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

Colorant

D&C Yellow 11

CI 47000

3.5

A widely used synthetic yellow dye that adds vibrant color to cosmetics, but some people may experience skin sensitivity.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Dactyliosolen Fragilissimus Extract

Dactyliosolen Fragilissimus Extract

3.8

A marine-derived antioxidant extract with soothing potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Dactylorhiza Fuchsii Extract

DACTYLORHIZA FUCHSII EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Daffodil Flower Extract

Narcissus Pseudonarcissus Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Daffodil Flower Water

NARCISSUS PSEUDO-NARCISSUS FLOWER WATER

3.8

A gentle, lightly fragrant botanical water that adds a subtle floral note and mild soothing feel to skincare, but lacks strong clinical evidence for specific skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical water
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Soothing agent

Daffodil Root Extract

NARCISSUS PSEUDONARCISSUS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract from daffodil roots that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Dahlia Flower Extract

Dahlia Variabilis Flower Extract

3.8

Dahlia Flower Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Daidzein

Daidzein

3.8

Daidzein is a gentle plant antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even complexion, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Daisy & Everlasting Flower Extract

Bellis Perennis Flower/Helichrysum Italicum Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical duo that may help calm redness and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited to lab studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Daisy Flower Extract

Bellis Perennis Flower Extract

4.0

A mild, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but it's not a powerhouse ingredient on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Dalbergia Wood Extract

DALBERGIA LATIFOLIA WOOD EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Dalea Spinosa Seed Oil

DALEA SPINOSA SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and helps protect the skin barrier without feeling greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Damascus Nigella Extract

Nigella Damascena Cotyledon Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited—handle with realistic expectations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Damnacanthus Leaf Extract

DAMNACANTHUS MAJOR BRANCH/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited—think of it as a supportive, not star, ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Damnacanthus Root Extract

Damnacanthus Major Adventitious Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Damson Plum Juice

Prunus Insititia Juice

3.8

Damson Plum Juice is a gentle, fruit-derived humectant that adds light hydration and a touch of natural antioxidant activity to skincare formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Dandelion Callus Extract

Taraxacum Platycarpum Callus Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Dandelion Extract

Taraxacum Platycarpum Extract

4.0

Dandelion Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Dandelion Juice

TARAXACUM OFFICINALE JUICE

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Dandelion Root Extract

Taraxacum Sinicum Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Dandelion Root Powder

Taraxacum Officinale Root Powder

3.8

Dandelion root powder is a gentle botanical ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant benefits, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Daniellia Oliveri Resin Extract

DANIELLIA OLIVERI RESIN EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived resin that may help calm skin and create a light protective layer, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Danshen Root Extract

Salvia Miltiorrhiza Flower/Leaf/Root Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Daphne Genkwa Bud Extract

Daphne Genkwa Bud Extract

3.5

A traditional botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but limited modern research and a known irritation risk for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Daphne Kiusiana Extract

Daphne Kiusiana Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Daphne Odora Callus Extract

Daphne Odora Callus Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Daphnetin

Daphnetin

3.8

Daphnetin is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research in cosmetics is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Daphniphyllum Macropodum Extract

DAPHNIPHYLLUM MACROPODUM 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
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Darutoside

Darutoside

3.5

Darutoside is a gentle, plant-based ingredient with early evidence for calming skin and fighting oxidative stress, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Darwin Tulip Flower Extract

Tulipa Darwin Flower Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Dasiphora Fruticosa Extract

Dasiphora Fruticosa Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Date Fruit Ferment Extract

Lactobacillus/Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, fermented date fruit extract that may help soothe and protect the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Date Fruit Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, probiotic-derived ingredient that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Date Fruit Juice

Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Juice

4.0

A gentle, sugar-rich fruit juice that helps hydrate and protect the skin with natural antioxidants, but offers limited benefits compared to more concentrated actives.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Date Fruit Powder

Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Powder

4.0

A gentle, natural exfoliant that also provides antioxidant benefits, but may feel gritty in some formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Date Palm Leaf Cell Extract

Phoenix Dactylifera Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

DATEM

DIACETYL TARTARIC ACID ESTERS OF MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES

3.0

DATEM is a functional emulsifier that helps stabilize cosmetic formulas, but it offers no direct skin benefit and is rarely a primary ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Soothing agent

Datura Leaf Extract

DATURA STRAMONIUM LEAF EXTRACT

2.0

Datura leaf extract is a traditional botanical with potential soothing properties, but its safety profile is poor due to toxic alkaloids, making it unsuitable for routine skincare.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

David Elm Callus Extract

Ulmus Davidiana Callus Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

David Elm Root Extract

Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Davidson Plum Fruit Extract

Davidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental damage and support a more even tone, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Davilla Rugosa Leaf Extract

Davilla Rugosa Leaf Extract

3.8

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
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Davurica Rose Bud Extract

Rosa Davurica Bud Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Dawn Redwood Leaf Extract

METASEQUOIA GLYPTOSTROBOIDES LEAF 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
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Day Lily & Honey Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/DAY LILY FLOWER/HONEY FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and calm the skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Day Lily Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/DAY LILY FLOWER FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Dayflower Extract

COMMELINA COMMUNIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Daylily Flower Extract

HEMEROCALLIS FULVA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Daylily Leaf/Stem Extract

HEMEROCALLIS SEMPERVIRENS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Surfactant

DEA-Perfluorohexyl Ethylphosphate

DEA-Perfluorohexyl Ethylphosphate

3.5

A synthetic fluorinated ingredient that helps products spread evenly and resist water, but raises environmental persistence concerns.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Fragrance

Decahydro-4,8

DECAHYDRO-4,8

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a woody or amber note, but with limited publicly available safety data.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review