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

Jewelweed Extract

IMPATIENS CAPENSIS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with traditional use for soothing irritated skin, though modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Jewelweed Leaf Extract

IMPATIENS CAPENSIS LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for calming irritated skin, though scientific evidence is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Job's Tears Ferment Filtrate

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented grain extract that may help calm irritation and support skin hydration, popular in J-Beauty routines.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Juniper Seed Water

Juniperus Communis Seed Water

3.8

A mild, water-based botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Kanzou Ekisu

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract

4.5

Licorice root extract is a gentle, research-backed ingredient that helps calm redness and even out skin tone without harsh side effects.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Kava Kava Root Extract

Piper Methysticum Rhizome/Root Extract

3.8

Kava Kava Root Extract is a gentle botanical that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, but its use in skincare is less common and requires careful sourcing.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Kidachi Aloe Extract

Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract

4.0

Kidachi Aloe Extract is a gentle, hydrating botanical that helps calm irritated skin and provides antioxidant protection, making it a great alternative to Aloe vera for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Kidachi Aloe Ferment

Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Glycerin

4.0

A fermented aloe complex that offers gentle hydration and soothing benefits, though research on the specific blend is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Kokanica Ferula Resin Oil

Ferula Kokanica Resin Oil

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich resin oil from a rare plant, best for soothing sensitive skin, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Kokanica Gum Extract

Ferula Kokanica Gum Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived gum 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

Lactobacillus Caulerpa Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/CAULERPA LENTILLIFERA FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented seaweed extract that helps calm irritation and boost hydration without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agenthumectant
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Exfoliant

Lactobacillus Milk Ferment Powder

LACTOBACILLUS/NONFAT MILK FERMENT POWDER

4.0

A gentle probiotic ferment that helps exfoliate dead skin cells and support a balanced skin barrier without harsh acids.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantsoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Lactobacillus Skeletonema Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/SKELETONEMA FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, fermented algae ingredient that may help calm irritation and support skin's natural defenses, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Lactobacillus/Algae Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/ALGAE EXTRACT FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, fermented algae extract that helps calm and hydrate skin while supporting a healthy skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Lactococcus Ferment Extract

Lactococcus Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, probiotic-derived ingredient that helps calm irritation and supports a healthy skin microbiome.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Lactococcus Ferment Lysate

Lactococcus/Lac Ferment Lysate

4.0

A gentle, probiotic-based ingredient that may help calm irritation and support a healthy skin barrier, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Lavandin Extract

Lavandula Intermedia Extract

3.8

Lavandin extract can offer mild soothing benefits and a pleasant scent, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin due to its natural fragrance compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Lentil Symbiosome Extract

Lens Esculenta Symbiosome Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived lentil extract that may help calm redness and strengthen the skin barrier, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Licorice Root Extract

PERIANDRA DULCIS ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm redness and provides antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Licorice Root Ferment Extract

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root/Sucrose Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.3

A gentle, fermented licorice root extract that helps calm redness and even skin tone without harsh chemicals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Licorice Root Juice

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Juice

4.3

Licorice root juice is a gentle, natural ingredient that helps calm redness and even out skin tone without harsh side effects.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Licorice Root Oil

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Oil

4.0

Licorice root oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps calm irritation and even out skin tone without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Licorice Root Water

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Water

4.0

A gentle, plant-based water that helps calm redness and provides antioxidant protection without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Licorice Sprout Extract

Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Sprout Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from licorice sprouts that helps calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Lily Bulbil Extract

Lilium Bulbiferum Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived ingredient that may help calm irritation and provide light hydration, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Limus

Limus

3.8

Limus is a gentle, seaweed-derived ingredient that may help calm irritated skin and support hydration, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Linden Wood Extract

Tilia Cordata Wood Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Liriope Muscari Extract

Liriope Muscari Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Lithium Gluconate

Lithium Gluconate

3.8

Lithium Gluconate is a gentle, emerging ingredient that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Lotus Root Extract

NYMPHAEA LOTUS ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm irritated skin and provides light hydration without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Luffa Root Extract

Luffa Cylindrica Root Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Lysyl Ornithine

Lysyl Ornithine

3.8

Lysyl Ornithine is a gentle, amino-acid-based ingredient that may help calm irritated skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Madecassic Acid

Madecassic Acid

4.3

Madecassic acid is a soothing, skin-repairing compound from Centella asiatica that helps calm irritation and support the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Madecassoside

MADECASSOSIDE

4.5

A gentle, research-backed soothing ingredient from cica that helps calm redness and support skin repair without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Magnolia Biondii Extract

Magnolia Biondii Bud/Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Magnolia Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/MAGNOLIA OBOVATA FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented magnolia ingredient that may help calm skin and support a healthy microbiome, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Maitake & Chickweed Ferment

Grifola Frondosa Mycelium/Stellaria Alsine Extract Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented botanical blend 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

Mallow Callus Extract

Malva Sylvestris Callus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mallow Extract

Malva Verticillata Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived extract that helps calm irritation and support skin hydration, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mallow Flower & Leaf Extract

MALVA SYLVESTRIS FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived extract that helps calm irritated skin and provides light hydration, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mallow Flower Extract

Malva Officinalis Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm irritation and support skin hydration, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mallow Leaf Extract

MALVA SYLVESTRIS LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

Mallow leaf extract is a gentle, plant-based soother that helps calm redness and support skin hydration without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mallow Leaf Water

MALVA SYLVESTRIS LEAF WATER

4.0

A gentle, hydrating botanical water that helps calm sensitive or irritated skin without stripping moisture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mallow Seed Extract

Malva Sylvestris Seed

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm and hydrate sensitive skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Manna Ash Sap Extract

Fraxinus Ornus Sap Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm and hydrate the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Manuka Leaf Water

Leptospermum Scoparium Branch/Flower/Leaf Water

4.0

A mild, naturally fragrant water from the manuka plant that can help soothe skin and provide antioxidant benefits without the intensity of essential oils.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Marram Root Extract

Ammophila Arenaria Root Extract

3.5

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritated skin, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Marshmallow Callus Extract

Althaea Officinalis Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm irritated skin and support hydration, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Marshmallow Root Extract

Althaea Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract

4.0

Marshmallow root extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and provides light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mastic Gum Water

Pistacia Lentiscus Gum Water

4.0

A gentle, water-based extract from mastic tree resin that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Matrine

MATRINE

4.0

Matrine is a plant-derived alkaloid that helps calm redness and irritation, making it a gentle option for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Mayamaea Permit Extract

MAYAMAEA PERMITIS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle microalgae extract that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Melilot Oil

MELILOTUS OFFICINALIS HERB OIL

3.8

Melilot Oil offers gentle soothing benefits and a pleasant herbal scent, but research on its cosmetic efficacy is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mentha Haplocalyx Extract

MENTHA HAPLOCALIX EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle mint extract that can provide a cooling sensation and mild soothing benefits, but is used more for sensory appeal than potent skincare action.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Cooling agent

Menthol

Menthol

3.5

Menthol provides a cooling, tingling sensation but can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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