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 577
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

Centella Asiatica Callus Extract

CENTELLA ASIATICA CALLUS EXTRACT

4.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from the centella plant that helps calm irritation and supports the skin's natural repair process.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Centella Asiatica Leaf Cell Culture Extract

CENTELLA ASIATICA LEAF CELL CULTURE EXTRACT

4.3

A gentle, lab-grown version of the classic soothing herb Centella asiatica, offering antioxidant and calming benefits with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Centotheca Lappacea Extract

Centotheca Lappacea Extract

3.5

A gentle, plant-based extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Cereus Jamacaru Extract

Cereus Jamacaru Extract

3.8

A gentle cactus extract that may help calm and hydrate the skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Chamazulene

CHAMAZULENE

4.0

Chamazulene is a gentle, blue-hued antioxidant from chamomile that helps calm redness and soothe sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Chamomile Flower Oil

CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA FLOWER OIL

4.3

A gentle, aromatic oil that helps calm irritated skin and adds a pleasant herbal scent to products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Chamomile Flower/Leaf Extract

CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

4.3

Chamomile extract is a gentle, time-tested botanical that helps calm redness and irritation, making it a favorite for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Powder

CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA FLOWER POWDER

4.0

Chamomile flower powder is a gentle, natural ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and reduce redness, but it may not be suitable for those with severe allergies to daisy-family plants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Chicory Leaf Extract

Cichorium Intybus Leaf Extract

3.8

Chicory leaf extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Chondracanthus Teedei Powder

Chondracanthus Teedei Powder

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Chrysanthal

Chrysanthal

4.0

Chrysanthal is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that may help calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Chrysanthemum Zawadskii Water

CHRYSANTHEMUM ZAWADSKII WATER

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich floral water that may help calm irritated skin, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Cnidium Root Water

Cnidium Officinale Root Water

3.8

A gentle, water-based botanical extract with traditional use for soothing skin, though modern research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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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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Soothing agent

Coleus Scutellarioides Extract

COLEUS SCUTELLARIOIDES LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with early evidence of soothing and antioxidant benefits, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Colloidal Oatmeal

Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour

4.5

Colloidal oatmeal is a gentle, well-researched ingredient that soothes dry, itchy, or sensitive skin and helps restore the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Coltsfoot Callus Extract

TUSSILAGO FARFARA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Comfrey Callus Extract

Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Comfrey Root Cell Extract

Symphytum Officinale Root Cell Extract

3.8

Comfrey root cell extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm and condition the skin, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Commiphora Schimperi Gum Extract

COMMIPHORA SCHIMPERI GUM EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Commiphora Wildii Oil

COMMIPHORA WILDII OIL

4.0

A gentle, aromatic oil from a rare tree resin that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Copaiba Balsam Extract

Hymenaea courbaril sap extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived resin extract that helps calm irritation and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Copaiba Balsam Oil

Copaifera Reticulata Balsam Oil

4.0

Copaiba balsam oil is a gentle, plant-derived oil that may help calm redness and provide antioxidant protection, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Copaiba Balsam Resin

COPAIFERA OFFICINALIS RESIN

4.0

Copaiba balsam resin is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm redness and support a balanced complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Copaiba Resin Oil

COPAIFERA OFFICINALIS RESIN OIL

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived oil that helps calm redness and provides antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Copaifera Resin Extract

Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based resin that helps calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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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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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

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

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
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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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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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Soothing Agent

Creeping Bentgrass Extract

Agrostis Stolonifera Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antipruritic Agent

Crotamiton

Crotamiton

3.5

Crotamiton is a synthetic anti-itch ingredient that can help calm irritated skin, but it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Cyanotis Arachnoidea Root Extract

Cyanotis Arachnoidea Root Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Cyclohexanediol Bis-Methylcrotonate

CYCLOHEXANEDIOL BIS-METHYLCROTONATE

4.0

A synthetic soothing ingredient that helps reduce visible redness and stinging, making it a good option for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Cyclohexyl Hydroxybutyramide

Cyclohexyl Hydroxybutyramide

3.8

A synthetic soothing ingredient that helps calm redness and irritation without being greasy or heavy.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

D-Bornyl Isovalerate

D-BORNYL ISOVALERATE

3.8

D-Bornyl Isovalerate is a synthetic ester that provides a mild cooling and soothing sensation, often used to calm irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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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
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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
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Soothing Agent

Dendropanax Stem Sap

DENDROPANAX MORBIFERUS STEM SAP

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived sap with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Desmodium Adscendens Extract

Desmodium Adscendens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Digenea Simplex Extract

Digenea Simplex Extract

3.8

A gentle red algae extract that may help calm irritation and provide light hydration, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Dihydroazulene Isomer

DIDEHYDRO-OCTAHYDRO-7-ISOPROPYL-1,4-DIMETHYLAZULENE

3.8

A synthetic relative of chamomile-derived azulene, this ingredient is used to calm redness and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

4.5

A gentle, plant-derived powerhouse that calms redness, fades dark spots, and supports sensitive skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Dipterocarpus Balsam Extract

Dipterocarpus Turbinatus Balsam Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived resin extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Disodium Glycyrrhizate

Disodium Glycyrrhizate

4.5

A gentle, plant-derived soother that helps calm redness and irritation without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

E. Coli Ferment Filtrate

Escherichia coli/glucose ferment filtrate

3.8

A biotech ferment that may help calm and condition skin, but research is still early and it's not a must-have ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Echeveria Secunda Leaf Extract

Echeveria Secunda Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Echinacin

Echinacea Purpurea Extract

3.8

Echinacin is a gentle plant extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited compared to more studied ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Elm Bark Extract

Ulmus Campestris Bark Extract

4.0

Elm bark extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm irritated skin and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Emiliania Huxleyi Extract

Emiliania Huxleyi Extract

3.8

A gentle, marine-derived 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

Eremanthus Wood Extract

EREMANTHUS ERYTHROPAPPUS WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Ethyl Guaiazulene Sulfonate

ETHYL GUAIAZULENE SULFONATE

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble blue pigment derived from chamomile that helps calm redness and irritation without staining the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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