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

Lotus Phytoplacenta Extract

Nelumbo Nucifera Phytoplacenta Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help soothe and protect skin, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Lotus Root Extract

NYMPHAEA LOTUS ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm irritated skin and provides light hydration without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Lotus Root Powder

Nelumbo Nucifera Root Powder

4.0

Lotus root powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe skin and absorb excess oil without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Lotus Root Water

Nelumbo Nucifera Root Water

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water that hydrates and soothes the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Lotus Seed Extract

NELUMBIUM SPECIOSUM SEED EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lotus Seed Ferment Filtrate

Lactobacillus/Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help soothe and protect the skin, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Lotus Seed Oil

NELUMBO NUCIFERA SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy oil that hydrates and provides antioxidant protection, suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Lotus Seed Powder

NELUMBO NUCIFERA SEED POWDER

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder with antioxidant properties, best suited for rinse-off products like masks and scrubs.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Lotus Somatic Embryo Extract

LOTUS JAPONICUS SOMATIC EMBRYO EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lotus Sprout Extract

Nelumbo Nucifera Germ/Sprout Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from lotus sprouts that helps calm and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lotus Stem Extract

Nelumbo Nucifera Stem Extract

4.0

Lotus stem extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and hydrate skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lotus Symbiosome Extract

Lotus Japonicus Symbiosome Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress while supporting hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Loureiro Cinnamon Bark Extract

Cinnamomum Loureiroi Bark Extract

3.8

A potent antioxidant bark extract that can help protect skin from environmental stress, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals due to its natural aromatic compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lovage Leaf Extract

LEVISTICUM OFFICINALE LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

Lovage leaf extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Lovage Leaf Oil

LEVISTICUM OFFICINALE LEAF OIL

3.8

Lovage leaf oil adds a fresh, herbal scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive skin, so it's best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Lovage Root Extract

Levisticum Officinale Root Extract

3.8

Lovage Root Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Lovage Root Oil

LEVISTICUM OFFICINALE ROOT OIL

3.5

Lovage Root Oil adds a herbal, celery-like scent to products but has limited research on skin benefits and may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Lowbush Blueberry Fruit Extract

Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lowbush Blueberry Fruit Juice

VACCINIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM 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

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Lowbush Blueberry Seed

VACCINIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM SEED

4.0

A gentle, natural exfoliant from blueberry seeds that also provides antioxidant benefits, best suited for rinse-off products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Lucuma Pulp Extract

Pouteria Lucuma Pulp Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lucuma Seed Extract

Pouteria lucuma seed extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Luffa Cylindrica

Luffa Cylindrica

3.8

Luffa cylindrica is a natural exfoliant that gently buffs away dead skin cells, but it can be too abrasive for sensitive skin if used too aggressively.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Luffa Cylindrica Callus Extract

Luffa Cylindrica Callus Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract that may help soothe skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Luffa Cylindrica Stem Sap

LUFFA CYLINDRICA STEM SAP

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Luffa Extract

Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

Luffa extract is a gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help soothe skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Luffa Fruit Powder

Luffa Cylindrica Fruit Powder

4.0

A gentle, natural physical exfoliant from the luffa gourd, but can be too abrasive for sensitive or compromised skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Humectant

Luffa Fruit Water

Luffa Cylindrica Fruit Water

3.8

Luffa fruit water is a mild, plant-derived hydrator that can soothe and refresh skin, but it has limited research and is not a powerhouse active.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Luffa Leaf Extract

Luffa Cylindrica Leaf Extract

3.8

Luffa Leaf Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Luffa Root Extract

Luffa Cylindrica Root Extract

3.5

A gentle, plant-based extract with early evidence of soothing and antioxidant benefits, but more research is needed to confirm its efficacy in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Luffa Seed Oil

Luffa Cylindrica Seed Oil

4.0

Luffa seed oil is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Luffa Stem Extract

Luffa Cylindrica Stem Extract

3.8

Luffa Stem Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Lugworm Coelomic Fluid Extract

Arenicola Marina Coelomic Fluid Extract

3.5

A novel marine extract with early research suggesting antioxidant and soothing benefits, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lupeol

LUPEOL

4.0

Lupeol is a plant-derived compound that helps calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but it's not a star ingredient in most commercial products yet.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Luteolin

Luteolin

4.0

Luteolin is a plant-based antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, but it's not a standalone solution for major skin concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lutetium Chloride

LUTETIUM CHLORIDE

2.0

Lutetium chloride is a rare earth metal salt with limited research in cosmetics; its benefits are uncertain and it may pose irritation risks at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Lychee Fruit Extract

Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract

4.0

Lychee fruit extract is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Lychee Fruit Juice

Litchi Chinensis Fruit Juice

3.8

Lychee fruit juice is a gentle, water-based ingredient that adds light hydration and antioxidant protection, but its benefits are not as well-studied as more common fruit extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Lychee Seed Powder

Litchi Chinensis Seed Powder

3.8

Lychee seed powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and oil absorption, but research on its specific skincare benefits is limited compared to more studied exfoliants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Lycopene

Lycopene

4.0

Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals from UV and pollution, but its benefits in skincare are still being studied and it may not be as stable as other antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Lyral

Hydroxymethylpentylcyclohexenecarboxaldehyde

2.5

A once-popular synthetic floral scent that is now heavily restricted in the EU due to a high rate of allergic reactions.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Firming agent

Lysinamido Ornithine

Lysinamido Ornithine

4.0

A peptide that helps reduce under-eye puffiness by encouraging fluid drainage, but results are subtle and not permanent.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Lysine

Lysine

4.0

Lysine is a gentle amino acid that helps hydrate and support the skin's natural barrier, making it a safe addition to most routines.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Surfactant

Lysine Arganate

Lysine Arganate

4.0

A mild, amino-acid based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, suitable for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Humectant

Lysine Aspartate

Lysine Aspartate

4.0

Lysine Aspartate is a mild amino-acid salt that helps attract moisture to the skin and supports a healthy barrier, making it a gentle option for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
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Exfoliant

Lysine Azelate

Lysine Azelate

4.0

A gentle, less-irritating form of azelaic acid that helps brighten skin and smooth texture without the typical stinging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Surfactant

Lysine Babassuate

Lysine Babassuate

4.2

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Skin conditioning agent

Lysine Carboxymethyl Cysteinate

LYSINE CARBOXYMETHYL CYSTEINATE

3.8

A gentle amino acid derivative that may help strengthen the skin barrier and provide antioxidant support, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Surfactant

Lysine Cocoate

Lysine Cocoate

4.0

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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pH Adjuster

Lysine Glutamate

Lysine Glutamate

4.0

A mild, amino-acid-based pH adjuster that helps keep cleansers and toners gentle while supporting skin’s natural barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Skin conditioning agent

Lysine HCl

Lysine HCl

3.8

Lysine HCl is a gentle amino acid that may help support collagen and skin repair, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareamino acid
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Surfactant

Lysine Lauroyl Glutamate

LYSINE LAUROYL GLUTAMATE

4.5

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Surfactant

Lysine Lauroyl Methionate

LYSINE LAUROYL METHIONATE

4.0

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Antioxidant

Lysine Octatrienoate

Lysine Octatrienoate

3.8

Lysine Octatrienoate is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emulsifier

Lysolecithin

Lysolecithin

4.0

Lysolecithin is a mild emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in skincare, with some skin-softening benefits and a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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