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 265
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

Hawthorn Flower Water

Crataegus Oxyacantha Flower Water

3.8

A mild, floral water that may offer soothing and antioxidant benefits, but lacks strong clinical evidence for specific skincare claims.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing Agent

Heather Flower Water

Calluna Vulgaris Flower Water

3.8

A mild, aromatic floral water that may offer soothing and antioxidant benefits, but lacks strong clinical evidence for specific skincare claims.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing Agent

Helichrysum Floral Water

Helichrysum Italicum Flower/Leaf/Stem Water

4.0

A gentle, aromatic hydrosol that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing Agent

Helichrysum Flower Water

Helichrysum Italicum Flower Water

4.0

A mild, aromatic hydrosol that can help calm and soothe the skin while providing a pleasant natural scent.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing Agent

Herbal Complex Extract

CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA/ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS/SALVIA OFFICINALIS/THYMUS VULGARIS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical blend that may help calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress, but individual sensitivity is possible.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Herbal Root & Fruit Complex

Angelica Acutiloba Root/Citrus Aurantium Amara Fruit/Coptis Japonica Root/Forsythia Viridissima Fruit/Gardenia Florida Fruit/Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root/Mentha Arvensis Leaf/Paeonia Lactiflora Root/Platycodon Grandiflorus Root/Rehmannia Glutinosa Root/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

3.8

A multi-herb blend that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on the specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Herbal Root & Rhizome Complex

Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Cnidium Officinale Rhizome Extract, Coptis Chinensis Rhizome Extract, Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract, Phellodendron Chinense Bark Extract

4.0

A traditional herbal blend that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, though individual herb concentrations are unknown.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Herbal Root Complex Extract

Cimicifuga Dahurica Root/Forsythia Virdissima Fruit/Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root/Paeonia Lactiflora Root/Platycodon Grandiflorus Root/Pueraria Lobata Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical blend that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though individual herb concentrations are unlisted.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Hexahydro-Tetramethyl-Epoxy-Methanoazulene

HEXAHYDRO-TETRAMETHYL-EPOXY-METHANOAZULENE

3.8

A synthetic azulene derivative that adds a subtle fragrance and may offer mild soothing benefits, but research is limited and it's best for those without fragrance sensitivities.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrancesoothing
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Soothing Agent

Hirudinea Extract

Hirudinea Extract

3.5

Hirudinea Extract is a novel, natural ingredient with potential soothing benefits, but scientific evidence is limited and it may not be suitable for everyone due to ethical or allergy concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing agent

Hollyhock Flower Water

Althaea Rosea Flower Water

3.8

A mild floral water that may help calm and hydrate skin, but scientific backing is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Honey & Ginseng Root Ferment

Honey/(Panax Ginseng/Rehmannia Glutinosa) Root/Poria Cocos Extract

4.0

A soothing, antioxidant-rich blend of honey and herbal roots that helps calm skin and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

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Soothing agent

Honey Chamomile Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/HONEY/MATRICARIA CHAMOMILLA FLOWER FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help calm and protect skin, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing Agent

Hops Oil

HUMULUS LUPULUS OIL

3.8

Hops oil offers gentle soothing and antioxidant benefits, but its strong scent and potential for skin sensitivity in high concentrations mean it's best used in small amounts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing Agent

Horse Chestnut Flower Water

AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM FLOWER WATER

3.8

A gentle, soothing floral water that may help calm irritated skin and provide mild astringent benefits, but research on its cosmetic efficacy is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing Agent

Horsetail Juice

Equisetum Arvense Juice

3.8

A gentle, silica-rich plant juice that may help soothe skin and support a healthy-looking complexion, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing agent

Houttuynia & Volcanic Ash Ferment

Bacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf Extract/Volcanic Ash Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical-mineral blend that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing agent

Houttuynia Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA LEAF EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical extract that may calm irritation and support a healthy skin barrier, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Aloe Leaf

Hydrolyzed Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, processed aloe ingredient that hydrates and calms skin with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Bottle Gourd Juice

Hydrolyzed Lagenaria Siceraria Fruit Juice

3.8

A gentle, water-soluble extract from bottle gourd that helps hydrate and calm the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Hydrolyzed Mugwort Leaf

Hydrolyzed Artemisia Vulgaris Leaf

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient derived from mugwort that may help calm irritated skin and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing Agent

Hydrolyzed Nettle Leaf Extract

Hydrolyzed Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm irritation and support skin barrier function.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Oats

Hydrolyzed Oats

4.5

Hydrolyzed oats are a gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that soothes, moisturizes, and protects sensitive or irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract

Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract that soothes and hydrates, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Ictasol

Ictasol

3.5

Ictasol is a traditional ingredient used to soothe and draw out impurities, but it has a strong odor and may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Japanese Honeysuckle Extract

LONICERA JAPONICA FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Jeju Volcanic Ferment Complex

Tenacibaculum Jejuense/Oat Bran Extract/Volcanic Ash Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantsoothing
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Soothing Agent

Job's Tears Seed Water

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Water

4.0

A gentle, hydrating botanical water that may help calm irritation and support a balanced skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing Agent

Jojoba Meal Extract

SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) MEAL EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich byproduct of jojoba oil production that helps soothe and condition skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing agent

Juniper Wood Tar

JUNIPERUS OXYCEDRUS WOOD TAR

3.8

A traditional botanical ingredient with antimicrobial and soothing properties, best for oily or blemish-prone skin, but can be irritating for sensitive types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Humectant

Knotted Kelp Extract

ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM EXTRACT

4.0

A nutrient-rich seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, with antioxidant benefits from coastal minerals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantsoothing
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Soothing Agent

Korean Aconite Extract

Aconitum Koreanum Extract

3.5

A traditional plant extract with potential soothing benefits, but limited modern research and a need for cautious formulation due to its alkaloid content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Lactobacillus/Turmeric Ferment Filtrate

Lactobacillus/Turmeric Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented turmeric extract that offers antioxidant protection and soothing benefits with potentially better skin absorption than plain turmeric.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Exfoliant

Lactococcus Ferment Filtrate

LACTOCOCCUS/NONFAT MILK FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, probiotic-derived exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and support a healthy skin barrier without harsh acids.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Soothing Agent

Large-Leaved Linden Flower Water

Tilia Platyphyllos Flower Water

3.8

A mild, fragrant floral water that may help calm sensitive skin, but its benefits are largely anecdotal and not backed by strong clinical evidence.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing Agent

Lavandin Herb Extract

LAVANDULA HYBRIDA HERB EXTRACT

4.0

Lavandin herb extract offers gentle soothing and a pleasant scent, but its benefits are mostly aromatic and calming rather than transformative.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing Agent

Lavender Flower/Leaf/Stem Water

LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM WATER

4.0

Lavender water is a gentle, aromatic hydrosol that can soothe and refresh skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal and it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals due to trace essential oil components.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing agent

Lemon Balm Juice

MELISSA OFFICINALIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM JUICE

4.0

Lemon balm juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm irritated skin and provides mild protection against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing Agent

Lemon Balm Water

Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Water

4.0

A mild, aromatic botanical water that can help calm and refresh the skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal and it may cause sensitivity in rare cases.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Licorice Callus Extract

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A lab-grown licorice extract that helps calm irritation and defend against environmental stress without the variability of field-grown plants.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Soothing Agent

Linden Flower Water

TILIA VULGARIS FLOWER WATER

3.8

A gentle floral water that can soothe and lightly tone the skin, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal and not backed by strong clinical evidence.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Humectant

Lindera Leaf/Twig Water

Lindera Umbellata Leaf/Twig Water

3.8

A gentle, hydrating botanical water that can replace plain water in formulas, offering mild soothing and antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Lotus Flower Water

Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Water

4.0

Lotus flower water is a mild, hydrating botanical water that soothes skin and adds a subtle floral scent, but its benefits beyond basic moisture are not strongly backed by research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Lotus Flower, Leaf & Stem Juice

Nelumbo Nucifera Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice

4.0

A gentle, water-like juice from the lotus plant that hydrates and provides antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or dehydrated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Maca & Sarcodon Root Water

LEPIDIUM MEYENII/SARCODON ASPRATUS ROOT WATER

3.8

A gentle, water-based botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Madonna Lily Callus Ferment

SACCHAROMYCES/LILIUM CANDIDUM CALLUS EXTRACT FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that may help calm and protect skin, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Magnolia Bark Ferment Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/MAGNOLIA OFFICINALIS BARK FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A fermented magnolia bark extract that offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, with fermentation potentially boosting the bioavailability of its active compounds.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Magnolia Sieboldii Extract

Magnolia Sieboldii Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Maitake & Licorice Ferment

Grifola Frondosa / Licorice Root Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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