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

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3

MYRISTOYL NONAPEPTIDE-3

4.0

A well-studied synthetic peptide that may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin firmness with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Octapeptide-1

MYRISTOYL OCTAPEPTIDE-1

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Octapeptide-31

MYRISTOYL OCTAPEPTIDE-31

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften expression lines, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Myristoyl PCA Chitin

MYRISTOYL/PCA CHITIN

4.0

A gentle film-forming ingredient that locks in moisture and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-formerhumectant
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Pentapeptide-10

MYRISTOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-10

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Myristoyl Pentapeptide-11

MYRISTOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-11

4.0

A lab-made peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Pentapeptide-14

MYRISTOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-14

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Pentapeptide-15

MYRISTOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-15

4.0

A lab-made peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping smooth fine lines over time.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Myristoyl Pentapeptide-16

MYRISTOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-16

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce sagging, but more independent human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17

MYRISTOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-17

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Pentapeptide-4

MYRISTOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-4

4.3

A well-studied peptide that may help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness with consistent use, though results are gradual.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8

MYRISTOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-8

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Myristoyl Pentapeptide-9

MYRISTOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-9

4.3

A well-tolerated peptide that helps reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness by encouraging collagen production.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Myristoyl Pullulan

MYRISTOYL PULLULAN

4.0

A gentle, hydrating film-former that leaves skin feeling smooth and plumped without stickiness — ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectantfilm-former
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Myristoyl Sarcosine

Myristoyl Sarcosine

4.0

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansingsurfactant
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-12

MYRISTOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-12

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but results vary and it works best in a consistent routine.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-13

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-13

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-20

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-20

4.0

A lab-made peptide that signals skin to appear firmer and smoother, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Firming agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-3

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-3

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and reduce puffiness, especially around the eyes, with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-34

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-34

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-4

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-4

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help reduce visible redness and sensitivity over time, but results are subtle and not instant.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-41

MYRISTOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-41

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help improve skin firmness and smooth fine lines, but more independent research is needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-46

MYRISTOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-46

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften expression lines, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-6

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-6

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help reduce visible redness and support a calmer, more even complexion over time.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-8

MYRISTOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-8

4.0

A gentle peptide that helps calm visible skin reactivity and support a more resilient-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Myristoyl Tripeptide

MYRISTOYL GLYCINE/HISTIDINE/LYSINE POLYPEPTIDE

4.0

A synthetic peptide that helps support collagen and skin firmness, generally well-tolerated and suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Myristoyl Tripeptide-1

Myristoyl Tripeptide-1

4.3

A well-studied peptide that helps reduce the look of wrinkles by encouraging your skin to produce more collagen.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Tripeptide-31

MYRISTOYL TRIPEPTIDE-31

4.0

A synthetic peptide that signals skin to appear firmer and smoother, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Myristoyl Tripeptide-4

MYRISTOYL TRIPEPTIDE-4

4.2

A well-tolerated peptide that may help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Myristyl 2-Glyceryl Ascorbate

Myristyl 2-Glyceryl Ascorbate

4.3

A gentle, oil-soluble vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the sting of pure L-ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Myristyl 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate

MYRISTYL 3-GLYCERYL ASCORBATE

4.3

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the irritation of pure ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Acetate

Myristyl Acetate

4.0

Myristyl Acetate is a gentle emollient that helps soften skin without clogging pores, making it a safe choice for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Myristyl Alaninate

Myristyl Alaninate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Alcohol

MYRISTYL ALCOHOL

4.0

A gentle fatty alcohol that softens skin and helps stabilize formulas without the drying effects of short-chain alcohols.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Myristyl Aspartic Acid

Myristyl Aspartic Acid

4.0

A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes impurities while being gentle on the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Myristyl Betaine

Myristyl Betaine

4.0

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that helps create a rich lather while being kinder to sensitive skin than traditional sulfates.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Carpotroche Seedate

MYRISTYL CARPOTROCHE BRASILIENSIS SEEDATE

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Cupuaçuate

MYRISTYL THEOBROMA GRANDIFLORUM SEEDATE

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens and smooths skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Ethylhexanoate

MYRISTYL ETHYLHEXANOATE

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily or combination skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Myristyl Glucoside

Myristyl Glucoside

4.5

A mild, non-stripping surfactant that effectively cleanses while being gentle enough for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Glycol

Myristyl Glycol

4.0

Myristyl Glycol is a gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Isostearate

MYRISTYL ISOSTEARATE

4.0

Myristyl Isostearate is a gentle emollient that helps soften skin and improve the feel of creams and lotions without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Lactate

MYRISTYL LACTATE

4.0

A gentle emollient that helps soften skin without feeling greasy, making it a good choice for dry or normal skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Laurate

Myristyl Laurate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Lignocerate

Myristyl Lignocerate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and reduce water loss without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Myristyl Malate Phosphonic Acid

Myristyl Malate Phosphonic Acid

4.0

A gentle, phosphate-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Methicone

Myristyl Methicone

4.0

A gentle silicone that smooths skin and helps products glide on without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresilicone
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Myristate

Myristyl Myristate

4.0

A rich emollient that softens skin and thickens formulas, but may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Neopentanoate

MYRISTYL NEOPENTANOATE

4.2

A lightweight synthetic emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, making it a great choice for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Vasodilator

Myristyl Nicotinate

MYRISTYL NICOTINATE

3.8

A niacin-derived ingredient that temporarily increases blood flow to the skin's surface, often used for a plumping or warming effect.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarevasodilator
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl PCA

MYRISTYL PCA

4.0

Myristyl PCA is a mild, moisturizing ingredient that helps keep skin soft and hydrated without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Myristyl Phosphate

MYRISTYL PHOSPHATE

4.0

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Propionate

MYRISTYL PROPIONATE

4.0

Myristyl Propionate is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Salicylate

Myristyl Salicylate

4.0

A milder cousin of salicylic acid that helps smooth skin without the sting, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Myristyl Stearate

Myristyl Stearate

4.0

Myristyl Stearate is a gentle emollient that softens skin and thickens formulas without common irritation or clogging concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review