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

Citrus Fruit Ferment Extract

BERGAMOT/GRAPEFRUIT/ORANGE/TANGERINE FRUIT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A fermented citrus blend that offers antioxidant benefits and mild exfoliation, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin conditioner

Citrus Fruit Water Blend

CITRUS UNSHIU/CITRUS RETICULATA/CITRUS IYO FRUIT WATER

3.8

A refreshing, lightly astringent citrus water that adds a natural scent and antioxidant potential, but may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Citrus Hassaku Fruit Extract

CITRUS HASSAKU FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle citrus extract that may help brighten skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Citrus Hassaku Fruit Powder

Citrus Hassaku/Natsudaidai Fruit Powder

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit powder that may help brighten skin and provide mild exfoliation, but research is limited compared to more common citrus extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Citrus Hassaku Juice

CITRUS HASSAKU/NATSUDAIDAI FRUIT JUICE

3.8

A gentle citrus fruit juice that offers mild antioxidant and brightening benefits, but its effects are subtle and not as well-studied as more common vitamin C sources.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Citrus Hystrix Leaf Extract

CITRUS HYSTRIX LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A fragrant botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited research on topical benefits and a moderate risk of skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Citrus Hystrix Leaf Water

CITRUS HYSTRIX LEAF WATER

3.8

A gentle, aromatic botanical water that can add a fresh scent and mild clarifying feel to skincare, but its benefits beyond fragrance are not well-studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning

Citrus Iyo Fruit Water

CITRUS IYO FRUIT WATER

3.5

A gentle, water-like botanical extract that adds light hydration and a subtle fresh feel, but lacks strong scientific backing for specific skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance

Citrus Iyo Oil

CITRUS IYO OIL

3.8

A citrus-scented oil that adds a fresh fragrance to products, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin due to natural limonene content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Exfoliant

Citrus Jabara Peel Powder

Citrus Jabara Peel Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant from a rare citrus fruit that also provides antioxidant benefits, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Humectant

Citrus Jabara Peel Water

CITRUS JABARA PEEL WATER

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water from Japanese Jabara citrus peel that hydrates and helps protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Citrus Keraji Fruit Oil

CITRUS KERAJI FRUIT OIL

3.8

A fragrant citrus oil that adds a fresh scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Citrus Keraji Fruit Water

Citrus Keraji Fruit Water

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit water that hydrates and refreshes without heavy oils, but its benefits are based more on tradition than robust clinical studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Citrus Leaf Extract

Citrus Species Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Citrus Leaf Oil

CITRUS SPECIES LEAF OIL

3.8

Citrus leaf oil adds a fresh scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin and may cause photosensitivity in high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Citrus Madurensis Fruit Juice

CITRUS MADURENSIS FRUIT JUICE

3.8

A gentle fruit juice that may offer mild antioxidant and brightening benefits, but its low concentration in formulas limits impact and it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Citrus Sphaerocarpa Fruit Juice

CITRUS SPHAEROCARPA FRUIT JUICE

3.8

A gentle citrus fruit juice that offers mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Citrus Sunki Seed Oil

CITRUS SUNKI SEED OIL

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from a rare citrus seed that helps moisturize and protect the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Citrus Tamurana Flower Extract

Citrus Tamurana Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract from a rare Japanese citrus that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Citrus Tankan Fruit Extract

CITRUS TANKAN FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich citrus extract that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Citrus Tankan Fruit Water

CITRUS TANKAN FRUIT WATER

3.8

A gentle, water-based citrus extract that offers mild antioxidant benefits and a refreshing feel, but research on its specific skincare effects is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Citrus Tankan Peel Oil

CITRUS TANKAN PEEL OIL

3.8

A fragrant citrus oil with antioxidant potential, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin due to natural aromatic compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Citrus Unshiu Callus Extract

CITRUS UNSHIU CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from satsuma mandarin callus that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Citrus Unshiu Ferment

CITRUS UNSHIU FRUIT/SUCROSE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented mandarin extract that offers mild exfoliation and antioxidant protection, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliantantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Citrus Unshiu Flower Powder

CITRUS UNSHIU FLOWER POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Citrus Unshiu Leaf Extract

Citrus Unshiu Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf extract from satsuma mandarin that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Citrus Unshiu Peel Powder

CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL POWDER

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant from mandarin peel that also provides antioxidant protection, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Citryl Cyclopentanone

CITRYL CYCLOPENTANONE

3.5

Citryl Cyclopentanone is a synthetic scent ingredient that gives products a fresh citrus note, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Civetone

CIVETONE

3.5

Civetone is a synthetic musk-like fragrance ingredient that adds depth to scents but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Cladosiphon Polysaccharide

CLADOSIPHON NOVAE-CALEDONIAE POLYSACCHARIDE

4.0

A gentle, hydrating seaweed-derived ingredient that helps soothe skin and lock in moisture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Clam Pearl Sac Secretion Extract

CLAM PEARL SAC SECRETION EXTRACT

3.5

A natural extract with potential antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Clary Sage Extract

SALVIA SCLAREA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited compared to more studied antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Clary Sage Flower Oil

Salvia Sclarea Flower Oil

4.0

A fragrant essential oil that may help balance oily skin and calm minor irritation, but requires careful dilution to avoid sensitivity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
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Soothing Agent

Clary Sage Hydrosol

Salvia Sclarea Flower/Leaf/Stem Water

4.0

Clary Sage Hydrosol is a mild, aromatic water that can help soothe and balance the skin, but its benefits are largely anecdotal and based on traditional use.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Emollient

Clary Sage Seed Oil

Salvia Sclarea Seed Oil

4.0

Clary Sage Seed Oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps soften and condition skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareoil
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Emollient

Clary Sage Wax

Salvia Sclarea Flower/Leaf/Stem Wax

4.0

A gentle plant wax that adds richness and stability to balms and creams without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Absorbent

Clay Minerals

Kaolin, Illite, Montmorillonite, Bentonite

4.0

Clay minerals are gentle, natural absorbents that help draw out excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
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Antioxidant

Clematis Extract

Clematis Manshurica Extract

3.5

Clematis extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Clematis Flower Extract

Clematis Terniflora Flower Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Clematis Root Extract

Clematis Chinensis Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for soothing skin, though modern research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Clematis Vitalba Extract

Clematis Vitalba Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

Clematis Vitalba Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Clematis Vitalba Leaf Extract

Clematis Vitalba Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Clementine Leaf Cell Extract

Citrus Clementina Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

A gentle plant-based antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Clementine Peel Oil

CITRUS CLEMENTINA PEEL OIL

3.8

Clementine Peel Oil adds a fresh citrus scent to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin and may increase sun sensitivity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Cleome Gynandra Leaf Extract

CLEOME GYNANDRA LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

Cleome Gynandra Leaf Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Cleome Spinosa Flower Extract

CLEOME SPINOSA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Clerodendron Stem Extract

CLERODENDRON TRICHOTOMUM STEM EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Clerodendrum Leaf Extract

CLERODENDRON TRICHOTOMUM LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Clerodendrum Trichotomum Extract

CLERODENDRON TRICHOTOMUM BRANCH/LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A plant extract with promising antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early and benefits are not yet well-established in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antifungal agent

Climbazole

Climbazole

3.8

Climbazole is a well-studied antifungal that helps control dandruff and scalp irritation, but it's not a moisturizer or cure for chronic skin conditions.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantifungal
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Cloflucarban

Cloflucarban

2.5

Cloflucarban is an effective antimicrobial but has raised safety concerns similar to triclosan, leading to restricted use in some regions.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantimicrobial
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Anti-wrinkle agent

Clostridium Botulinum Decapeptide-1

Clostridium Botulinum Decapeptide-1

3.8

A synthetic peptide that mimics the effects of botulinum toxin to soften expression wrinkles, but with milder and temporary results.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Clostridium Histolyticum Collagenase

Clostridium Histolyticum Collagenase

3.0

A potent enzyme that dissolves collagen, used sparingly in skincare for deep exfoliation, but requires caution due to its strength.

Irritation

moderate

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antimicrobial

Clotrimazole

Clotrimazole

3.5

Clotrimazole is a proven antifungal ingredient used in medicated products, not a routine cosmetic ingredient for healthy skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantifungal
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