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

Mesua Ferrea Bark/Leaf Oil

MESUA FERREA BARK/LEAF OIL

3.8

A gentle botanical oil with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mesua Ferrea Oil

Mesua Ferrea Bark/Leaf Oil

3.8

Mesua Ferrea Oil is a natural essential oil with antioxidant and soothing potential, but its strong aroma and limited research mean it's best used in low concentrations and patch-tested first.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Methyl Acetylglycyrrhetinoyl Hydroxyprolinate

METHYL ACETYLGLYCYRRHETINOYL HYDROXYPROLINATE

4.0

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that combines soothing properties from licorice root with collagen-supporting amino acids, ideal for sensitive or aging skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Methyl Glycyrrhizate

METHYL GLYCYRRHIZATE

4.3

A gentle, effective anti-inflammatory derived from licorice root that helps calm redness and irritation without harsh side effects.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Methyl Salicylate

Methyl Salicylate

3.5

Methyl salicylate can soothe minor muscle aches and provide a cooling-warming sensation, but it may irritate sensitive skin and should be used cautiously around the face.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Methyl Salicylate Glycyrrhetinate

METHYL SALICYLATE GLYCYRRHETINATE

3.8

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that combines cooling and soothing benefits, best for calming irritated or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Methylsilanol Glycyrrhizinate

METHYLSILANOL GLYCYRRHIZINATE

4.0

A gentle, hybrid ingredient that combines the soothing power of licorice root with the skin-conditioning benefits of silicon, ideal for sensitive or redness-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mimosa Leaf Extract

Mimosa Tenuiflora Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mullein Root Extract

Verbascum Densiflorum Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant support, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Multi-Ferment Okra Seed Extract

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/LACTOCOCCUS/LEUCONOSTOC/SACCHAROMYCES/HYDROLYZED HIBISCUS ESCULENTUS SEED EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help soothe and hydrate skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Murdannia Keisak Extract

Murdannia Keisak Extract

3.5

A gentle plant extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Myrrh Gum Extract

Commiphora erythraea glabrescens gum extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited compared to more studied ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Myrrh Resin Water

COMMIPHORA MYRRHA RESIN WATER

3.8

A gentle, water-based myrrh extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

N-Caproyl Dopamine

N-Caproyl Dopamine

3.8

A novel soothing ingredient that may help calm reactive skin by interacting with skin's own dopamine receptors, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

N-Cyclohexanoyl Tyramine

N-Cyclohexanoyl Tyramine

3.8

A synthetic compound that may help reduce skin sensitivity by calming nerve signals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Naftalan Oil Extract

Naftalan Oil Extract

3.5

Naftalan Oil Extract is a traditional soothing oil with anti-inflammatory potential, but it is a crude oil derivative with limited modern safety data and a strong odor.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Natane Yu

Natane Yu

3.5

Natane Yu is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that may help calm and hydrate the skin, but scientific evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Neem Ferment Filtrate

Melia Azadirachta Conditioned Media/Culture

4.0

A fermented neem ingredient that may help calm and purify skin, but research on this specific form is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Neem Leaf Oil

AZADIRACHTA INDICA LEAF OIL

3.8

Neem leaf oil is a traditional botanical oil that may help calm irritated skin and support a clearer complexion, but its strong scent and potential for irritation mean it's best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Cooling Agent

Neomenthol

NEOMENTHOL

3.8

Neomenthol provides a cooling sensation and mild soothing effect, but can irritate sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Nephthea Columnaris Extract

Nephthea Columnaris Extract

3.8

A gentle marine extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and sustainability is a concern.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Nonanoyl Tryptamine

Nonanoyl Tryptamine

3.5

A synthetic ingredient that aims to soothe skin by mimicking natural calming signals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Nutgrass Root Powder

CYPERUS ROTUNDUS ROOT POWDER

3.8

A gentle, plant-based powder that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Oat Bran

Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran

4.5

Oat bran is a gentle, natural ingredient that soothes and moisturizes the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Oat Bran Extract

Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran Extract

4.3

Oat bran extract is a gentle, natural ingredient that helps calm irritation and support the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Oat Ferment Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/AVENA SATIVA FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.3

A gentle, probiotic-based ingredient that helps calm irritation and strengthen the skin barrier, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Oat Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice

Avena Sativa (Oat) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice

4.0

A gentle, plant-based juice that helps calm irritation and hydrate the skin, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Oat Kernel Flour

Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour

4.5

Oat kernel flour is a gentle, soothing ingredient ideal for sensitive or irritated skin, offering mild exfoliation and moisture retention.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agentexfoliant
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Soothing agent

Oat Leaf/Stem Extract

Avena Sativa (Oat) Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm irritated skin and provides antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Oat Meal Extract

Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal Extract

4.5

Oat meal extract is a gentle, natural ingredient that calms irritation and supports the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Oat Straw Extract

Avena Sativa Straw Extract

4.0

Oat straw extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Odontella Aurita Extract

Odontella Aurita Extract

4.0

A gentle marine extract that helps calm and hydrate the skin, with early research suggesting anti-inflammatory benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Olive Ferment Filtrate

Pseudozyma Epicola/Olive Fruit Oil Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract

OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that helps calm irritation and support skin hydration, ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Ormenis Oil

Ormenis Multicaulis Oil

4.0

Ormenis Oil is a gentle, chamomile-like oil that helps calm redness and irritation, making it a good choice for sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Ostrich Fern Bud Powder

Matteuccia struthiopteris bud powder

3.5

A gentle, plant-based powder 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

Oxalis Triangularis Water

Oxalis Triangularis Water

3.5

A gentle, plant-derived water that may offer mild soothing and antioxidant benefits, but lacks strong clinical evidence.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Palmitoyl Isoleucine

Palmitoyl Isoleucine

4.0

A gentle, synthetic peptide-like ingredient that helps calm skin reactivity and support a more even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Palmitoyl PEA Amino Acids

Palmitoyl PEA Amino Acids

4.0

A gentle, peptide-like ingredient that helps calm skin and reduce the look of redness without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Palmitoyl Potentilla Root Extract

Palmitoyl Potentilla Erecta Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that combines the soothing power of tormentil root with enhanced skin compatibility.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Pantetheine Sulfonate

Pantetheine Sulfonate

4.0

A gentle, vitamin B5-derived ingredient that helps calm irritation and support the skin barrier — a good option for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Pantoea Vagans Ferment Filtrate

PANTOEA VAGANS FERMENT FILTRATE EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, probiotic-based ingredient that may help calm skin and support a balanced microbiome, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Paper Birch Bark Extract

Betula Papyrifera Bark Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Passionflower Water

PASSIFLORA INCARNATA WATER

4.0

A mild, water-based botanical that helps calm and hydrate the skin, ideal for sensitive or irritated complexions.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Peacock Seaweed Extract

Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract

4.0

A gentle seaweed extract that helps calm irritation and support skin hydration, ideal for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Peat Extract

PEAT

3.5

Peat extract is a natural, mineral-rich ingredient with limited research, but early studies suggest it may help soothe and condition the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Peppermint Water

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Flower/Leaf/Stem Water

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water that can refresh and temporarily soothe skin, but its benefits are mostly sensory and mild.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Perilla Leaf Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/PERILLA FRUTESCENS LEAF FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may calm irritation and provide antioxidant benefits, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Perilla Leaf Water

PERILLA OCYMOIDES LEAF WATER

4.0

Perilla leaf water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich hydrosol that can help soothe and protect the skin, though research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Phoenician Juniper Gum Extract

Juniperus Phoenicea Gum Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Phormidium Ferment Filtrate

Phormidium Elemis Lysate Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived microalgae ferment that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Phormium Tenax Leaf Extract

PHORMIUM TENAX LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Phragmites Karka Extract

Phragmites Karka Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Phyllacantha Fibrosa Extract

Phyllacantha Fibrosa Extract

3.8

A gentle marine 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

Physcomitrella Patens Extract

PHYSCOMITRELLA PATENS PROTONEMA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract from moss that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Pichia Anomala Extract

Pichia Anomala Extract

4.0

A gentle yeast extract that may help calm irritation and support a balanced skin microbiome, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Skin Conditioning

Pichia Heedii Extract

Pichia Heedii Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived yeast extract that may help calm skin and support a healthy barrier, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Pichia Minuta Extract

Pichia Minuta Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived yeast extract that may help calm irritated skin and support a healthy skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review