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 20,769
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

Antioxidant

Eggplant Fruit Extract

Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract

4.0

Eggplant Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Eggplant Fruit Juice

Solanum Melongena Fruit Juice

3.8

Eggplant fruit juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Eggplant Fruit Powder

Solanum Melongena Fruit Powder

3.8

Eggplant Fruit Powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical ingredient that may help soothe skin and provide mild exfoliation, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Eggplant Root Extract

Solanum Melongena Root Extract

3.8

Eggplant Root Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Film-forming agent

Eggshell Membrane Powder

OVUM SHELL MEMBRANE POWDER

3.8

A natural film-forming ingredient that may temporarily smooth skin and support moisture retention, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefilm-forming agent
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Abrasive

Eggshell Powder

OVUM SHELL POWDER

3.5

Eggshell powder is a natural, gritty ingredient used for gentle physical exfoliation, but its particle size and sharpness can vary, so it may be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Anti-wrinkle agent

Egyptian Scorpion Oligopeptide-1

SR-Egyptian Scorpion Oligopeptide-1

3.8

A synthetic peptide that mimics scorpion venom to temporarily relax facial muscles, offering a milder alternative to neurotoxin injections for smoothing expression lines.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Eicosane

Eicosane

3.5

Eicosane is a safe, lightweight emollient that helps products spread smoothly without feeling greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Anti-inflammatory

Eicosapentaenoic Acid

EICOSAPENTAENOIC ACID

4.0

EPA is a marine-derived omega-3 that helps calm redness, support the skin barrier, and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantanti-inflammatory
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Emollient

Eicosatrienoic Acid

Eicosatrienoic Acid

3.8

Eicosatrienoic Acid is a gentle fatty acid that helps reinforce the skin barrier and improve moisture retention, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Eijitsu

Eijitsu

3.5

Eijitsu is a gentle botanical extract with emerging antioxidant and soothing benefits, but scientific evidence is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Eijitsu Ekisu

Eijitsu Ekisu

3.8

Eijitsu Ekisu is a gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from Japanese apricot that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Einkorn Stem Water

Triticum Monococcum Stem Water

4.0

A gentle, hydrating water from einkorn wheat stems that may help soothe and moisturize skin, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Einkorn Wheat Seed Extract

Triticum Monococcum Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from an ancient wheat that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Eisenia Arborea Extract

Eisenia Arborea Extract

4.0

A gentle seaweed extract that provides antioxidant protection and soothing hydration, ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Elaeocarpus Fruit/Seed Extract

ELAEOCARPUS ANGUSTIFOLIUS FRUIT/SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Anti-aging agent

Elaidoyl Tripeptide-37

Elaidoyl Tripeptide-37

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning Agent

Elastin

ELASTIN

4.0

Elastin is a natural protein that helps skin stay firm and bouncy, but its large molecule size limits deep penetration when applied topically.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Antioxidant

Elderberry Branch Extract

Sambucus Nigra Branch Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Elderberry Bud Extract

Sambucus Nigra Bud Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Elderberry Callus Extract

Sambucus Latipinna Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Elderberry Extract

Sambucus Canadensis Extract

4.0

Elderberry extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Elderberry Fruit Extract

Sambucus Ebulus Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research specific to topical use is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Elderberry Fruit Juice

Sambucus Nigra Fruit Juice

4.0

Elderberry fruit juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Elderberry Phytoplacenta Extract

Sambucus Williamsii Phytoplacenta Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Elderberry Seed Oil

SAMBUCUS NIGRA SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Elderberry Wax

SAMBUCUS NIGRA WAX

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived wax that adds richness and a smooth feel to balms and creams without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Elderflower Juice

Sambucus Nigra Flower Juice

4.0

Elderflower juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical water that soothes and hydrates skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or irritated complexions.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Elderflower Water

SAMBUCUS NIGRA FLOWER WATER

4.0

Elderflower water is a gentle, fragrant hydrosol that can help soothe and lightly tone the skin without stripping moisture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Elephantopus Mollis Leaf Extract

ELEPHANTOPUS MOLLIS LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle plant extract with promising antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare research is very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Eleuthero Callus Extract

Eleutherococcus Seoulensis Callus Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from a rare Eleutherococcus species, showing early promise for soothing and protecting skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Eleuthero Root Bark Extract

Eleutherococcus nodiflorus root bark extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Eleuthero Root Extract

Eleutherococcus Senticosus Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm stressed skin and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin Conditioning

Eleuthero Root Ferment Filtrate

Lactobacillus/Eleuthero Root Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented root extract that soothes and defends skin with antioxidants, but its benefits depend on the fermentation process and overall formula.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Absorbent

Elguea Clay

Elguea Clay

3.8

Elguea Clay is a gentle, mineral-rich clay that helps absorb excess oil and impurities without over-drying, making it a good option for normal to combination skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
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Skin conditioning agent

Elk Antler Cell Lysate

Elk Antler Mesenchymal Cell Lysate

3.0

A novel, biotech-derived ingredient with limited human research; may support skin repair but lacks robust clinical evidence.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Antioxidant

Ellagic Acid

Ellagic Acid

4.0

Ellagic acid is a gentle antioxidant that helps brighten skin and protect against environmental damage, but it is less studied than vitamin C.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Elm Bark Extract

Ulmus Campestris Bark Extract

4.0

Elm bark extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm irritated skin and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Embelia Concinna Leaf Extract

Embelia Concinna Leaf Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Embelia Ribes Fruit Extract

Embelia Ribes Fruit Extract

3.8

A traditional botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but limited modern research on its effectiveness in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Embelia Ribes Root Extract

EMBELIA RIBES ROOT EXTRACT

3.5

A traditional botanical extract with promising antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, but more human skincare studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Embelia Ribes Root Powder

Embelia Ribes Root Powder

3.5

A traditional root powder with promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, but limited modern safety data for cosmetic use.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Emblica Fruit Powder

Emblica Officinalis Fruit Juice Powder

4.3

A potent antioxidant fruit powder that helps brighten skin and fight environmental damage, but its effectiveness depends on formulation and concentration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Emiliania Huxleyi Extract

Emiliania Huxleyi Extract

3.8

A gentle, marine-derived extract that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Emmeisou Ekisu

Emmeisou Ekisu

3.8

A gentle botanical extract from Japanese mugwort that may help calm redness and support skin barrier function, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Emodin

Emodin

3.5

Emodin is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but its use in cosmetics is still emerging and requires caution due to potential irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Emu Oil

EMU OIL

3.8

Emu oil is a rich emollient that helps soften skin and may support a healthy skin barrier, but its sourcing raises ethical and sustainability questions.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Skin conditioning agent

Endo-1,2

ENDO-1,2

3.5

Endo-1,2 is a synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness, but independent research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Endomyces Ferment Filtrate

ENDOMYCES FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented yeast ingredient that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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DNA Repair Enzyme

Endonuclease V

Endonuclease V

3.8

A biotech enzyme that helps skin repair UV-damaged DNA, but its effectiveness in everyday skincare is still being studied.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareactive
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Engelhardtia Leaf Extract

Engelhardtia chrysolepis leaf extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Enkleia Thorelii Root Extract

Enkleia Thorelii Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is very limited — treat it as a nice-to-have rather than a hero ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Entada Phaseoloides Extract

Entada Phaseoloides Bark/Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Enterococcus Faecalis Ferment

ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS

3.5

A probiotic ingredient that may help balance skin bacteria, but research is still early and it's not a proven active for most skin concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaremicrobiome
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Enterococcus Faecium Ferment

ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM

3.5

A probiotic ingredient that may help balance skin bacteria, but research is still early and not all strains are proven safe for topical use.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaremicrobiome
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Enterococcus Faecium Ferment Filtrate

ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM FERMENT FILTRATE

3.5

A probiotic ferment that may help balance the skin's microbiome, but research is still early and not all strains are proven safe for topical use.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaremicrobiome modulator
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