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

Copper Aspartate

Copper Aspartate

3.8

Copper aspartate pairs copper with the amino acid aspartate to support skin's natural repair processes and fight oxidative stress, but it is less studied than copper peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Copper Chlorophyll

Copper Chlorophyll

3.8

Copper chlorophyll is a gentle antioxidant that may help soothe skin and reduce odor, but its benefits are modest and best supported by limited research.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Copper Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/COPPER FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may support skin repair and radiance, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Copper Ferment Lysate

Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment Lysate Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that combines yeast ferment with copper to help defend skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Copper Gluconate

Copper Gluconate

4.0

Copper gluconate is a gentle antioxidant that may support skin repair and collagen production, but evidence is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin conditioning agent

Copper Heptapeptide-14 Pantothenate

COPPER HEPTAPEPTIDE-14 PANTOTHENATE

4.0

A copper-peptide complex that may help support collagen production and skin firmness, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Colorant

Copper Iodide

CUPROUS IODIDE

3.0

Copper iodide is a niche ingredient used for color and preservation, but it has limited skincare benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative
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Antioxidant

Copper Lysinate/Prolinate

Copper Lysinate/Prolinate

4.0

A gentle copper complex that may help support skin repair and fight oxidative stress without the irritation of some other copper forms.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin conditioning agent

Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14

COPPER PALMITOYL HEPTAPEPTIDE-14

4.3

A copper-peptide complex that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Skin conditioning agent

Copper PCA Methylsilanol

COPPER PCA METHYLSILANOL

4.0

A multi-tasking ingredient that combines copper's skin-repairing benefits with silicon's smoothing effects, best for those seeking firmer, more resilient skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin conditioning agent

Copper Peptide Complex

R-(SH-POLYPEPTIDE-92 SH-POLYPEPTIDE-102)

4.0

A synthetic peptide blend that may help support collagen and skin repair, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Antioxidant

Copper Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate

Copper Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate

4.0

A gentle antioxidant complex that pairs copper with vitamin B6 to support skin repair and even tone, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Antimicrobial

Copper Sulfate

COPPER SULFATE

3.5

Copper sulfate is a trace mineral salt that may help with acne and skin repair, but it can be irritating at higher concentrations and is not a must-have ingredient.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantimicrobial
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Skin-conditioning agent

Copper Tetrapeptide-52 Dimer

Copper Tetrapeptide-52 Dimer

4.0

A copper-peptide complex that may help support collagen and skin repair, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Skin-conditioning agent

Copper Tripeptide Complex

R-(SH-POLYPEPTIDE-92 OLIGOPEPTIDE-159 SH-OLIGOPEPTIDE-1)

4.0

A synthetic peptide complex that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but results vary and it works best over months of consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Skin-conditioning agent

Copper Tripeptide-1 Complex

Bis(Tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate

4.5

A well-studied peptide that helps firm skin and reduce fine lines, but results are gradual and best for long-term use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Skin conditioning agent

Copper Tripeptide-34

COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-34

4.3

A copper peptide that helps firm skin and reduce fine lines, but results take time and consistency.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Skin-conditioning agent

Copper Tripeptide-34 HCl

COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-34 HCL

4.0

A synthetic copper peptide that may help support skin firmness and repair, but research is less extensive than for classic copper peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Antimicrobial

Copper Usnate

Copper Usnate

3.8

Copper Usnate is a lichen-derived ingredient with antimicrobial and antioxidant potential, but its use in skincare is limited by moderate irritation risk and emerging research.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantimicrobial
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Antioxidant

Coptis Chinensis Root Extract

Coptis Chinensis Root/Stalk Powder

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental damage, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Exfoliant

Corallina Officinalis Powder

Corallina Officinalis Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant from red seaweed that polishes skin without harsh microbeads, but its benefits beyond texture are not well-studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Cordia Leaf Extract

Cordia Obliqua Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Cordia Leaf Oil

CORDIA CURASSAVICA LEAF OIL

3.8

A gentle botanical oil that adds a natural scent and mild skin-conditioning benefits, but research on its skincare effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Cordycepin

Cordycepin

3.8

A mushroom-derived compound with promising antioxidant and soothing properties, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cordyceps & Ginseng Ferment

Cordyceps Militaris Mycelium/Ginseng Root Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cordyceps & Plum Ferment

CORDYCEPS MILITARIS/PRUNUS MUME FRUIT/SUCROSE FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantskin conditioning
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Antioxidant

Cordyceps & Soybean Ferment

Cordyceps Militaris/Germinated Soybean Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that may help calm and condition skin, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Cordyceps Ferment Filtrate

Saccharomyces/Cordyceps Sinensis Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented mushroom extract that may help calm and condition skin, but human research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Coreopsis Basalis Extract

COREOPSIS BASALIS EXTRACT

3.8

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

Coreopsis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

COREOPSIS TINCTORIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract 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

Coriander Callus Culture Extract

CORIANDRUM SATIVUM CALLUS CULTURE CONDITIONED MEDIA

4.0

A lab-grown coriander extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Coriander Callus Extract

Coriandrum Sativum Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Coriander Fruit Extract

Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Coriander Fruit/Leaf Extract

Coriandrum Sativum Fruit/Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Coriander Herb Oil

Coriandrum Sativum Herb Oil

3.8

Coriander herb oil offers antioxidant benefits and a fresh scent, but its essential oil nature means it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Coriander Seed Oil

Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil

4.0

Coriander seed oil offers antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits, but its strong fragrance and potential for irritation mean it's best for those without sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Coriander Sprout Extract

Coriandrum Sativum Sprout Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant 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

Cork Oak Bark Extract

Quercus Suber Bark Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress without causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Corn Bran Extract

ZEA MAYS BRAN EXTRACT

4.0

Corn Bran Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Corn Bud/Seed Extract

ZEA MAYS BUD/SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Corn Cob Meal

ZEA MAYS COB MEAL

3.8

A gentle, natural physical exfoliant that helps slough off dead skin cells without harsh chemicals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Corn Fruit Extract

ZEA MAYS FRUIT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from corn fruit that helps soothe and protect the skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Corn Germ Extract

ZEA MAYS GERM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps shield skin from daily environmental damage without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Film Former

Corn Gluten Protein

ZEA MAYS GLUTEN PROTEIN

4.0

A gentle plant protein that coats hair and skin to improve moisture retention and strength without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehaircare
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Emollient

Corn Glycerides

CORN GLYCERIDES

4.0

Corn Glycerides are a gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Corn Kernel Meal

ZEA MAYS KERNEL MEAL

3.8

A natural, gentle physical exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells without harsh microbeads, but may feel too gritty for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Emulsifier

Corn Oil Glycereth-8 Esters

CORN OIL GLYCERETH-8 ESTERS

4.0

A mild, corn-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, non-greasy lotions and creams with good skin feel.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Corn Oil PEG-6 Esters

CORN OIL PEG-6 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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Emollient

Corn Oil PEG-8 Esters

CORN OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water while softening skin — generally well-tolerated but processed with PEG, which some prefer to avoid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Corn Oil Unsaponifiables

ZEA MAYS OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that supports the skin barrier and helps lock in moisture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Absorbent

Corn Seed Flour

ZEA MAYS SEED FLOUR

3.8

A gentle, natural absorbent powder that helps control oil and provide a silky texture, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
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Soothing Agent

Corn Stalk Extract

ZEA MAYS (CORN) STALK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Thickener

Corn Starch Acrylate Copolymer

CORN STARCH/ACRYLAMIDE/SODIUM ACRYLATE COPOLYMER

4.0

A gentle, effective thickener that gives products a silky, non-sticky feel while helping to stabilize emulsions.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
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