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

Pichia Pastoris Ferment Filtrate

Pichia Pastoris Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived yeast ferment that helps calm irritation and support the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Picolinamide

Picolinamide

3.5

Picolinamide is a lesser-known relative of niacinamide with potential soothing and brightening benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Pine Leaf Water

Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Water

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water from pine leaves that can add a refreshing feel and subtle soothing effect to skincare products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Pine Resin Extract

Pinus Palustris Resin Extract

4.0

A gentle, natural resin extract that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Pineapple Weed Extract

MATRICARIA DISCOIDEA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM 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

Pitcher Plant Extract

SARRACENIA LEUCOPHYLLA FLOWER/LEAF/SEED/STALK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Plantago Ovata Leaf Extract

PLANTAGO OVATA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Plantain Callus Extract

PLANTAGO MAJOR CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Plantain Leaf Juice

Plantago Lanceolata Juice

3.8

A gentle, plant-based water that may help calm irritated skin and provide light hydration, but scientific evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Plantain Seed Extract

PLANTAGO MAJOR SEED EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Platonin

Platonin

3.8

Platonin is a synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help calm irritation and support skin resilience, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Poinsettia Extract

EUPHORBIA PULCHERRIMA EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Polyglyceryl-3 Sorbityl Glycyrrhetinate

Polyglyceryl-3 Sorbityl Glycyrrhetinate

4.3

A gentle, soothing ingredient derived from licorice root that helps calm redness and irritation while also acting as a mild emulsifier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Poria Cocos Extract

PORIA COCOS SCLEROTIUM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, mushroom-derived extract that helps calm irritation and provides antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Potassium Glycyrrhetinate

Potassium Glycyrrhetinate

4.3

A gentle, licorice-derived ingredient that helps calm redness and irritation without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Potassium Glycyrrhizinate

POTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZINATE

4.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Poulsenia Armata Sap

POULSENIA ARMATA SAP

3.5

A gentle, plant-derived sap that may help calm irritated skin and form a light protective layer, but research is very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Promicromonospora Ferment Filtrate

Promicromonospora Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented bacterial filtrate 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

Propolis Wax

Propolis Cera

4.0

A bee-derived ingredient that helps calm irritation and provides antioxidant protection, but may not suit those with bee product allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Prunasin

Prunasin

3.0

Prunasin is a plant-derived compound with early research suggesting soothing benefits, but it's not widely studied in cosmetics and requires careful sourcing.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract

Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Lysate Extract Filtrate

4.3

A gentle marine probiotic ingredient that calms irritation and strengthens the skin barrier, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Pseudomonas Ferment Extract

PSEUDOMONAS AEROGINOSA CULTURE CONDITIONED MEDIA EXTRACT

3.5

A bacterial ferment extract that may help calm skin and support the barrier, but research is still early and the ingredient name can sound alarming.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Purple Pitcher Plant Extract

SARRACENIA PURPUREA FLOWER/LEAF/SEED/STALK EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Purslane Juice

Portulaca Oleracea Juice

4.2

Purslane juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm irritated skin and supports a healthy moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Pyricarbate

Pyricarbate

3.8

A gentle, vitamin B6-inspired ingredient that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Pyridoxine Dicaprylate

Pyridoxine Dicaprylate

4.0

A gentle, oil-friendly form of vitamin B6 that helps calm skin and support a healthy barrier without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Pyridoxine Glycyrrhetinate

Pyridoxine Glycyrrhetinate

4.0

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that pairs vitamin B6 with a licorice root compound to help calm redness and support skin comfort.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Pyridoxine Serinate

Pyridoxine Serinate

3.8

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that combines vitamin B6 with serine to help calm irritation and support a healthy skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Pyroligneous Acid Extract

PYROLIGNEOUS ACIDS EXTRACTS

3.8

A natural wood-derived extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Quinoa Seed Extract

Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract

4.0

Quinoa Seed Extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps soothe and hydrate the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Quinoa Seedcake Extract

Chenopodium Quinoa Seedcake Extract

4.0

Quinoa Seedcake Extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm and condition the skin, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Ransou Extract

RANSOU EKISU

3.8

Ransou Extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm and hydrate the skin, though scientific research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Red Algae Ferment Filtrate

PORPHYRIDIUM CRUENTUM CULTURE CONDITIONED MEDIA

4.0

A gentle, fermented red algae ingredient that supports skin hydration and calmness without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Rehmannia Root Ferment Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Rissoella Extract

Rissoella Verruculosa Extract

3.8

A gentle, hydrating algae extract that may help calm skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Rosa Rugosa Flower Oil

Rosa Rugosa Flower Oil

4.0

A gentle, fragrant flower oil that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant benefits, but its primary role in many products is scent.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Rye Phytoplacenta Extract

SECALE CEREALE PHYTOPLACENTA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm and condition the skin, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Safflower Ferment Extract

Pseudozyma Epicola/Safflower Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps calm irritation and supports a healthy skin barrier, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Saisin Ekisu

Saisin Ekisu

3.5

Saisin Ekisu is a gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Salinicoccus Lysate Filtrate

Salinicoccus Lysate Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Salsola Komarovii Extract

Salsola Komarovii Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Saposhnikovia Root Extract

SAPOSHNIKOVIA DIVARICATA ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sargassum Filipendula Extract

SARGASSUM FILIPENDULA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle seaweed extract that helps calm and hydrate the skin, with antioxidant benefits from its natural mineral content.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sargassum Seaweed Extract

Sargassum Vulgare Extract

3.8

A gentle, mineral-rich seaweed extract that helps soothe and hydrate the skin, but its benefits are backed by limited human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sarsasapogenin

SARSASAPOGENIN

3.5

Sarsasapogenin is a plant-based compound that may help calm skin and support the skin barrier, but research is still early and it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Sasa Kurilensis Water

Sasa Kurilensis Water

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich bamboo water that soothes skin and provides light hydration, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Saururus Chinensis Root Extract

SAURURUS CHINENSIS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant root extract with early evidence of soothing and antioxidant benefits, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Saussurea Lappa Root Powder

SAUSSUREA LAPPA ROOT POWDER

3.8

A traditional botanical root powder with soothing potential, but limited modern research and a moderate risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Schizophyllum Commune Extract

SCHIZOPHYLLUM COMMUNE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle mushroom-derived ingredient that helps calm skin and support moisture, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Schizophyllum Commune Ferment Filtrate

SCHIZOPHYLLUM COMMUNE MYCELIUM/RICE FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Scordinine

Scordinine

3.5

Scordinine is a plant alkaloid with emerging research suggesting mild soothing benefits, but it is not widely studied in cosmetic formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Scurvy Grass Extract

COCHLEARIA OFFICINALIS FLOWER/LEAF/STALK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Sea Mayweed Extract

Tripleurospermum maritimum extract

4.0

A gentle, chamomile-relative 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

Sea Salt Ferment Extract

Pichia/Sea Salt Ferment Lysate Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Sea Whip Extract

Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Sea Wrack Extract

ZOSTERA MARINA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle marine extract that helps calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Seaweed Callus Extract

ZOSTERA MARINA CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown seaweed extract that may help calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review