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

Surfactant

Coceth-3

Coceth-3

3.8

Coceth-3 is a gentle, coconut-derived cleansing ingredient that helps products foam and rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing agent
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Surfactant

Coceth-4 Glucoside

Coceth-4 Glucoside

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived cleansing agent that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Surfactant

Coceth-5

COCETH-5

3.8

A gentle, coconut-derived cleansing agent that helps products foam and rinse clean without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Coceth-6

COCETH-6

3.8

Coceth-6 is a gentle, coconut-derived cleansing agent that helps products foam and rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing agent
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Surfactant

Coceth-7

COCETH-7

3.8

A gentle, coconut-derived cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Surfactant

Coceth-7 Carboxylic Acid

Coceth-7 Carboxylic Acid

4.0

A gentle, coconut-derived cleansing ingredient that effectively removes dirt and oil while being kind to sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Surfactant

Coceth-8

COCETH-8

3.8

Coceth-8 is a gentle cleansing ingredient that helps products foam and rinse clean without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Colorant

Cochineal Extract

CI 75470

3.5

A natural red dye from insects that gives vibrant color but may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
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Surfactant

Coco Glucoside Blend

Palm Kernel/Coco Glucoside

4.5

A gentle, plant-based surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
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Surfactant

Coco Glucoside Crosspolymer

Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Cocoglucoside Crosspolymer

4.3

A mild, plant-based cleansing polymer that helps create a creamy, non-stripping lather — great for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Fragrance Ingredient

Coco Nitriles

Nitriles Coco

3.5

A coconut-derived fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit and may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Surfactant

Coco-Betaine

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

4.5

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that creates rich lather while being far less stripping than traditional sulfates.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emollient

Coco-Caprylate

Coco-Caprylate

4.3

Coco-Caprylate is a gentle, coconut-derived emollient that provides a silky, non-greasy feel, making it a popular silicone alternative in skincare and haircare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Coco-Glycerides Blend

Caprylic/Capric/Coco Glycerides

4.5

A gentle, coconut-derived emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Surfactant

Coco-Hydroxysultaine

Coco-Hydroxysultaine

4.0

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin or scalp.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Coco-Morpholine Oxide

COCO-MORPHOLINE OXIDE

4.0

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that helps create rich foam without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Emollient

Coco-Oleate Estolides

Coco-Oleate Estolides

4.3

A lightweight, plant-based emollient that softens skin without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Coco-Rapeseedate

COCO-RAPESEEDATE

4.3

A mild, plant-based emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Surfactant

Coco-Sultaine

Coco-Sultaine

4.0

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Surfactant

Coco/Oleamidopropyl Betaine

Coco/Oleamidopropyl Betaine

4.2

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that helps create rich lather while being kinder to skin than harsher cleansers.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Surfactant

Coco/Tallow Sulfate Blend

SODIUM COCO/HYDROGENATED TALLOW SULFATE

3.5

An effective but potentially drying cleanser that may irritate sensitive skin; best for normal-to-oily skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Emollient

Cocoa Butter

THEOBROMA CACAO SEED BUTTER

4.3

Cocoa butter is a classic, deeply moisturizing emollient that softens skin and helps protect its barrier, but it can be comedogenic for some people.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Cocoa Butter PEG-8 Esters

Cocoa Butter PEG-8 Esters

4.0

A gentle, water-friendly emollient that delivers cocoa butter's moisturizing benefits in a lighter, less greasy form.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Cocoa Seed Powder

THEOBROMA CACAO SEED POWDER

4.0

A gentle, natural exfoliant and antioxidant that can brighten skin without harshness, but may be messy in formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Cocoa Shell Powder

THEOBROMA CACAO SHELL POWDER

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant with antioxidant potential, best suited for rinse-off scrubs.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antistatic Agent

Cocoalkonium Chloride

Cocoalkonium Chloride

3.5

Cocoalkonium chloride is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability, but it may cause irritation or clog pores in sensitive or acne-prone individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Surfactant

Cocoamphodipropionic Acid

Cocoamphodipropionic Acid

4.0

A gentle, coconut-derived cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Surfactant

Cocoaspartamide Surfactant

SODIUM DIETHYLAMINOPROPYL COCOASPARTAMIDE

4.0

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that effectively cleanses while being kind to sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircarecleanser
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Surfactant

Cocobetainamido Amphopropionate

Cocobetainamido Amphopropionate

4.0

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleans without stripping, making it a solid choice for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Surfactant

Cocobutyramido Hydroxysultaine

Cocobutyramido Hydroxysultaine

4.0

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kinder to sensitive skin than traditional sulfates.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Hair Conditioning Agent

Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Casein

Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Casein

3.8

A gentle conditioning protein that helps hair feel softer and more manageable, but may not suit protein-sensitive hair types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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Surfactant

Cocoglucoside Quaternary

Myristyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride

4.0

A gentle, biodegradable conditioning ingredient that helps hair feel soft and detangled without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Emollient

Cocoglycerides

Cocoglycerides

4.5

A mild, coconut-derived emollient that helps moisturize and soften skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Coconut Alkanes

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

4.5

A gentle, plant-based emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Coconut Flower Extract

Cocos Nucifera Flower 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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Humectant

Coconut Flower Nectar Ferment

Saccharomyces/Coconut Flower Nectar Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and support the skin barrier, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Coconut Flower Sugar

Cocos Nucifera Flower Sugar

4.0

A gentle, natural humectant that helps skin retain moisture, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Coconut Fruit Extract

Cocos Nucifera Fruit/Fruit Juice Extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating extract from coconut fruit that helps soften and soothe skin without the heavy feel of coconut oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantemollient
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Humectant

Coconut Fruit Juice

COCOS NUCIFERA FRUIT JUICE

4.0

Coconut fruit juice is a gentle, hydrating ingredient that provides light moisture and soothing benefits, ideal for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Exfoliant

Coconut Fruit Powder

Cocos Nucifera Fruit Powder

3.8

Coconut fruit powder is a gentle, natural exfoliant that helps buff away dead skin cells without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Emollient

Coconut Oil

Cocos Nucifera Oil

3.8

Coconut oil is a rich emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people, making it best for dry or normal skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Surfactant

Coconut Oil Amides

Coconut Oil Aminoethoxyethanol Amides

3.8

A mild, coconut-derived cleansing agent that helps create a rich lather while being gentler on skin than some traditional sulfates.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Emollient

Coconut Oil Decyl Esters

Coconut Oil Decyl Esters

4.3

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Coconut Oil Ethyl Esters

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil Ethyl Esters

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut oil that softens skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Coconut Oil Ethyl Ferulate Esters

Coconut Oil Ethyl Ferulate Esters

4.0

A gentle, oil-soluble antioxidant that pairs coconut oil's emollience with ferulic acid's protective power, but research on this exact ester is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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