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

Hirsute Blackberry Extract

RUBUS HIRSUTUS FRUIT/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on this specific species is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Hirudinea Extract

Hirudinea Extract

3.5

Hirudinea Extract is a novel, natural ingredient with potential soothing benefits, but scientific evidence is limited and it may not be suitable for everyone due to ethical or allergy concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Histidine

HISTIDINE

4.0

Histidine is a gentle amino acid that helps keep skin hydrated and supports a healthy skin barrier, making it a solid choice for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Anti-aging agent

Histidyl Tryptophanyl Dipeptide-29

HISTIDYL D-TRYPTOPHANYL DIPEPTIDE-29 D-PHENYLALANYL LYSINAMIDE

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more independent research is needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Fragrance

Ho Wood Leaf Oil

CINNAMOMUM CAMPHORA LINALOOLIFERUM LEAF OIL

4.0

Ho Wood Leaf Oil offers a gentle, linalool-rich alternative to lavender for calming skin and mind, but requires proper dilution to avoid irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Ho Wood Oil

Cinnamomum Camphora Linalooliferum Wood Oil

3.8

Ho Wood Oil offers a gentle, floral-woody scent and potential soothing benefits, but like all essential oils, it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Hog Plum Fruit Extract

Spondias Mombin Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Hog Plum Pulp Extract

Spondias Mombin Pulp Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on topical use is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Hogweed Extract

HERACLEUM SPHONDYLIUM EXTRACT

3.5

Hogweed extract is a botanical ingredient with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but its use is limited by a moderate risk of skin irritation and a lack of robust research.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Absorbent

Hokkaido Akan Clay

Hokkaido Akan Clay

4.0

A gentle, mineral-rich clay that helps absorb excess oil and impurities without over-drying, making it a good option for normal to oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
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Antioxidant

Holly Fern Extract

Polystichum retroso-palaceum extract

3.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fern extract that may help calm and protect skin, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Holly Flower Extract

Ilex Aquifolium Flower Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Holly Leaf Extract

Ilex Aquifolium Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Holly Leaf Powder

Ilex Aquifolium Leaf Powder

3.5

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Hollyhock Callus Extract

Althaea Rosea Callus Culture Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Hollyhock Flower Water

Althaea Rosea Flower Water

3.8

A mild floral water that may help calm and hydrate skin, but scientific backing is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing Agent

Hollyhock Root Extract

Althaea Rosea Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm and hydrate the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Holm Oak Callus Powder

Quercus Ilex Callus Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Colorant

Holmium Oxide

HOLMIUM OXIDE

2.5

Holmium oxide is a rare earth oxide used as a colorant in cosmetics; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but has limited research on skin absorption.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Humectant

Homarine HCl

Homarine HCl

3.8

Homarine HCl is a gentle, marine-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, but research on its benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Fragrance ingredient

Homogeranyl Nitrile

HOMOGERANYL NITRILE

3.5

Homogeranyl nitrile is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, citrusy note but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Homogeranyl Pyridine

HOMOGERANYL PYRIDINE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Homolinalyl Acetate

HOMOLINALYL ACETATE

3.5

A synthetic floral scent that can make products smell lovely but may cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Homonoi Root Extract

HOMONOIA RIPARIA ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Homonopal

Homonopal

3.5

Homonopal is a synthetic emollient that helps products feel smooth and non-greasy, but research on its long-term effects is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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UV Filter

Homosalate

Homosalate

3.5

Homosalate is a common UVB sunscreen filter that is effective at preventing sunburn, but it has raised some environmental and potential endocrine concerns that are still being studied.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresunscreen
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Honey

MEL

4.2

Honey is a gentle, natural humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, but its benefits depend on the type and purity used.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Honey & Ginseng Root Ferment

Honey/(Panax Ginseng/Rehmannia Glutinosa) Root/Poria Cocos Extract

4.0

A soothing, antioxidant-rich blend of honey and herbal roots that helps calm skin and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Soothing agent

Honey Chamomile Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/HONEY/MATRICARIA CHAMOMILLA FLOWER FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Honey Cocoates

Honey Cocoates

4.2

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in creams and lotions while providing light skin conditioning.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Humectant

Honey Extract

Honey Extract

4.0

Honey extract is a gentle, natural humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, but its benefits in skincare are mild compared to pure honey.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Honey Ferment Filtrate

Saccharomyces/Honey Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, hydrating fermented honey ingredient that may help soothe and condition the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Honey Locust Seed Extract

Gleditsia Triacanthos Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based humectant that helps skin hold onto moisture and leaves a soft, non-sticky feel.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Soothing agent

Honey Locust Wood Extract

Gleditsia Triacanthos Wood Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Honeysuckle & Licorice Root Extract

LONICERA JAPONICA FLOWER/ROOT/GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical blend that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress, but its effectiveness depends heavily on formulation and concentration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Honeysuckle Callus Extract

LONICERA PERICLYMENUM CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown honeysuckle extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Honeysuckle Extract

LONICERA CAPRIFOLIUM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, but its benefits are modest compared to more potent antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Honeysuckle Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/HONEYSUCKLE FLOWER EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Honeysuckle Flower Extract

LONICERA CAPRIFOLIUM FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, ideal for sensitive and reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Honeysuckle Fruit Juice

LONICERA CAERULEA FRUIT JUICE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit juice that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Honeysuckle Fruit Water

LONICERA CAERULEA FRUIT WATER

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit water that hydrates and soothes skin, but research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Honeysuckle Leaf Extract

LONICERA JAPONICA LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Honokiol

Honokiol

4.0

Honokiol is a gentle antioxidant from magnolia bark that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress, but more human studies are needed to confirm its anti-aging benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Hoplostethus Oil

HOPLOSTETHUS OIL

3.8

Hoplostethus oil is a rich emollient that helps soften and condition skin, but its sustainability concerns make it a less common choice today.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing Agent

Hops Oil

HUMULUS LUPULUS OIL

3.8

Hops oil offers gentle soothing and antioxidant benefits, but its strong scent and potential for skin sensitivity in high concentrations mean it's best used in small amounts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Firming agent

Hordenine

HORDENINE

3.5

Hordenine may offer temporary firming effects by constricting blood vessels, but evidence is limited and it can cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Horehound Extract

Marrubium Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

Horehound extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Horehound Meristem Cell Culture

Marrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell Culture

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Hornbeam Bud Extract

Carpinus Betulus Bud Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Hornbeam Extract

Carpinus Turczaninowii Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Hornbeam Flower Extract

Carpinus Betulus Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research on its specific effects in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Hornbeam Leaf Extract

CARPINUS CORDATA LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Horopito Flower/Leaf Extract

PSEUDOWINTERA COLORATA FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Horopito Leaf Extract

Pseudowintera colorata leaf extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Skin conditioning agent

Horse Adipose Stromal Cell Conditioned Media

HORSE ADIPOSE STROMAL CELL CONDITIONED MEDIA

3.0

A novel, lab-grown ingredient derived from horse stem cells that may support skin repair, but human research is very limited and it remains a niche, high-cost option.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarebiotech
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Antioxidant

Horse Chestnut & Carrot & Fennel Extract

AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM BARK/DAUCUS CAROTA ROOT/FOENICULUM VULGARE FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its effectiveness depends on the specific formulation and concentration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Horse Chestnut Bark Extract

Aesculus Hippocastanum Bark Extract

4.0

Horse chestnut bark extract is a gentle botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but its effectiveness in skincare is still being studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Horse Chestnut Bud Extract

AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM BUD EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Horse Chestnut Flower Extract

AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM/PAVIA FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Horse Chestnut Flower Water

AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM FLOWER WATER

3.8

A gentle, soothing floral water that may help calm irritated skin and provide mild astringent benefits, but research on its cosmetic efficacy is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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