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

Ethylhexanamide Serinol

Ethylhexanamide Serinol

4.0

A gentle synthetic ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and reduce redness, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Fragrance

Eucalyptus Cinerea Leaf Water

EUCALYPTUS CINEREA LEAF WATER

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water that may offer mild soothing and refreshing benefits, but its effects are largely due to its pleasant scent and water content.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Euphorbia Supina Extract

EUPHORBIA SUPINA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle plant extract with traditional use for soothing skin, but scientific backing is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Adlay & Soybean Complex

Bacillus/Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented extract that may help calm irritation and support skin hydration, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Aloe Ferment

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf / Sucrose Ferment Filtrate

4.3

A gentle, fermented aloe ingredient that boosts hydration and soothes skin with enhanced bioavailability.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Fermented Barley Extract

Aspergillus/Saccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate Extract

4.0

A fermented barley extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Fermented Calamus Root Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/ACORUS CALAMUS ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented botanical ingredient that may help calm skin and support a balanced skin microbiome, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Centella Extract

Lactobacillus/Centella Asiatica Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented Centella extract that may offer enhanced soothing and antioxidant benefits with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Chicory Root Extract

Aspergillus/Saccharomyces/Chicory Root Ferment Lees Extract

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help calm skin and support a balanced microbiome, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Cica & Swiftlet Nest Complex

ASPERGILLUS/CENTELLA ASIATICA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT/SWIFTLET NEST EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented blend that combines centella asiatica's soothing properties with swiftlet nest's hydrating amino acids, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Coptis Root Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/COPTIDIS RHIZOME FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Corn Kernel Extract

Capryl Escherichia coli/Corn Kernel Extract/Glucose Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A biotech ferment that may help calm skin and support the barrier, but research is still early and the ingredient is uncommon in consumer products.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Fermented Dendropax Sap Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/DENDROPANAX MORBIFERUS SAP FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented sap extract that may offer soothing and conditioning benefits, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Fermented Duckweed & Volcanic Ash Complex

Bacillus/Spirodela Polyrhiza Extract/Volcanic Ash Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Fermented Evening Primrose Oil

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/EVENING PRIMROSE FLOWER OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented oil ingredient that may help soothe and nourish the skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Frankincense Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/BOSWELLIA SERRATA GUM FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help calm redness and support skin's natural defenses, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Ginseng Root Complex

Bifidobacterium/Lactobacillus/Streptococcus/Panax Notoginseng Rhizome/Root Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented blend of Panax notoginseng and probiotics that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Gromwell Root Oil

SACCHAROMYCES/LITHOSPERMUM ERYTHRORHIZON ROOT OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Honey & Ashwagandha Complex

Saccharomyces/Honey/Vinegar/Wine/Withania Somnifera Root Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented blend that may help calm skin and support a healthy barrier, but research is limited to ingredient-level studies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Houttuynia & Soybean Complex

Bacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may help calm irritation and support a healthy skin barrier, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Job's Tears Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/COIX LACRYMA-JOBI MA-YUEN SEED/GLUCOSE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical that may help calm irritation and support skin hydration, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Fermented Juniper Fruit Oil

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS FRUIT OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical oil that may help calm and condition the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fermented Korean Mint Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/AGASTACHE RUGOSA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Licorice Root Complex

STREPTOCOCCUS THERMOPHILUS/LACTOBACILLUS/BIFIDOBACTERIUM/LICORICE ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Licorice Root Extract

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract / Ferment

4.0

A fermented licorice root extract that helps calm redness and even out skin tone with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Long Pepper & Burnet Root Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/PIPER LONGUM FRUIT/SANGUISORBA OFFICINALIS ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical extract that may help calm redness and support a healthy skin barrier, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Fermented Lotus Seed Oil Complex

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/NELUMBO NUCIFERA SEED OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may help calm redness and support a healthy skin barrier, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Fermented Meadowfoam Extract

PSEUDOZYMA EPICOLA/MEADOWFOAM SEED OIL FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.3

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Fermented Mushroom & Artemisia Complex

HERICIUM ERINACEUS/LACTOBACILLUS/LEUCONOSTOC/ARTEMISIA CAPILLARIS LEAF/STEM FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented blend of lion's mane mushroom and mugwort that may help calm skin and support a healthy moisture barrier, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Fermented Mushroom Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/GANODERMA LUCIDUM EXTRACT/LENTINUS EDODES EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented mushroom complex that may help calm skin and support a healthy barrier, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Peony Root Oil Complex

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/PAEONIA LACTIFLORA ROOT OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical oil complex that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research on this specific ferment is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Poria Cocos Extract

Saccharomyces/Poria Cocos Sclerotium Ferment Extract

4.0

A fermented mushroom extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Root Oil Complex

Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Oil Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Sea Cucumber Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/CORN/SEA CUCUMBER FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A fermented blend that may help calm irritation and support skin hydration, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Fermented Seaweed & Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/CLADOSIPHON OKAMURANUS/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented blend of seaweed and soybean that may help calm skin and support hydration, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Sericterium Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/SERICTERIUM EXTRACT/SODIUM BICARBONATE FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle fermented extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Silk & Soybean Complex

Bacillus/Silk/Soybean/Tagetes Erecta Flower Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Soybean & Starch Complex

ASPERGILLUS/GLUCOSE/SOYBEAN/STARCH FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fermented Spathularia Extract

Sodium Dacryopinax Spathularia/Glucose Ferment Extract

3.8

A gentle, fermented fungus extract that may help calm skin and provide light hydration, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Fermented Starch Complex

ASPERGILLUS/POTATO STARCH/WHEAT FLOUR FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help soothe and condition the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Stevia Stalk Extract

BACILLUS/LACTOBACILLUS/STEVIA REBAUDIANA STALK EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Sunflower Seed Extract

Pseudozyma Epicola/Sunflower Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, yeast-fermented sunflower oil extract that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Wormwood Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM LEAF EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented botanical that may help calm irritation and support skin barrier function, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Feverfew Flower Extract

Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower Extract

4.0

Feverfew flower extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm skin and reduce visible redness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Feverfew Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice

CHRYSANTHEMUM PARTHENIUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM JUICE

4.0

Feverfew juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Finger Leather Coral Extract

Sinularia flexibilis extract

3.5

A gentle marine extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and sustainability concerns exist.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Frankincense Gum Water

Boswellia Carterii Gum Water

4.0

A gentle, water-based frankincense extract that may help calm redness and provide antioxidant protection without the oiliness of frankincense essential oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Frankincense Resin

Boswellia Frereana Resin

4.0

A gentle, natural resin extract that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Frankincress Resin Extract

Boswellia Papyrifera/Sacra/Serrata Resin Extract

4.0

A gentle, natural resin extract that helps calm irritation and provides antioxidant protection, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Fritillaria Bulb Ferment Extract

CANDIDA ALBICANS/FRITILLARIA VERTICILLATA BULB FERMENT EXTRACT

3.8

A fermented botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and mostly based on traditional use.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Fusidium Coccineum Ferment Filtrate

Fusidium Coccineum Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A gentle, fermentation-derived ingredient that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Galangal Root Water

Alpinia Officinarum Root Water

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water from galangal root that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Galaxaura Rugosa Extract

Galaxaura Rugosa Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Galbanum Gum Extract

FERULA GALBANIFLUA GUM EXTRACT

3.8

Galbanum gum extract is a natural resin with mild soothing and antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Giant Reed Ferment Filtrate

Lactobacillus/Arundinaria Gigantea Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented plant extract that may offer gentle soothing and conditioning, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Giant Reed Stem Extract

Arundo Donax Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Gileadensis Myrrh Oil

COMMIPHORA GILEADENSIS OIL

3.8

A fragrant, soothing oil from the myrrh family that may calm skin but can be irritating for sensitive types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Gileadensis Sap Extract

COMMIPHORA GILEADENSIS SAP EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Glaucine

GLAUCINE

3.5

Glaucine is a plant-derived alkaloid with early evidence of soothing benefits, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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