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

Magnolia Bark Ferment Extract

LACTOBACILLUS/SACCHAROMYCES/MAGNOLIA OFFICINALIS BARK FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A fermented magnolia bark extract that offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, with fermentation potentially boosting the bioavailability of its active compounds.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Soothing agent

Magnolia Biondii Extract

Magnolia Biondii Bud/Flower Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Biondii Flower Extract

Magnolia Biondii Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though human skin research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Branch Ferment Extract

AUREOBASIDIUM PULLULANS/MAGNOLIA SIEBOLDII BRANCH EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

3.8

A fermented botanical extract with potential antioxidant and soothing properties, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Magnolia Bud Powder

Magnolia Denudata Bud Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance

Magnolia Champaca Flower Oil

MAGNOLIA CHAMPACA FLOWER OIL

4.0

A delicate floral oil that adds a natural fragrance and mild skin conditioning, but its benefits are mostly aromatic rather than therapeutic.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Magnolia Champaca Flower Water

MAGNOLIA CHAMPACA FLOWER WATER

3.8

A gentle, aromatic floral water that adds a light fragrance and soothing feel to skincare products, but with limited research on specific skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Denudata Callus Extract

Magnolia Denudata Callus Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Magnolia Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/MAGNOLIA OBOVATA FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented magnolia ingredient that may help calm skin and support a healthy microbiome, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Flower Extract

Magnolia Officinalis Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Flower Water

Magnolia Glauca Flower Water

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical water that can help soothe and protect the skin, but research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Kobus Extract

Magnolia Kobus Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Kobus Flower Extract

Magnolia Kobus Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Leaf Extract

Magnolia Grandiflora Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Lily Flower Extract

Magnolia Liliflora Flower Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Obovata Fruit Extract

Magnolia Obovata Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Sieboldii Callus Extract

Magnolia Sieboldii Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm irritation, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Sieboldii Extract

Magnolia Sieboldii Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Sieboldii Flower Extract

Magnolia Sieboldii Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Sieboldii Root Extract

Magnolia Sieboldii Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Magnolia Wilsonii Callus Extract

Magnolia Wilsonii Callus Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Magnolol

Magnolol

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Mahonia Aquifolium Extract

MAHONIA AQUIFOLIUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing benefits, best for those looking for natural support in calming and protecting the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Maidenhair Fern Extract

Adiantum Pedatum Extract

3.8

A gentle fern extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Maitake & Chickweed Ferment

Grifola Frondosa Mycelium/Stellaria Alsine Extract Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Maitake & Ginseng Ferment Extract

Grifola Frondosa / Panax Ginseng Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Maitake & Licorice Ferment

Grifola Frondosa / Licorice Root Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Antioxidant

Maitake Mushroom & Arenaria Ferment

Grifola Frondosa Mycelium/Arenaria Kansuensis Extract Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but human skin research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Maitake Mushroom Ferment Filtrate

Grifola Frondosa Mycelium Ferment Filtrate Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom ferment that may help calm and protect the skin, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Maitake Mycelium Ferment Extract

Grifola Frondosa Mycelium Ferment Filtrate Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom ferment that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Maitake-Burdock Ferment Extract

Grifola Frondosa/Arctium Lappa Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Maitake-Yerba Mate Ferment

Grifola Frondosa/Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented blend that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Malachite Extract

Malachite Extract

3.8

Malachite extract is a mineral-derived 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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Antioxidant

Malachite Ferment

Saccharomyces/Malachite Ferment

4.0

A gentle, copper-infused yeast ferment that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Male Fern Leaf Extract

Dryopteris Filix-Mas Leaf Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Male Fern Root Extract

Dryopteris Filix-Mas Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Exfoliant

Maleic Acid

MALEIC ACID

2.5

Maleic acid is a potent but harsh exfoliant rarely used in consumer skincare due to high irritation potential; safer AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid are preferred.

Irritation

high

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Exfoliant

Malic Acid

Malic Acid

4.0

Malic acid is a gentle AHA exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and brighten complexion, but it can cause irritation if used too frequently or at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Mallotus Bark Extract

Mallotus Japonicus Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Mallotus Japonicus Flower Oil

MALLOTUS JAPONICUS FLOWER OIL

3.8

A gentle, plant-based oil that may help soften skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Mallotus Japonicus Leaf Extract

Mallotus Japonicus Leaf Extract

3.8

A plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Mallotus Japonicus Seed Oil

MALLOTUS JAPONICUS SEED OIL

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates skin without clogging pores, though research on its benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing Agent

Mallow Callus Extract

Malva Sylvestris Callus Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mallow Extract

Malva Verticillata Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived extract that helps calm irritation and support skin hydration, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mallow Flower & Leaf Extract

MALVA SYLVESTRIS FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived extract that helps calm irritated skin and provides light hydration, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mallow Flower Extract

Malva Officinalis Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm irritation and support skin hydration, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mallow Leaf Extract

MALVA SYLVESTRIS LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

Mallow leaf extract is a gentle, plant-based soother that helps calm redness and support skin hydration without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mallow Leaf Water

MALVA SYLVESTRIS LEAF WATER

4.0

A gentle, hydrating botanical water that helps calm sensitive or irritated skin without stripping moisture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Mallow Seed Extract

Malva Sylvestris Seed

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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pH Adjuster

Malonic Acid

Malonic Acid

3.5

Malonic acid is a mild exfoliant and pH adjuster, but research on its skincare benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Humectant

Malt Extract

MALT EXTRACT

4.0

Malt extract is a gentle, natural humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Maltitol

Maltitol

3.8

Maltitol is a gentle humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product texture, but it offers no unique advantage over more common alternatives like glycerin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
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Emulsifier

Maltitol Laurate

Maltitol Laurate

4.0

Maltitol Laurate is a mild, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in skincare products without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Exfoliant

Maltobionic Acid

Maltobionic Acid

4.3

A mild, hydrating exfoliant ideal for sensitive skin, offering gentle surface renewal without the sting of stronger acids.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfolianthumectant
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Humectant

Maltodextrin

MALTODEXTRIN

3.8

Maltodextrin is a gentle, sugar-derived ingredient that helps products feel smooth and slightly hydrating without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectanttexture enhancer
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Film Former

Maltodextrin/VP Copolymer

MALTODEXTRIN/VP COPOLYMER

4.0

A gentle film-forming polymer that improves product texture and wear without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Fragrance Ingredient

Maltol

Maltol

3.5

Maltol is a sweet-smelling compound that adds a caramel-like scent to products and offers mild antioxidant benefits, but it is primarily a fragrance ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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