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

Colorant

Ferric Ammonium Citrate

Ferric Ammonium Citrate

3.5

A safe, non-irritating colorant that also offers mild astringent properties, but its cosmetic benefits beyond tinting are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Ferric Chloride

Ferric Chloride

1.5

Ferric chloride is a strong astringent with limited cosmetic use due to high irritation potential and lack of proven skincare benefits.

Irritation

high

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareastringent
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Ferric Ferrocyanide

CI 77510

3.5

A safe and widely used blue pigment in cosmetics, but it's purely for color and offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Ferric Glycerophosphate

Ferric Glycerophosphate

3.5

Ferric glycerophosphate is a gentle mineral salt that may offer antioxidant benefits and support skin vitality, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaremineral
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Ferric Hexapeptide-35

Ferric Hexapeptide-35

3.8

A synthetic peptide with iron that may help support skin firmness, but research is still early and benefits are not guaranteed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Ferric Nitrate

FERRIC NITRATE

2.5

Ferric nitrate is a synthetic salt that can act as a colorant or astringent, but it is rarely used in modern skincare due to potential irritation and limited benefits.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorantastringent
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Ferric Sulfate

FERRIC SULFATE

2.5

Ferric sulfate is an effective astringent but can be drying and irritating, especially for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareastringent
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Ferrous Ammonium Sulfate

Ferrous Ammonium Sulfate

2.5

Ferrous ammonium sulfate is a synthetic iron salt used mainly as a colorant or chemical reagent in cosmetics; it is not a skincare active and may cause irritation at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Ferrous Aspartate

Ferrous Aspartate

3.0

Ferrous aspartate is a form of iron used mainly as a colorant in cosmetics; its skincare benefits are not well-established and it may cause staining.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Ferrous Fumarate

Ferrous Fumarate

2.5

Ferrous fumarate is a synthetic iron compound used mainly as a pigment in cosmetics; it has no proven skincare benefits and is not a substitute for dietary iron.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Ferrous Glucoheptonate

FERROUS GLUCOHEPTONATE

3.5

Ferrous Glucoheptonate is primarily used as a colorant in cosmetics, offering a subtle iron tone with low irritation potential, but it has limited skincare benefits beyond tinting.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ferrous Gluconate

Ferrous Gluconate

3.5

Ferrous gluconate is a gentle iron source that may support antioxidant defenses in skincare, but its benefits are modest and it's more common in color cosmetics than in active treatment products.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaremineral
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Ferrous Lactate

Ferrous Lactate

3.5

Ferrous Lactate is a gentle iron salt used to tint products or support skin appearance, but it is not a major active ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Ferrous Sulfate

Ferrous Sulfate

2.5

Ferrous sulfate is primarily used as a colorant or astringent in cosmetics, but it offers little skincare benefit and may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorantastringent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ferula Foetida Root Extract

FERULA FOETIDA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A plant extract with antioxidant potential, but limited human studies and a strong scent that may not suit all formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ferulic Acid

Ferulic Acid

4.5

A powerful antioxidant that stabilizes vitamin C and E, boosts sun protection, and helps fight visible signs of aging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Feruloyl Oligopeptide-33

Feruloyl Oligopeptide-33

3.8

A lab-made peptide-ferulic hybrid that may help firm skin, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Feruloyl Soy Glycerides

Feruloyl Soy Glycerides

4.3

A gentle, oil-friendly antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a more even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Feverfew Extract

CHRYSANTHEMUM PARTHENIUM EXTRACT

4.0

Feverfew extract is a gentle botanical that helps calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress, making it a popular alternative to stronger soothing ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Feverfew Flower Extract

Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower Extract

4.0

Feverfew flower extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm skin and reduce visible redness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Feverfew Flower Powder

CHRYSANTHEMUM PARTHENIUM FLOWER POWDER

4.0

Feverfew flower powder is a gentle botanical ingredient that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, making it a popular alternative to stronger soothing agents.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Feverfew Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice

CHRYSANTHEMUM PARTHENIUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM JUICE

4.0

Feverfew juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Feverfew Flower/Leaf/Stem Water

Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Water

4.0

Feverfew water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm and soothe sensitive skin without the irritation risk of the whole plant.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Fevillea Trilobata Seed Oil

Fevillea Trilobata Seed Oil

4.3

A lightweight, fast-absorbing oil rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E, great for dry or normal skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fibraurea Recisa Root Extract

FIBRAUREA RECISA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Fibroblast Conditioned Media

HUMAN FIBROBLAST INDUCED PLURIPOTENT CELL CULTURE CONDITIONED MEDIA

3.5

A cutting-edge biotech ingredient that may support skin repair and reduce signs of aging, but human research is still limited and products are often very expensive.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Fibroblast/Keratinocyte Conditioned Media

HUMAN NEONATAL FIBROBLAST/KERATINOCYTE CONDITIONED MEDIA

3.5

A high-tech, cell-derived ingredient that delivers a cocktail of skin-identical proteins, but evidence is still emerging and products are very expensive.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareactive
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Fibronectin

Fibronectin

3.8

Fibronectin is a skin-supporting protein that may help with moisture retention and a smoother appearance, but evidence in cosmetic use is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareprotein
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Ficin

FICIN

3.8

Ficin is a plant-derived enzyme that gently exfoliates skin by dissolving dead cells, but it can be irritating if left on too long or used too frequently.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ficus Oxyphylla Extract

Ficus Oxyphylla Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ficus Pumila Seed Extract

FICUS PUMILA SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ficus Simplicissima Root Extract

Ficus Simplicissima Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Field Bindweed Extract

CONVOLVULUS ARVENSIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with limited research, possibly offering soothing and antioxidant benefits for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Field Bindweed Leaf Cell Extract

CONVOLVULUS ARVENSIS LEAF CELL EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle plant-based antioxidant extract with limited but promising research, best for those seeking natural skincare ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Field Eryngo Extract

Eryngium Campestre Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Field Maple Bud Extract

Acer Campestre Bud Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Field Scabious Extract

SCABIOSA ARVENSIS EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Fig & Soy Ferment Filtrate

Bacillus/Fig Fruit/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps smooth skin texture and support a healthy-looking complexion without harsh scrubbing.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fig Bark Extract

Ficus Infectoria Bark Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fig Branch/Leaf Extract

Ficus Nipponica Branch/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

Fig Bud Extract

Ficus Carica Bud Extract

3.8

Fig Bud Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fig Ferment Filtrate

Schizosaccharomyces/Fig Fruit Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented fig extract that hydrates and provides antioxidant benefits, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fig Fruit and Leaf Extract

Ficus Carica Fruit/Leaf Extract

4.0

Fig extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fig Fruit Juice

Ficus Carica Fruit Juice

3.8

Fig fruit juice is a gentle, hydrating ingredient with antioxidant benefits, but its effectiveness in skincare is supported more by traditional use than robust clinical studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Fig Fruit Powder

Ficus Carica Fruit Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder with antioxidant benefits, but research on its cosmetic efficacy is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fig Leaf Cell Extract

Ficus Sycomorus Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fig Leaf/Stem Extract

Ficus Erecta Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skin benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fig Plant Juice

Ficus Carica Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice

3.8

Fig plant juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Fig Seed

Ficus Carica Seed

3.8

Fig Seed offers gentle physical exfoliation from a natural source, but research on its specific benefits is limited compared to more studied exfoliants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Fig Tree Juice

Ficus Microcarpa Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice

3.8

Fig Tree Juice is a gentle, hydrating botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Figwort Root Extract

Scrophularia Buergeriana Root Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Filipendula Glaberrima Extract

Filipendula Glaberrima Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Film-Forming Polymer Blend

Sucrose Benzoate/Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate/Butyl Benzyl Phthalate/Methyl Methacrylate Copolymer

3.5

A synthetic film-former that gives nail polish and long-wear makeup their tough, shiny finish, but contains a phthalate that raises some safety questions.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautycosmeticsfilm-former
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Finger Leather Coral Extract

Sinularia flexibilis extract

3.5

A gentle marine extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and sustainability concerns exist.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Fingerroot Oil

Boesenbergia Pandurata Root Oil

3.8

Fingerroot oil offers antioxidant benefits and a pleasant scent, but its essential oil nature means it may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review