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

Cornflower Extract

CENTAUREA CYANUS FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

Cornflower extract is a gentle, soothing botanical that helps calm redness and provides antioxidant protection, making it a great choice for sensitive or irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Cornflower Floral Water

Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water

4.0

A mild, soothing floral water that can help calm irritated or sensitive skin, but its benefits are subtle and not a substitute for targeted treatments.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Cornmint Extract

Mentha Arvensis Herb Extract

3.8

Cornmint extract offers a gentle cooling sensation and mild soothing benefits, but its fragrance can be a concern for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Cornmint Leaf Extract

Mentha Arvensis Branch/Leaf Extract

4.0

A refreshing botanical extract that can soothe skin but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals due to its natural menthol content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance

Cornmint Leaf Oil

Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil

3.8

Cornmint leaf oil adds a cooling sensation and minty scent but can be irritating for sensitive skin at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Cornmint Leaf/Stem Oil

Mentha Arvensis Leaf/Stem Oil

3.8

Cornmint oil adds a cooling, minty feel to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin if used too strong.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Cornmint Oil

MENTHA ARVENSIS PIPERASCENS HERB OIL

3.5

Cornmint oil adds a cooling tingle and fresh scent to products, but its high menthol content can irritate sensitive or damaged skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing Agent

Cornmint Powder

Mentha Arvensis Powder

3.5

Cornmint powder adds a cooling feel and light minty scent to products, but its high menthol content can irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance component

Cornmint Water

MENTHA ARVENSIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM WATER

3.8

A gentle, minty botanical water that adds a refreshing feel and light scent to products, but offers limited proven skincare benefits beyond sensory appeal.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical water
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Antioxidant

Cornus Officinalis Flower Extract

CORNUS OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Corsican Violet Seed Extract

VIOLA CORSICA SEED EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cortusa Matthioli Extract

Cortusa Matthioli Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-documented in modern skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Corydalis Ambigua Extract

Corydalis Ambigua Bark/Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Corydalis Root Extract

Corydalis Turtschaninovii Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Cosmos Bipinnatus Phytoplacenta Extract

Cosmos Bipinnatus Phytoplacenta Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract from cosmos flowers that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cosmos Sulphureus Extract

Cosmos Sulphureus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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

Costa Rican Dragon Fruit Extract

Hylocereus Costaricensis Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and provide light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Costa Rican Dragon Fruit Juice

HYLOCEREUS COSTARICENSIS FRUIT JUICE

3.8

A gentle, water-like fruit juice that adds hydration and a touch of antioxidants to skincare formulas, but its benefits are mild compared to more concentrated actives.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Costa Rican Dragon Fruit Peel Extract

Hylocereus Costaricensis Peel Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Costmary Leaf Extract

Chrysanthemum Balsamita Leaf Extract

3.8

Costmary leaf extract is a gentle botanical with soothing and antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Costus Root Extract

Costus Speciosus Rhizome/Root Extract

3.8

Costus Root Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Cota Tinctoria Extract

COTA TINCTORIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Cotton Bud Extract

Gossypium Herbaceum Bud Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cotton Callus Culture Extract

Gossypium Herbaceum Callus Culture

3.8

A lab-grown cotton cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cotton Callus Extract

Gossypium Herbaceum Callus Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived 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

Cotton Callus Powder

Gossypium Herbaceum Callus Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Cotton Extract

Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Extract

4.0

Cotton extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps soothe irritation and provides antioxidant protection, making it a great choice for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Cotton Flower Extract

Gossypium Herbaceum Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Cotton Flower Water

Gossypium Herbaceum Flower Water

3.8

A mild, floral water that may help calm sensitive skin, but scientific evidence is limited and benefits are mostly anecdotal.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Cotton Fruit Water

Gossypium Herbaceum Fruit Water

3.8

Cotton Fruit Water is a mild, hydrating botanical water that soothes and refreshes skin, but its benefits are largely anecdotal and not backed by strong clinical research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Cotton Leaf Cell Extract

Gossypium Arboreum Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cotton Leaf Extract

Gossypium Herbaceum Leaf Extract

3.8

Cotton leaf extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Absorbent

Cotton Powder

Gossypium Herbaceum Powder

3.5

Cotton powder is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps absorb oil and improve the feel of powders and masks, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaretexturizer
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Soothing agent

Cotton Root Extract

Gossypium Herbaceum Root Extract

3.5

Cotton root extract is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cotton Seedcake Extract

GOSSYPIUM HERBACEUM SEEDCAKE EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle, plant-based extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cotton Thistle Extract

ONOPORDUM ACANTHIUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived 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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Emollient

Cottonseed Glyceride

COTTONSEED GLYCERIDE

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps moisturize and soften skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing Agent

Couch Grass Root Extract

AGROPYRON REPENS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Coumaramido Ferulamidobutane

Coumaramido Ferulamidobutane

3.8

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and reduce wrinkle depth, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Fragrance Ingredient

Coumarin

COUMARIN

3.5

Coumarin adds a sweet, vanilla-like scent to products but can be a skin sensitizer for some people, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Anti-aging agent

Coumaroyl Dipeptide-3

Coumaroyl Dipeptide-3

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Soothing agent

Coumaroyl Methoxytryptamine

COUMAROYL METHOXYTRYPTAMINE

3.8

A gentle, synthetic molecule that mimics natural skin signals to help calm irritation and support overnight recovery.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Anti-aging agent

Coumaroyl Nonapeptide-29

COUMAROYL NONAPEPTIDE-29

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften expression lines, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Anti-aging agent

Coumaroyl Tripeptide-1

Coumaroyl Tripeptide-1

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but results vary and it works best in a consistent routine.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Anti-aging agent

Coumaroyl Tripeptide-35

Coumaroyl Tripeptide-35

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Cow Blood Clot Extract

Cow Blood Clot Extract

2.0

Cow blood clot extract is a rare, animal-derived ingredient with limited evidence for skin benefits and significant ethical and safety concerns.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareother
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Antioxidant

Cowpea Seed Extract

DOLICHOS UNGUICULATA SEED EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cowslip Extract

PRIMULA VERIS EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Cowslip Flower Extract

Primula Veris Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm and protect the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Cramp Bark Extract

VIBURNUM OPULUS BARK EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with soothing potential, but lacks robust skincare research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Cranberry Fruit Juice

VACCINIUM MICROCARPUM FRUIT JUICE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit juice that helps soothe and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cranberry Fruit Powder

VACCINIUM MACROCARPON FRUIT POWDER

4.0

Cranberry fruit powder offers gentle exfoliation and antioxidant protection, but its benefits are best supported by whole-fruit research rather than isolated powder studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantexfoliant
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