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

Humectant

Green Algae Complex

Caulerpa Lentillifera/Enteromorpha Prolifera Extract

3.8

A gentle marine extract blend that offers hydration and antioxidant benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Green Algae Extract

Codium Fragile/Enteromorpha Compressa Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that may help soothe and moisturize skin, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Green Algae Powder

Enteromorpha Compressa Powder

3.8

A gentle, hydrating algae powder that may help soothe and moisturize skin, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Green Bean Callus Extract

Phaseolus Vulgaris (Kidney Bean) Callus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Green Bean Phytoplacenta Extract

Phaseolus Vulgaris Phytoplacenta Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Green Forsythia Fruit Extract

Forsythia viridissima fruit extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Green Tea & Iron Hydroxide Powder

Camellia Sinensis Leaf / Iron Hydroxide Powder

3.5

A dual-purpose colorant that adds pigment and antioxidant potential, but its skincare benefits are limited by the iron hydroxide base.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Green Tea Extract

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

4.5

A well-researched antioxidant extract that helps protect skin from environmental damage and calms irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Green Tea Leaf Extract

Camellia sinensis leaf extract

4.5

A well-researched antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and soothes irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Green Tea Seed Powder

Camellia Sinensis Seed Powder

4.0

A natural, antioxidant-rich exfoliant that gently buffs away dead skin without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Green Tea Seedcoat Powder

Camellia Sinensis Seedcoat Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from green tea seeds that also provides antioxidant protection, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Greenland Cockleleaf Callus Extract

COCHLEARIA GROENLANDICA CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract from Arctic callus cells that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Grevillea Flower Extract

GREVILLEA SPECIOSA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Grevillea Robusta Flower Extract

GREVILLEA ROBUSTA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Greyia Leaf Extract

Greyia Radlkoferi Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Grindelia Camporum Extract

GRINDELIA CAMPORUM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for calming irritated skin, though modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Grindelia Extract

Grindelia Humilis Extract

3.8

Grindelia Extract is a gentle botanical with soothing potential, best for calming irritated or sensitive skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Grindelia Leaf

Grindelia Humilis Leaf

3.8

Grindelia Leaf is a gentle botanical extract that may help calm irritated skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Grindelia Robusta Extract

Grindelia Robusta Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Gromwell Root Extract

LITHOSPERMUM OFFICINALE ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

Gromwell root extract is a gentle botanical ingredient with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Gromwell Root Oil

LITHOSPERMUM ERYTHRORHIZON ROOT OIL

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from the gromwell root that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Gromwell Seed Oil

Lithospermum Officinale Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich seed oil that helps soothe and moisturize skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Ground Ivy Extract

Glechoma Hederacea Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and mostly traditional.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Groundsel Extract

SENECIO VULGARIS EXTRACT

3.5

Groundsel extract is a botanical ingredient with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but its use in skincare is limited and requires caution due to possible skin sensitivity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Guaiacol

Guaiacol

3.5

Guaiacol is a natural antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental damage, but it is used sparingly due to its strong scent and potential for irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Guaiacol Acetate

Guaiacol Acetate

3.5

Guaiacol Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, smoky, or vanilla-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Guaiacol Phenylacetate

GUAIACOL PHENYLACETATE

3.5

Guaiacol Phenylacetate is primarily a fragrance ingredient with a low irritation risk, but it offers no direct skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Guaiacum Wood Extract

Guaiacum Officinale Extract Acetylated-Sulfated

3.8

A natural wood extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and the acetylated-sulfated form is rare in consumer products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Guaiacwood Oil

Guaiacum Sanctum Gum Oil

4.0

Guaiacwood oil offers antioxidant and soothing benefits with a warm, woody scent, but is primarily used as a fragrance component.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Guaiazulene

Guaiazulene

4.0

Guaiazulene is a gentle, blue-pigmented compound from chamomile-like plants that helps calm redness and soothe sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Guaiene

Guaiene

3.8

Guaiene is a gentle plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

pH Adjuster

Guanidine Carbonate

Guanidine Carbonate

3.5

Guanidine carbonate is a synthetic pH adjuster mainly used in hair straightening products; it can be effective but may cause irritation in high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepH adjuster
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Guanidine Carbonate Crosspolymer

GUANIDINE CARBONATE/HDI ISOCYANURATE TRIMER/MDI CROSSPOLYMER

3.5

A synthetic film-former that gives nail polish and long-wear makeup their tough, glossy finish, but it's not a skincare active.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautynail carefilm former
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Guanidine Ferulamide

Guanidine Ferulamide

3.5

A synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Buffering Agent

Guanidine Phosphate

Guanidine Phosphate

3.5

Guanidine phosphate is a synthetic pH adjuster that helps keep your products stable, but it has no direct skin benefit and is rarely highlighted in ingredient lists.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarebuffering agent
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Guanidine Surfactant Blend

Laur/myrist/palmitamidobutyl guanidine acetate

3.5

A gentle synthetic conditioning agent that helps detangle and soften hair without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyhaircareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Opacifying Agent

Guanine

Guanine

3.8

Guanine adds a natural shimmer to makeup and nail products, but it is not a skincare active and offers no moisturizing or anti-aging benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecosmetic
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Guanosine

Guanosine

3.8

Guanosine is a gentle, naturally derived ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and smooth fine lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareactive
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Guanylcystamine HBr

GUANYLCYSTAMINE HBR

3.5

A synthetic antioxidant ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early and it's not widely used in mainstream products.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Viscosity Controlling

Guar Gum

Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived thickener that improves product feel and stability without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarethickener
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning ingredient that makes hair softer and less frizzy without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Guar Symbiosome Extract

CYAMOPSIS TETRAGONOLOBA SYMBIOSOME EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived humectant that may help strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Guarana Fruit Extract

Paullinia Cupana Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from daily environmental damage and support a brighter, more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Guarana Fruit Powder

PAULLINIA CUPANA FRUIT POWDER

3.8

Guarana fruit powder brings a natural caffeine boost and antioxidant protection to skincare, but its stimulating effects are mild and best for daytime use.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Guarana Seed Powder

PAULLINIA CUPANA SEED POWDER

3.8

A gentle natural exfoliant with antioxidant benefits, but its caffeine content may be overhyped in topical skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Guarana Seed Water

Paullinia Cupana Seed Water

3.8

Guarana seed water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and provide a mild energizing feel.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Guava Fruit Extract

Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract

4.0

Guava Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Guava Seed Oil

PSIDIUM GUAJAVA SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy oil that hydrates and protects skin with essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Guayule Bark Extract

Parthenium Argentatum Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited compared to more established ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Guayusa Leaf Extract

Ilex Guayusa Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Guazuma Leaf Extract

Guazuma Ulmifolia Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Guggul Resin Extract

COMMIPHORA MUKUL RESIN POWDER

3.8

Guggul Resin Extract is a traditional botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but clinical evidence in modern skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Gumweed Extract

Grindelia Camporum Flower/Leaf 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

Emollient

Gurjun Balsam Oil

Dipterocarpus Turbinatus Wood Oil

3.8

Gurjun Balsam Oil is a gentle, natural emollient that helps soften and soothe skin, but it has moderate comedogenic potential and limited research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Film-Former

Gutta Percha

PALAQUIUM GUTTA

3.2

Gutta percha is a natural latex that can help products form a flexible film, but it is uncommon in modern skincare and may cause sensitivity in those with latex allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review