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

Coconut Oil MIPA Amides

Coconut Oil MIPA Amides

3.8

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that helps create a rich lather and effectively remove dirt and oil without being overly harsh.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Emulsifier

Coconut Oil PEG-10 Esters

COCONUT OIL PEG-10 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, making cleansers and creams feel smooth without heavy residue.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Coconut Oil PPG-2-PEG-6 Esters

COCONUT OIL PPG-2-PEG-6 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emulsifier derived from coconut oil that helps blend water and oil in formulas without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emollient

Coconut Seed Butter

Cocos Nucifera Seed Butter

4.0

Coconut seed butter is a deeply moisturizing natural emollient, but its moderate comedogenic rating means it may clog pores for some people.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Surfactant

Coconut-Stearoyl Amino Acid Complex

Sodium Cocoyl/Stearoyl (Alanine/Arginine/Asparagine/Aspartic Acid/Glutamic Acid/Glutamine/Glycine/Histidine/Isoleucine/Leucine/Lysine/Phenylalanine/Proline/Serine/Threonine/Tyrosine/Valine)

4.3

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Emollient

Coconut/Palm Kernel Alkanes

COCONUT/PALM KERNEL ALKANES

4.5

A silky, plant-based alternative to silicones that hydrates without greasiness and is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antistatic Agent

Cocotrimonium Methosulfate

Cocotrimonium Methosulfate

4.0

A gentle, coconut-derived conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Surfactant

Cocoyl Argininamide

Cocoyl Argininamide

4.3

A mild, amino-acid based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin or scalp.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Surfactant

Cocoyl Glutamic Acid

Cocoyl Glutamic Acid

4.5

A mild, coconut-derived cleansing agent that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Anti-Aging Agent

Cocoyl Hexapeptide-16

Cocoyl Hexapeptide-16

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Surfactant

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen

4.0

A mild, coconut-derived cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil while leaving skin feeling soft, not tight.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Film Former

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Elastin

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Elastin

3.8

A mild, protein-based conditioning ingredient that temporarily smooths hair and softens skin without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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Surfactant

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Oat Protein

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Oat Protein

4.3

A mild, protein-enriched surfactant that cleanses without stripping, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Conditioning Agent

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Silk

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Silk

4.0

A gentle, silk-derived conditioner that adds softness and shine without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Surfactant

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Soy Protein

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Soy Protein

4.0

A mild, protein-enriched cleansing agent that cleans without stripping, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin and hair.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

4.0

A mild, protein-enriched cleansing ingredient that helps clean without stripping, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin and hair.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Conditioning Agent

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Wool

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Wool

4.0

A gentle, protein-rich conditioner that helps strengthen hair and soften skin without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Surfactant

Cocoyl Methyl Beta-Alanine

Cocoyl Methyl Beta-Alanine

4.3

A gentle, amino-acid-based 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

Cocoyl Methyl Glucamide

Cocoyl Methyl Glucamide

4.5

A gentle, effective cleanser that works well for sensitive or dry skin, offering a creamy lather without stripping moisture.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Anti-aging agent

Cocoyl Pentapeptide-12

Cocoyl Pentapeptide-12

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Anti-aging agent

Cocoyl Pentapeptide-41

Cocoyl Pentapeptide-41

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help improve skin firmness and smooth fine lines, but more independent research is needed.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Anti-aging agent

Cocoyl Pentapeptide-9

Cocoyl Pentapeptide-9

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Surfactant

Cocoyl Proline

Cocoyl Proline

4.5

A mild, coconut-derived amino acid surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Surfactant

Cocoyl Sarcosinamide DEA

Cocoyl Sarcosinamide DEA

3.8

A mild surfactant that helps create rich foam and gently cleanses, but may be too drying for very sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Soothing Agent

Cocoyl Tetrapeptide-4

Cocoyl Tetrapeptide-4

4.0

A gentle peptide that targets redness and uneven tone, best for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Anti-aging agent

Cocoyl Tripeptide-36

Cocoyl Tripeptide-36

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Surfactant

Cocoylcholine Methosulfate

Cocoylcholine Methosulfate

4.0

A gentle, coconut-derived conditioning agent that helps soften and detangle hair without weighing it down.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Cod Liver Oil

GADUS MORRHUA LIVER OIL

4.0

Cod liver oil is a nourishing emollient rich in omega-3s and vitamins that can help soothe dry, rough skin, but its strong scent and potential for oxidation require careful formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Humectant

Codium Tomentosum Powder

Codium Tomentosum Powder

3.8

A gentle seaweed powder that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, but research on its benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Codonopsis Lanceolata Callus Extract

CODONOPSIS LANCEOLATA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Codonopsis Root Extract

Codonopsis Tangshen Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm and protect skin, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Codonopsis Root Powder

CODONOPSIS PILOSULA ROOT POWDER

3.8

A mild, antioxidant-rich root powder that may help soothe and protect skin, but scientific evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Emollient

Coelastrella vacuolata Oil

COELASTRELLA VACUOLATA OIL

3.8

A gentle, algae-derived oil that helps soften skin and provides antioxidant protection, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Coenochloris Signiensis Extract

COENOCHLORIS SIGNIENSIS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich algae extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Coenzyme A

COENZYME A

3.5

Coenzyme A is a gentle antioxidant that supports skin repair, but research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Coffee Arabica Extract

Coffea Arabica Leaf/Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Coffee Chaff Extract

Coffea Arabica/Robusta Chaff Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from coffee husks that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Coffee Extract

Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle antioxidant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may reduce puffiness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Coffee Husk Extract

Coffea Arabica Husk Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from coffee fruit husks that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Coffee Leaf Cell Extract

Coffea Arabica Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Coffee Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters

COFFEA ARABICA SEED OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

3.8

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that combines coffee seed oil with PEG for improved texture and stability.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Coffee Seedcake Extract

Coffea Arabica Seedcake Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from spent coffee grounds that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Cognac Oil

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil

4.2

A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that hydrates and provides antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Cohune Seed Oil

Orbignya Cohune Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy plant oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing Agent

Coix Seed Extract

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract

4.0

Coix Seed Extract is a gentle botanical that may help calm irritation and support a more even skin tone, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Emollient

Coix Seed Oil

COIX LACRYMA-JOBI MA-YUEN BRAN OIL

4.0

Coix Seed Oil is a gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for sensitive or oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Firming Agent

Coleus Barbatus Root Extract

Coleus Barbatus Root Extract

3.8

A plant-derived extract that may help temporarily tighten and firm skin, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Coleus Forskohlii Callus Extract

Coleus Forskohlii Callus Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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