioides Extract

CHENOPODIUM AMBROSIOIDES LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

A traditional herb extract with potential antimicrobial benefits, but limited modern research and a risk of skin irritation for sensitive types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance component

Chenopodium Ambrosioides Leaf Extract

CHENOPODIUM AMBROSIOIDES LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A traditional herbal extract with limited modern skincare research; may offer antimicrobial benefits but carries a moderate risk of skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Chenopodium Formosanum Grain Extract

CHENOPODIUM FORMOSANUM GRAIN EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich grain extract that may help calm and protect the skin, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Chenopodium Formosanum Seed Extract

CHENOPODIUM FORMOSANUM SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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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Antioxidant

Cherimoya Fruit Extract

ANNONA CHERIMOLA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

Cherimoya Fruit Extract offers gentle antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its cosmetic efficacy is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cherry Bark Extract

Prunus Serrulata Bark Extract

3.8

Cherry bark extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cherry Blossom Extract

PRUNUS SERRULATA BRANCH/LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

Cherry blossom extract is a mild, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Cherry Blossom Flower Water

Prunus Serrulata Flower Water

4.0

A gentle, lightly fragrant floral water that adds a touch of soothing hydration and a pleasant scent to skincare products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Cherry Blossom Leaf Cell Extract

Prunus Serrulata Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cherry Blossom Leaf Extract

PRUNUS CAMPANULATA/YEDOENSIS LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cherry Blossom Phytoplacenta Extract

Prunus Serrulata Phytoplacenta Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Cherry Blossom Water

Prunus Avium Flower Water

3.8

A mild, fragrant floral water that can add a touch of soothing hydration and a pleasant scent to skincare, but its benefits beyond water are not strongly proven.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaretoner
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Antioxidant

Cherry Fruit Extract

Prunus Avium Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and soothes irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Cherry Fruit Water

Prunus Avium Fruit Water

3.8

A gentle, hydrating base ingredient from cherries that offers mild antioxidant benefits and a subtle fruity scent, but lacks strong clinical evidence for dramatic skin changes.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Cherry Leaf Cell Extract

Prunus Cerasus Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cherry Leaf Extract

Prunus Serrulata Leaf Extract

4.0

Cherry leaf extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cherry Leaf Powder

CERASUS YOUKOU LEAF POWDER

3.8

Cherry leaf powder is a gentle botanical ingredient that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and it is best used in rinse-off products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Cherry Plum Flower Extract

Prunus cerasifera flower extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cherry Seed Extract

Prunus Avium Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Cherry Seed Oil

Prunus Cerasus Seed Oil

4.0

Cherry seed oil is a gentle, non-greasy moisturizer rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Cherry Seed Powder

Prunus Avium Seed Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural physical exfoliant that helps smooth skin without harsh microplastics, but may feel too gritty for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Cherry Shell Powder

Prunus Cerasus Shell Powder

3.8

A natural, biodegradable exfoliant that gently polishes skin, but the irregular particle shape can cause micro-tears if used too aggressively.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Cherry Stalk Extract

Prunus Cerasus Stalk Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract 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

Cherry Wood Extract

Prunus Avium Wood Extract

3.8

Cherry Wood Extract offers gentle antioxidant support and a subtle botanical touch, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Chervil Extract

ANTHRISCUS CEREFOLIUM EXTRACT

3.8

Chervil extract is a mild, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Chestnut Bud Extract

Castanea Sativa Bud Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from chestnut buds that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Chestnut Cupule Extract

Castanea Crenata Cupule Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Chestnut Ferment Extract

ASPERGILLUS/CASTANEA CRENATA PELLICLE FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented chestnut extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress while supporting a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Chestnut Flower Extract

Castanea Sativa Flower Extract

4.0

A mild, plant-based ingredient that may help calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Chestnut Pellicle Powder

Castanea Crenata Pellicle Powder

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant powder 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

Chestnut Pericarp Extract

Castanea Sativa Pericarp Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Chestnut Seed Extract

Castanea Sativa Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Chestnut Shell Extract

Castanea Sativa Shell Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from chestnut shells that helps protect skin from environmental stress while soothing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Chestnut Shell Powder

Castanea Crenata Shell Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from chestnut shells that helps polish skin without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Chia Seed Extract

Salvia Hispanica Herb Extract

4.0

Chia Seed Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm and protect the skin, but its benefits are best supported by general plant chemistry rather than extensive human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Chia Seed Oil

Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil

4.0

Chia Seed Oil is a lightweight, non-greasy oil that hydrates and soothes skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Chia Seed Powder

Salvia Hispanica Seed Powder

4.0

Chia seed powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and a boost of hydration, making it a mild choice for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfolianthumectant
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Conditioning Agent

Chicken Embryonic Fibroblast Conditioned Media

CHICKEN EMBRYONIC FIBROBLAST CONDITIONED MEDIA

3.5

A novel biotech ingredient with potential skin-repair benefits, but human research is very limited and its animal-derived origin raises ethical and safety questions.

Irritation

moderate

Source

biotech

beautyskincareactive
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Conditioning Agent

Chicken Germ Cell Conditioned Media

Chicken Pluripotent Primordial Germ Cell Conditioned Media

2.5

An experimental biotech ingredient from chicken stem cells with very limited human research; intriguing but unproven for routine skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarebiotech
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Anti-Aging Agent

Chicken Polypeptide-1

SR-Chicken Polypeptide-1

3.5

A novel peptide from chicken protein that may support skin firmness and repair, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Exfoliant

Chickpea Seed Powder

Cicer Arietinum Seed Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant that can help remove dead skin cells and absorb excess oil without harshness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Soothing Agent

Chicory Leaf Extract

Cichorium Intybus Leaf Extract

3.8

Chicory leaf extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Emollient

Chicory Seed Oil

Cichorium Intybus Seed Oil

4.0

Chicory seed oil is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and condition skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Chimyl Alcohol

Chimyl Alcohol

3.8

Chimyl Alcohol is a gentle emollient that softens and smooths skin, but its sourcing from shark liver raises sustainability concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Chimyl Isostearate

Chimyl Isostearate

4.0

Chimyl Isostearate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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