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

Exfoliant

Lactobacillus Milk Ferment Powder

LACTOBACILLUS/NONFAT MILK FERMENT POWDER

4.0

A gentle probiotic ferment that helps exfoliate dead skin cells and support a balanced skin barrier without harsh acids.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantsoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Lactobacillus Olive Leaf Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/OLEA EUROPAEA LEAF FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich ferment that may help soothe and protect skin, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lactobacillus Sarcodia Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/SARCODIA MONTAGNEANA EXTRACT FERMENT

3.8

A fermented botanical extract that may help balance skin bacteria and provide antioxidant benefits, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Lactobacillus Skeletonema Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/SKELETONEMA FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, fermented algae ingredient that may help calm irritation and support skin's natural defenses, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Exfoliant

Lactobacillus Watermelon Ferment

Lactobacillus/Watermelon Fruit Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, fermented watermelon extract that provides mild exfoliation and hydration, ideal for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfolianthumectant
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Soothing agent

Lactobacillus/Algae Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/ALGAE EXTRACT FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, fermented algae extract that helps calm and hydrate skin while supporting a healthy skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Lactobacillus/Clover Flower Ferment

Lactobacillus/Clover Flower Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still limited compared to more established actives.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Lactobacillus/Horse Fat Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/HORSE FAT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.5

A novel fermented ingredient that may help moisturize and condition skin, but research is limited and it may be comedogenic for some.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin conditioner

Lactobacillus/Milk/Soybean Oil Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/MILK/GLYCINE SOJA OIL FERMENT

4.0

A fermented blend that combines the nourishing benefits of milk and soybean oil with probiotic byproducts, offering gentle skin conditioning and moisture support.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Antioxidant

Lactobacillus/Plum Blossom Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/PRUNUS MUME FLOWER EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment

LACTOBACILLUS/RYE FLOUR FERMENT

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that offers mild exfoliation and skin conditioning, ideal for sensitive skin looking for a softer alternative to stronger acids.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Skin conditioning agent

Lactobacillus/Sorbus Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/SORBUS COMMIXTA BRANCH FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical ingredient that may help soothe and protect the skin, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lactobacillus/Turmeric Ferment Filtrate

Lactobacillus/Turmeric Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Exfoliant

Lactobionic Acid

Lactobionic Acid

4.5

A gentle, hydrating exfoliant that smooths skin without the sting of stronger acids.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Soothing Agent

Lactococcus Ferment Extract

Lactococcus Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, probiotic-derived ingredient that helps calm irritation and supports a healthy skin microbiome.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Lactococcus Ferment Filtrate

LACTOCOCCUS/NONFAT MILK FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, probiotic-derived exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and support a healthy skin barrier without harsh acids.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantsoothing
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Soothing Agent

Lactococcus Ferment Lysate

Lactococcus/Lac Ferment Lysate

4.0

A gentle, probiotic-based ingredient that may help calm irritation and support a healthy skin barrier, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antimicrobial

Lactoferricin

Lactoferricin

3.8

Lactoferricin is a milk-derived peptide that may help calm skin and reduce unwanted bacteria, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantimicrobial
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Antioxidant

Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin

4.0

Lactoferrin is a gentle, milk-derived protein that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lactoflavin

Lactoflavin

4.0

Lactoflavin (vitamin B2) is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Lactoglobulin

Lactoglobulin

3.8

A gentle milk protein that helps hydrate and temporarily smooth the skin, but may not suit those with dairy sensitivities.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antimicrobial

Lactoperoxidase

Lactoperoxidase

4.0

Lactoperoxidase is a gentle, milk-derived enzyme used as a natural preservative to help keep skincare products fresh without harsh chemicals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarepreservative
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Fragrance Ingredient

Lactoscatone

Lactoscatone

3.5

Lactoscatone is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a creamy note to products, but it has limited published safety data and is primarily used for fragrance.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Humectant

Lactose

LACTOSE

3.8

Lactose is a gentle milk-derived sugar that hydrates and lightly exfoliates, making it a good option for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Lactoyl Methylsilanol Elastinate

LACTOYL METHYLSILANOL ELASTINATE

4.0

A silicone-modified elastin derivative that may temporarily improve skin firmness and hydration, but long-term anti-aging benefits are not well proven.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Skin-identical ingredient

Lactoyl Phytosphingosine

Lactoyl Phytosphingosine

4.2

A gentle, skin-identical lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and calms irritation without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Humectant

Lactulose

Lactulose

3.8

Lactulose is a gentle sugar-derived humectant that also acts as a prebiotic, helping to support a balanced skin microbiome without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Lady Palm Leaf Extract

Rhapis Flabelliformis Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lady Slipper Orchid Extract

Paphiopedilum Maudiae Flower Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lady's Mantle Extract

Alchemilla Vulgaris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Astringent

Lady's Mantle Leaf Extract

Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help tighten pores and calm skin, but most benefits come from traditional use rather than strong clinical studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance Ingredient

Laevo-Carvyl Acetate

LAEVO-CARVYL ACETATE

3.5

Laevo-Carvyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that provides a fresh, minty scent, but offers no direct skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Laevo-Rose Oxide

Laevo-Rose Oxide

3.8

Laevo-rose oxide adds a delicate rose scent to products and may offer mild antioxidant benefits, but its main role is fragrance.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Skin conditioning

Lake Whitefish Extract

COREGONUS CLUPEAFORMIS EXTRACT

3.5

A novel marine-derived extract that may help hydrate and condition skin, but research is limited and it's not a proven powerhouse.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Humectant

Laminaria Cloustoni Extract

Laminaria Cloustoni Extract

4.0

A gentle, mineral-rich seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Humectant

Laminaria Hyperborea Extract

Laminaria Hyperborea Extract

4.0

A nutrient-rich seaweed extract that hydrates, soothes, and protects the skin with antioxidants, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Humectant

Laminaria Japonica Powder

Laminaria Japonica Powder

4.0

A gentle seaweed powder that helps hydrate and calm the skin while providing antioxidant protection.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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