A powerful, deeply-penetrating humectant that plumps skin from within, ideal for dehydrated or aging skin.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
Beauty ingredient research
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
A powerful, deeply-penetrating humectant that plumps skin from within, ideal for dehydrated or aging skin.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Hydrolyzed Soy Extract is a gentle, plant-derived protein that helps hydrate and plump the skin, making it a good choice for dry or mature skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived protein that helps hydrate and strengthen skin and hair without irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps hair and skin hold onto moisture and feel smoother, but it's not a deep repair agent.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Conditioning agent
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein/Vegetable Amino Acids/Lysine Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
A gentle conditioning ingredient that deposits a protective film on hair and skin, improving moisture and manageability without heavy buildup.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, dual-action ingredient that helps hair and skin feel smooth and hydrated without heavy buildup.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Film Former
HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN PG-PROPYL METHYLSILANEDIOL
A gentle, film-forming ingredient that adds shine and manageability to hair while providing light moisture to skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, protein-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps skin and hair feel smooth and hydrated without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based humectant and film former that helps hydrate and smooth the skin without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A mild, plant-based emollient that improves skin feel and moisture without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-derived protein that helps hydrate and strengthen skin and hair without common irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A semi-synthetic film former from soy byproducts, valued for flexible hold and low irritation in styling and eye makeup.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-based protein that helps skin and hair retain moisture and feel smoother.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived starch that soaks up excess oil and gives a silky, matte finish without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A novel biotech ingredient that forms a breathable film on skin to lock in moisture and provide a temporary smoothing effect.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
Hydrolyzed Spinal Protein is an animal-derived film-forming ingredient that can temporarily smooth skin and hair, but its benefits are not well-studied and it may not suit vegan or sensitive users.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Hydrolyzed Sponge is a gentle, marine-based ingredient that may help calm irritated skin and support moisture retention, though research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, marine-sourced humectant that provides light hydration and skin conditioning, but research on its benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle marine-derived protein that helps skin hold moisture and feel smooth, but research on its benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Hair Conditioning Agent
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
A gentle, starch-derived conditioner that reduces frizz and static without heavy buildup.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A marine extract that may help hydrate and calm skin, but research is limited and sustainability concerns exist.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient derived from strawberries that helps protect skin from environmental stress and provides light hydration.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A protein-rich ingredient that may help hydrate and temporarily firm skin, but evidence is limited and mostly based on general peptide benefits.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A luxurious, protein-rich extract that helps hydrate and condition skin, but scientific evidence is limited and it may not be suitable for strict vegans.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, modified keratin protein that helps strengthen and smooth hair while adding a light protective film to skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-derived ingredient that may help calm redness and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based protein that helps strengthen hair and temporarily smooth skin's surface.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived protein that helps hydrate and smooth skin, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle antioxidant-rich extract from sweet oranges that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a more even tone.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A novel, protein-rich ingredient from bird nests that may support skin hydration and elasticity, but human evidence is limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A novel, natural humectant that may help hydrate and support skin barrier function, but human studies are limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based humectant that hydrates and leaves a smooth, non-sticky feel on skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based hydrator that helps skin hold onto moisture and feel smoother without irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle antioxidant-rich seed extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Hydrolyzed Thymus Extract is a protein-rich ingredient that may support skin firmness and repair, but evidence is limited and it may not be suitable for vegans or those with animal product sensitivities.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A novel marine protein extract that may help hydrate and temporarily firm skin, but lacks robust human studies and is unsuitable for those with shellfish allergies.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle antioxidant-rich extract that may help protect skin from environmental damage and support a more even tone.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient from tomato skins that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, fermented yeast extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
A gentle, plant-based humectant that rivals hyaluronic acid for hydration without the stickiness, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, mushroom-derived humectant that helps skin hold moisture and may calm irritation — a natural alternative to hyaluronic acid.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps soothe and moisturize skin, with promising antioxidant potential.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit beyond surface hold.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, plant-based protein that temporarily strengthens hair and lightly hydrates skin without irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Film Former
HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN PG-PROPYL SILANETRIOL
A gentle, protein-silicon hybrid that smooths hair and softens skin without heavy buildup.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and condition the skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, antioxidant-rich water lily extract that helps soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm and protect the skin, especially suitable for sensitive or irritated skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, protein-rich moisturizer that helps hydrate and temporarily smooth the skin's surface, but may not be suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based protein that helps hydrate and temporarily plump the skin, but may not be suitable for those with wheat allergies or gluten sensitivity.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Film Former
WHEATGERMAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN
A gentle, protein-based conditioner that helps strengthen hair and leaves skin feeling smooth without heavy residue.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Film Former
HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN/PEG-20 ACETATE COPOLYMER
A gentle, modified wheat protein that helps hair and skin feel smoother and more hydrated without heavy buildup.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Film Former
HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN PG-PROPYL METHYLSILANEDIOL
A gentle, silicone-modified wheat protein that helps smooth hair and skin without heavy buildup.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic