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

Fermented Astragalus Root Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/ASTRAGALUS MEMBRANACEUS ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented root extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Fermented Bacterial Extract

Bacillus/Flavobacterium Multivorum/Extract/Sodium Carbonate Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A gentle, biotech-derived ferment filtrate that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Fermented Bamboo & Berry Complex

Hydrolyzed Phyllostachys Heterocycla/Charcoal/Papain/Boysenberry Fruit Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A gentle, multi-tasking ferment that combines enzymatic exfoliation with charcoal's clarifying power, but its complex blend makes it hard to predict individual skin reactions.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Bamboo Leaf Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SASA QUELPAERTENSIS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Barley & Yeast Extract

HYDROLYZED ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/HORDEUM VULGARE FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and condition skin without irritation, though its benefits come from a mix of compounds rather than a single active.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantconditioning
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Soothing agent

Fermented Barley Extract

Aspergillus/Saccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate Extract

4.0

A fermented barley extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Barley Lees Complex

ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/BARLEY LEES FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging and it's not a proven miracle worker.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Bean Oil Complex

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/PHASEOLUS ANGULARIS SEED OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented oil extract that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Bean Seed Extract

Lactococcus/Bean Seed Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, probiotic-based ingredient that may help hydrate and calm the skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Berry & Botanical Complex

(CAMELLIA JAPONICA/PRUNUS MUME/SAFFLOWER FLOWER)/(ARONIA ARBUTIFOLIA/BLUEBERRY/CRANBERRY/EUTERPE OLERACEA FRUIT)/CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF/GARCINIA MANGOSTANA PEEL/COFFEE SEED/PROPOLIS/WINE EXTRACT

4.0

A complex blend of fermented botanicals that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm irritation, though individual ingredient concentrations are unknown.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Fermented Berry & Soy Complex

Lactobacillus/Saccharomyces/Blueberry/Rice/Soybean/Vaccinium Myrtillus Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that provides antioxidant benefits and gentle enzymatic exfoliation, ideal for dull or uneven skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Birch Juice

LACTOBACILLUS/BETULA PLATYPHYLLA JAPONICA JUICE FERMENT

3.8

A fermented birch juice ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Borage & Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/BORAGO OFFICINALIS SEED/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that may help soothe and condition skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantskin-conditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Botanical & Deer Antler Complex

Bifida/Cornus Officinalis Fruit/Angelica Acutiloba Root/Deer Antler/Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented multi-ingredient complex that may help calm and condition the skin, but research is limited and individual ingredient effects are not well-studied in this blend.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareferment
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Botanical Bark & Root Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/(CINNAMOMUM CASSIA/MAGNOLIA) BARK/(ALPINIA OFFICINARUM/ANGELICA GIGAS) ROOT FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited to traditional use and lab studies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Botanical Complex

STREPTOMYCES SUBRUTILUS/APRICOT FLOWER EXTRACT/LITHOSPERMUM OFFICINALE ROOT EXTRACT/MAGNOLIA OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT/SPIRODELA POLYRHIZA EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented blend of bacteria and plant extracts that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and mostly based on individual ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fermented Botanical Oil Complex

Pseudozyma Epicola/Soybean Flour/Apricot Kernel Oil/Olive Fruit Oil/Sweet Almond Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil/Licorice Root Extract Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A fermented blend of nourishing oils and licorice root extract that may offer gentle soothing and barrier support, though research on this specific complex is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothingemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Botanical Root Complex

STREPTOCOCCUS THERMOPHILUS/ANGELICA GIGAS ROOT/CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA ROOT/PUERARIA LOBATA ROOT/PUNICA GRANATUM FRUIT/SCHISANDRA CHINENSIS FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented blend of roots and fruits that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited to the individual ingredients rather than this specific complex.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Broccoli Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/LEUCONOSTOC/BROCCOLI EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented broccoli extract that may help calm and protect skin with antioxidants, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Calamus Root Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/ACORUS CALAMUS ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented botanical ingredient that may help calm skin and support a balanced skin microbiome, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Camellia & Soybean Extract

BACILLUS/CAMELLIA JAPONICA SEED/SOYBEAN FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Fermented Camellia Oil Complex

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/CAMELLIA JAPONICA SEED OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented oil complex that may offer gentler hydration and barrier support than plain camellia oil, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Fermented Camellia Oil Extract

Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented oil extract that hydrates and softens skin with low irritation potential, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fermented Camphor Bark Complex

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/CINNAMOMUM CAMPHORA BARK OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but evidence is limited and it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Fermented Canola Seed Oil Complex

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/BRASSICA NAPUS SEED OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented oil complex that may help strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollientskin conditioning
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Antioxidant

Fermented Caragana Root Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/CARAGANA SINICA ROOT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fermented Centella Extract

Lactobacillus/Centella Asiatica Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented Centella extract that may offer enhanced soothing and antioxidant benefits with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Cherry Bark Extract

Saccharomyces/Prunus Yedoensis Bark Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Cherry Yeast Extract

ENDOMYCES/BITTER CHERRY JUICE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that hydrates and supports skin barrier function with antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Fermented Cherry-Soy Complex

Bacillus/Monascus/Prunus Tomentosa Fruit/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical blend that may help soothe and condition skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantskin conditioning
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Chestnut Cupule Extract

Lactobacillus/Chestnut Cupule Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented extract that may help soothe and protect skin while supporting a healthy microbiome.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fermented Chicory Root Extract

Aspergillus/Saccharomyces/Chicory Root Ferment Lees Extract

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help calm skin and support a balanced microbiome, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Chili Fruit Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS FRUIT FERMENT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle fermented extract that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is still early and it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fermented Cica & Swiftlet Nest Complex

ASPERGILLUS/CENTELLA ASIATICA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT/SWIFTLET NEST EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented blend that combines centella asiatica's soothing properties with swiftlet nest's hydrating amino acids, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Citrus & Fruit Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/(CITRUS JUNOS/PRUNUS MUME/PUNICA GRANATUM) FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented fruit blend that may help soothe and brighten skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Citrus & Mushroom Complex

Saccharomyces/Lactobacillus/Mandarin Orange Peel/Phellinus Linteus/Pinus Densiflora Leaf Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Fermented Citrus & Rice Complex

ACETOBACTER/LACTOBACILLUS/(CITRUS JUNOS/PRUNUS MUME/PUNICA GRANATUM) FRUIT/RICE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented blend that supports skin texture and glow through natural acids and antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Fermented Citrus Extract

AUREOBASIDIUM PULLULANS/CITRUS UNSHIU FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle fermented citrus extract that may provide antioxidant support, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Citrus Fruit Extract

BACILLUS/LACTOBACILLUS/PONCIRUS TRIFOLIATA FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, probiotic-derived antioxidant that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Citrus Peel Extract

Citrus Jabara Peel Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented citrus extract that may help brighten and soothe skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Cnidium Root Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/CNIDII RHIZOMA ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fermented Cnidium Root Oil

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/CNIDIUM OFFICINALE ROOT OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical oil that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Cocoa Fruit Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/COCOA FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented cocoa fruit extract that may help support a healthy skin barrier and provide mild antioxidant protection.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Coconut Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/LEUCONOSTOC/COCONUT FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented coconut extract that helps hydrate and support a balanced skin microbiome — great for sensitive or microbiome-conscious routines.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantmicrobiome
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Coffee & Rice Complex

ASPERGILLUS/COFFEE SEED/RICE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented blend of coffee and rice that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantconditioning
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fermented Coptis Root Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/COPTIDIS RHIZOME FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented CoQ10 Complex

HYDROLYZED SACCHAROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/UBIQUINONE FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, fermented form of CoQ10 that may boost antioxidant protection and support skin repair with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Fermented Cordyceps & Lilyturf Root Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/CORDYCEPS MILITARIS/OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical extract that may help soothe and condition skin, but research is still early and benefits are not guaranteed.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareferment
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Coriander Seed Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/CORIANDRUM SATIVUM SEED FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle probiotic ingredient that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Corn Kernel Extract

Capryl Escherichia coli/Corn Kernel Extract/Glucose Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A biotech ferment that may help calm skin and support the barrier, but research is still early and the ingredient is uncommon in consumer products.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Cornelian Cherry Extract

KAZACHSTANIA/CORNUS OFFICINALIS FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented fruit extract that may offer antioxidant benefits and gentle skin soothing, but research on its cosmetic use is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Dandelion Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/DANDELION LEAF/ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Dendropanax Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/DENDROPANAX MORBIFERUS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Dendropax Sap Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/DENDROPANAX MORBIFERUS SAP FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented sap extract that may offer soothing and conditioning benefits, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Duckweed & Volcanic Ash Complex

Bacillus/Spirodela Polyrhiza Extract/Volcanic Ash Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical-mineral blend that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning Agent

Fermented Edelweiss Root Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/GERMINATED LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM ROOT/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical complex that may support skin barrier function and provide antioxidant benefits, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Eel Skin Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/EEL SKIN/BUTYLENE GLYCOL FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A novel fermented ingredient that may offer hydration and skin barrier support, but research is limited and it may not suit strict vegans.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review