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

Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Olive & Soybean Complex

Pseudozyma Epicola/Olive Fruit Oil/Soybean Flour Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help soften and condition skin while providing antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Olive Leaf Complex

KLUYVEROMYCES/SACCHAROMYCES/OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented ingredient that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Olive Leaf Extract

AUREOBASIDIUM PULLULANS/OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Fermented Olive Oil Complex

PSEUDOZYMA TSUKUBAENSIS/OLIVE OIL/GLYCERIN/SOY PROTEIN FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, fermented oil complex that helps soften and condition skin while supporting a healthy moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollientconditioning
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Antioxidant

Fermented Orange Fruit Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/LEUCONOSTOC/ORANGE FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle probiotic ferment that may help balance skin microbiome and provide mild antioxidant support.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Orange Peel Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS PEEL EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle fermented orange peel extract that may provide antioxidant support and skin conditioning, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Orchid & Rice Bran Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/VANDA COERULEA CALLUS/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical complex that may support skin radiance and antioxidant defense, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Fermented Papaya Enzyme Complex

ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS/AMYLASE/GLUCOSE/PAPAYA FRUIT/PROTEASE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, probiotic-fermented enzyme complex that helps soften and brighten skin without harsh scrubbing.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Emollient

Fermented Peach Kernel Oil

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/PEACH KERNEL FERMENT OIL FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented oil that moisturizes and supports the skin barrier with antioxidant properties, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Fermented Peony & Rice Bran Complex

Monascus/Paeonia Suffruticosa Flower/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fermented Peony Root Oil Complex

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/PAEONIA LACTIFLORA ROOT OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical oil complex that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research on this specific ferment is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Perilla & Rice Bran Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/PERILLA OCYMOIDES SPROUT/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented blend of perilla sprout and rice bran that may offer antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits, though human research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Persimmon & Soybean Extract

Bacillus/Diospyros Kaki Leaf/Soybean Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Persimmon Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/PERSIMMON FRUIT JUICE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented fruit extract that offers antioxidant benefits and mild exfoliation, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Phallus & Polygonum Complex

Phallus Indusiatus Mycelium/Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A novel fermented botanical complex with promising antioxidant potential, but human skin research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Pine Leaf Complex

Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Pinus Densiflora Leaf Oil Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical ingredient that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin-conditioning agent

Fermented Pine Nut Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/PINUS KORAIENSIS SEED EXTRACT FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical that may support skin barrier function and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantskin-conditioning
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Emollient

Fermented Pine Nut Oil Complex

Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Pinus Koraiensis Seed Oil Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented oil complex that may help soften and condition skin while supporting a balanced microbiome.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Fermented Pineapple Complex

Saccharomyces/Pineapple Fruit/Sucrose Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that lightly exfoliates and hydrates, ideal for dull or uneven skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfolianthumectant
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Antioxidant

Fermented Pistachio & Soy Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/PISTACIA VERA FRUIT/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant benefits and gentle skin conditioning, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Plum Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/ASPERGILLUS/PRUNUS MUME FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented plum extract that may help brighten and soothe skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Plum Extract

Saccharomyces/Prunus Mume Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented fruit extract that may help hydrate and protect the skin, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidanthumectant
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Skin Conditioning

Fermented Plum Fruit Extract

Lactobacillus/Prunus Mume Fruit Extract Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented plum extract that may help brighten and soothe skin while providing antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Plum Seed Extract

ASPERGILLUS/HYDROLYZED PRUNUS MUME SEED FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fermented Plumeria Flower Oil

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/PLUMERIA ALBA FLOWER OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical oil that may help calm irritation and support a healthy skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Pomegranate & Rice Bran Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/PUNICA GRANATUM FRUIT/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Pomegranate & Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/PUNICA GRANATUM FRUIT/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that delivers antioxidants and amino acids to support skin health, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantskin conditioning
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Poria Cocos Extract

Saccharomyces/Poria Cocos Sclerotium Ferment Extract

4.0

A fermented mushroom extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Prickly Pear Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA EXTRACT FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help hydrate and protect skin, but research is still limited compared to more established antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Probiotic Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/STREPTOCOCCUS THERMOPHILUS/BIFIDA/YELLOW OCHER FERMENT LYSATE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented probiotic complex that may help strengthen the skin barrier and support a balanced microbiome, though individual results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaremicrobiome
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Skin conditioner

Fermented Pueraria & Rice Bran Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/PUERARIA MIRIFICA ROOT/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented botanical blend that may support skin hydration and antioxidant defense, but research is limited to traditional use and lab studies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareskin conditioning
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Soothing agent

Fermented Purslane Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/PORTULACA OLERACEA 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
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Rapeseed Extract

Hydrolyzed Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Rapeseed Acid Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that may help soften and condition skin with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin Conditioning

Fermented Rapeseed Oil Extract

MONASCUS/BRASSICA NAPUS SEED OIL FERMENT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Rapeseed Radish Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/RAPESEED LEAF/RADISH ROOT/FRUCTOSE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical complex that supports skin hydration and a balanced microbiome, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Red Algae Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/LACTOCOCCUS/CHONDRUS OCELLATUS FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle fermented algae ingredient that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Red Algae Filtrate

Lactobacillus/Chondrus Ocellatus Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented algae ingredient that hydrates and soothes skin with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Red Pepper Extract

Saccharomyces/Capsicum Annuum Fruit Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented red pepper extract that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it may not suit very sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Rehmannia Root Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, 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

Antioxidant

Fermented Rhubarb Root Extract

ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM/RHEUM PALMATUM ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented rhubarb extract with early evidence of antioxidant activity, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits for skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Rice & Açaí Complex

Monascus/Euterpe Oleracea Fruit/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented complex that may support skin radiance and antioxidant defense, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Rice & Caviar Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/CAVIAR/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented blend that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but research is still early and benefits are largely based on ingredient tradition rather than clinical studies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Fermented Rice & Green Tea Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/RICE/CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF/TARAXACUM PLATYCARPUM FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle fermented blend that supports skin radiance and barrier health without harsh irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantexfoliant
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Skin Conditioner

Fermented Rice & Herb Complex

Bacillus/Monascus/Capsella Bursa-Pastoris Leaf/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may support skin hydration and antioxidant defense, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareferment
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Rice & Houttuynia Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA LEAF/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Antioxidant

Fermented Rice & Indigo Leaf Complex

Rice Ferment Filtrate/Persicaria Tinctoria Leaf Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented blend that may help soothe skin and support a healthy glow, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning Agent

Fermented Rice & Lavender Complex

Monascus/Lavender Flower/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant benefits and gentle skin conditioning, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Rice & Lotus Complex

(ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES)/RICE FERMENT/BARLEY GRAIN MEAL/NELUMBO NUCIFERA FLOWER EXTRACT FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but research on this exact mixture is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Skin Conditioning

Fermented Rice & Marigold Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/RICE BRAN/TAGETES ERECTA SPROUT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented blend that may support skin barrier function and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Antioxidant

Fermented Rice & Mushroom Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/PHELLINUS LINTEUS MYCELIUM/RICE FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle fermented blend that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Rice & Neofinetia Extract

Monascus/Neofinetia Falcata Flower/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A gentle fermented botanical complex that may support skin barrier function and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Rice & Poppy Extract

Monascus/Meconopsis Horridula Flower/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A novel fermented blend that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it's best used in well-formulated products.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Fermented Rice & Psilotum Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/PSILOTUM NUDUM LEAF/RICE BRAN FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareferment
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Rice & Royal Jelly Complex

Bacillus/Monascus/Rice Bran/Royal Jelly Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Rice & Seaweed Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/RHODOPSEUDOMONAS/SACCHAROMYCES/RICE BRAN/UNDARIA PINNATIFIDA FERMENT FILTRATE

4.3

A gentle, fermented blend that hydrates and soothes skin while supporting a healthy microbiome.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Rice & Sophora Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/RICE BRAN EXTRACT/SOPHORA JAPONICA ROOT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may help calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothingantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Rice & Soy Complex

Bacillus/Rice Bran Extract/Soybean Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical complex that may help soothe and condition skin while providing antioxidant support.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Fermented Rice & Soy Milk Filtrate

ASPERGILLUS/RICE/SOYMILK FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps soften and smooth skin without harsh scrubbing, ideal for those who want mild exfoliation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantconditioning agent
Read ingredient review