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 conditioner

Fermented Soy & Sesame Complex

Bacillus/Monascus/Sesame Seed/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Soy Milk Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/LACTOCOCCUS/SACCHAROMYCES/SOYMILK FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, probiotic-inspired ferment that helps hydrate and soothe the skin while supporting a healthy-looking barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareferment
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Skin conditioning

Fermented Soy Milk Probiotic Complex

Hydrolyzed Bifida/Enterococcus Faecium/Lactobacillus/Streptococcus Thermophilus/Soymilk Ferment Curd

4.0

A fermented probiotic blend that may help balance the skin's microbiome and strengthen the moisture barrier, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Fermented Soybean & Cattail Complex

Bacillus/Monascus/Typha Angustifolia Flower/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may help soothe and condition skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Fermented Soybean & Lettuce Root Complex

Monascus/Lettuce Root/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and mostly based on traditional uses of its components.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Soybean & Plant Extract

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/MALLOTUS JAPONICUS LEAF/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and mostly based on traditional use.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Soybean & Starch Complex

ASPERGILLUS/GLUCOSE/SOYBEAN/STARCH FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help calm skin and support hydration, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Soybean Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/STREPTOCOCCUS THERMOPHILUS/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that delivers skin-soothing peptides and hydration, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Fermented Soybean Curd Complex

BIFIDA/ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM/LACTOBACILLUS/STREPTOCOCCUS THERMOPHILUS/SOYMILK FERMENT CURD

3.8

A probiotic-rich fermented soy complex that may help balance the skin microbiome and soothe irritation, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Soybean Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/SOYBEAN EXTRACT FILTRATE FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, yeast-fermented soybean extract that hydrates and supports skin barrier function with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning

Fermented Soybean Filtrate

Aspergillus/Soybean Seed Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and condition skin without irritation, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantskin conditioning
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Exfoliant

Fermented Soybean Milk Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/MILK SOLIDS/SOYBEAN OIL FERMENT

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that lightly exfoliates and nourishes skin, suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Soybean Seed Extract

ACINETOBACTER/SOYBEAN SEED EXTRACT FERMENT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Fermented Soybean Shoot Extract

Aspergillus/Soybean Shoot Ferment Extract

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
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Soothing Agent

Fermented Spathularia Extract

Sodium Dacryopinax Spathularia/Glucose Ferment Extract

3.8

A gentle, fermented fungus extract that may help calm skin and provide light hydration, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Humectant

Fermented Spikemoss Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/SELAGINELLA LEPIDOPHYLLA FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help hydrate and support skin barrier function, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Fermented Sprout Complex

ASPERGILLUS/LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/(SOYBEAN/OENOTHERA GLAZIOVIANA/RADISH/BROCCOLI/CAULIFLOWER/RICE/HORDEUM VULGARE/COIX LACRYMA-JOBI/ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM/SESAME/SAGE/THYME/HYPERICUM PERFORATUM/TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE/MEDICAGO SATIVA/TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM) SPROUT FERMENT FILTRATE EXTRACT

4.0

A fermented blend of sprouts from over a dozen plants, this ingredient aims to deliver a rich mix of antioxidants and nutrients to support skin health, though direct human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning Agent

Fermented Starch Complex

ASPERGILLUS/POTATO STARCH/WHEAT FLOUR FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help soothe and condition the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fermented Stevia Stalk Extract

BACILLUS/LACTOBACILLUS/STEVIA REBAUDIANA STALK EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Fermented Sucrose Ester Complex

CANDIDA BOMBICOLA/SUCROSE/VEGETABLE ACID ESTER FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, yeast-fermented cleanser that removes dirt without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Fermented Sugar Cane Extract

Lactobacillus/Sugar Cane Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented extract that helps exfoliate and brighten skin without harsh chemicals.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Sugarcane Extract

Aspergillus/Saccharum Officinarum Stem Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Sugarcane Yeast Extract

KLUYVEROMYCES/SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM STEM JUICE EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Sumac Gall Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/RHUS SEMIALATA GALL EXTRACT FERMENT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fermented Sunflower Seed Extract

Pseudozyma Epicola/Sunflower Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, yeast-fermented sunflower oil extract that may help calm irritation and support the skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Fermented Sunflower Seed Oil

SACCHAROMYCES/SUNFLOWER SEED OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented oil that supports skin barrier function and hydration without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Fermented Sweet Potato Root Complex

ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/IPOMOEA BATATAS ROOT FERMENT LEES

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Sweet Potato Root Extract

ASPERGILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/IPOMOEA BATATAS ROOT FERMENT LEES EXTRACT

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 Tea & Berry Complex

SACCHAROMYCES/CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF/ORIGANUM MAJORANA LEAF/HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES FRUIT/RIBES GROSSULARIA FRUIT FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on this specific blend is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Tea & Camphor Complex

Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Camellia Japonica Seed Oil/Camphor Bark Extract Ferment Filtrate

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Antioxidant

Fermented Tea & Flower Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF/CLOVER FLOWER/COCOA FLOWER FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle, fermented botanical complex that may support skin barrier health and provide antioxidant protection, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Tea & Ginseng Complex

SACCHAROMYCES/CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF/GANODERMA LUCIDUM/PANAX GINSENG ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, but individual results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Tea & Honey Complex

Lactobacillus/Saccharomyces/Pichia Anomala/Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract/Honey Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Fermented Tea & Mugwort Complex

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/PICHIA ANOMALA/CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT/ARTEMISIA PRINCEPS LEAF EXTRACT/HONEY FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may help calm redness and support a healthy skin barrier, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothingantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Tea & Sugar Cane Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SUGAR CANE/CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF FERMENT FILTRATE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that combines antioxidant benefits from green tea with mild exfoliation from fermentation byproducts.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Tea & Turmeric Complex

CANDIDA BOMBICOLA/GLUCOSE/FRUIT/CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF/TURMERIC ROOT/OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that delivers antioxidants and gentle skin conditioning, though research on this specific blend is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Tea Leaf Extract

Lactobacillus/Schizosaccharomyces/Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented green tea extract that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fermented Tea Seed Complex

PSEUDOZYMA EPICOLA/CAMELLIA SINENSIS SEED OIL/GLUCOSE/MALT EXTRACT/SOYBEAN FLOUR/YEAST EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Tomato Fruit Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/LEUCONOSTOC/TOMATO FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle, probiotic-derived ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Tonka Bean Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/DIPTERYX ODORATA SEED FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A gentle fermented extract that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Turmeric & Rice Complex

Monascus/Turmeric Root/Rice Bran Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Turmeric Extract

Lactobacillus/Saccharomyces/Turmeric Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A fermented turmeric extract that offers antioxidant and soothing benefits with potentially better absorption than plain turmeric.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Turmeric Leaf Extract

Lactobacillus/Turmeric Leaf Extract Ferment Lysate Filtrate

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Vegetable & Herb Complex

ASPERGILLUS/LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/ONION/CELERY/CABBAGE/GINGER/GARLIC/POTATO/BRASSICA OLERACEA ACEPHALA/ALOE BARBADENSIS/LAMINARIA JAPONICA/UNDARIA PINNATIFIDA/IPOMOEA BATATAS/OENANTHE JAVANICA/NELUMBO NUCIFERA/ALLIUM TUBEROSUM/ALLIUM FISTULOSUM/DIOSCOREA BATATAS/ACTINIDIA ARGUTA/COLOCASIA ESCULENTA/ARCTIUM LAPPA/LENTINULA EDODES/ROOT/FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE EXTRACT

4.0

A fermented botanical complex that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but individual ingredient concentrations are unknown.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Fermented Walnut & Soybean Complex

BACILLUS/MONASCUS/WALNUT SHELL/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help smooth skin texture and support hydration, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfolianthumectant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Fermented Walnut Seed Oil

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/WALNUT SEED FERMENT OIL FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented oil that may offer gentle moisturizing and soothing benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Walnut Seed Oil Complex

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/WALNUT SEED OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented oil ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early and walnut allergy is a consideration.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Water Bamboo Stem Extract

USTILAGO ESCULENTA/ZIZANIA LATIFOLIA STEM FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Wheat & Soy Complex

AEROPYRUM/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Wild Rice Leaf Extract

BACILLUS/ZIZANIA LATIFOLIA LEAF FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Fermented Willow Bark & Probiotic Complex

ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM/LACTOBACILLUS/SALIX PURPUREA BARK/LEAF/STEM/WOOD/ASCORBIC ACID/GLUCONOLACTONE FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented blend that combines willow bark's natural exfoliating power with probiotic and antioxidant benefits for smoother, calmer skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fermented Winged Bean Extract

Bacillus/Monascus/Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus Seed Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Fermented Wormwood Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM LEAF EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented botanical that may help calm irritation and support skin barrier function, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Yeast & Molasses Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/MOLASSES/CALCIUM CARBONATE/YEAST EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that supports a healthy skin microbiome and lightly exfoliates without harshness.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareferment
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Fermented Yeast & Placenta Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/BLACK STRAP POWDER/PLACENTAL EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented ingredient blend that may support skin hydration and texture, but evidence is limited and the placental component raises ethical and sourcing questions.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Fermented Yeast Peptide Complex

Pichia/R-Leucosporidium Polypeptide-1 Conditioned Media

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived yeast ferment that may help support skin barrier function and hydration, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Fermented Yerba Mate Leaf Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/ILEX PARAGUARIENSIS LEAF FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented ingredient that may help calm and protect skin, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Fermented Yuzu Extract

Citrus Hystrix Fruit/Sucrose Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantantioxidant
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