3.5
A synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but may be drying for sensitive or dry skin types.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient reviewBeauty 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 1,097
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
3.8
A synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but may be drying for sensitive or dry skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps cleanse without stripping, but offers no direct skin benefit beyond formulation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review4.0
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps oil and water mix, commonly found in rinse-off cleansers and shampoos.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, generally well-tolerated but best for rinse-off products.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but offers no direct skin benefit.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and shampoos, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify, generally well-tolerated but not a standout active ingredient.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review4.0
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in cleansers and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, generally considered safe and low-irritation for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps products spread and rinse cleanly, generally well-tolerated but best for rinse-off formulas.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A gentle emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with low irritation potential.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in skincare products; generally considered safe and low-irritation for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
PPG-21 Butyl Ether Phosphate helps mix oil and water in cleansers, but may be drying for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
An effective cleansing agent that helps dissolve makeup and excess oil, but may be drying for sensitive or dry skin types.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review4.0
A gentle, water-soluble emulsifier that helps mix oils and fragrances into clear, lightweight formulas without leaving a greasy feel.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and conditioners, with a low risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in your products, generally well-tolerated but not a standout active ingredient.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers foam and rinse clean, but may be drying for sensitive or dry skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A synthetic cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may be drying for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A synthetic emulsifier that helps products rinse cleanly, but may be drying for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
PPG-3-Laureth-9 is a synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and remove oil, but it may be slightly drying or irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but may be drying for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, generally considered safe at low concentrations.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and makeup removers, with a low risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify oils without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
PPG-34 Phosphate is a mild synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers and makeup removers work effectively without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review4.0
A safe, effective emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in your products, but may be drying for very sensitive or dry skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps blend oil and water in cleansers, with a low risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A synthetic cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A workhorse synthetic emulsifier that helps products rinse clean, but can be drying for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be slightly drying or irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
PPG-4 Laureth-2 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in products, but it can be mildly irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A synthetic emulsifier that helps products spread and rinse cleanly, but may be slightly drying for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review4.0
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps rinse away oil and dirt without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A mild synthetic ingredient that helps cleansers and other products mix oil and water, generally considered safe and low-irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers, but may be slightly drying for very sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and shampoos, generally safe for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, generally considered safe and low-irritation for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be slightly drying or irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A synthetic cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may be drying for sensitive or dry skin types.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A synthetic cleansing agent that effectively removes oil and dirt but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps products rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A synthetic helper ingredient that blends oil and water, generally safe and non-irritating for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be slightly drying for very sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, smooth creams and lotions with low irritation potential.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.5
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be slightly drying or irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review3.8
An effective emulsifier and mild surfactant, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin at higher concentrations.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review