A gentle, low-irritation cleansing agent that helps create a rich lather without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
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 gentle, low-irritation cleansing agent that helps create a rich lather without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A lightweight silicone that smooths skin and hair without heaviness, generally well-tolerated but not biodegradable.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle surfactant that helps create rich foam and improve texture in cleansers, with low irritation potential.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Conditioning Agent
MYRISTYLAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE DIMETHICONE PEG-7 PHOSPHATE
A gentle silicone-based conditioner that helps detangle hair and soften skin without heavy buildup.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A fragrant tree oil that adds a warm, woody scent to products and may offer mild soothing benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
Myrocarpus Wood Oil adds a warm, woody scent to products but has limited research on specific skincare benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A lab-grown extract from the resurrection plant that may help shield skin from environmental damage and support moisture retention, though human studies are still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
A unique plant extract from the 'resurrection plant' that helps skin retain moisture and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A unique plant extract that may help shield skin from environmental damage and support resilience, though human research is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited compared to more studied ingredients.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Myrrh Gum Oil offers soothing and astringent benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin; use in low concentrations.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Myrrh oil adds a warm, earthy scent and may help calm skin, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin types.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
Myrrh Resin Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and support a healthy-looking complexion, though more human studies are needed.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, water-based myrrh extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skin benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Myrtenal is a natural aromatic compound with antioxidant potential, but its use in skincare is limited by its strong scent and moderate irritation risk.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
Myrtenol adds a fresh, pine-like scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive skin, especially at higher concentrations.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
Myrtenyl Acetate is a fragrant ester found in essential oils; it adds scent to products but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
Myrtenyl Formate adds a pleasant pine-like scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
Myrtle leaf water is a mild, aromatic botanical water that can help soothe and refresh the skin, but its benefits are not strongly backed by independent research.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
An effective preservative and antistatic agent, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin or eyes.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A synthetic ceramide that mimics your skin's natural lipids to strengthen the moisture barrier and reduce water loss.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A novel synthetic antioxidant with early research suggesting skin benefits, but long-term safety and efficacy data are limited.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic compound that may help improve skin firmness, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic hair dye intermediate that can cause allergic reactions and irritation; not found in leave-on or skincare products.
Irritation
high
Source
synthetic
A gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A novel soothing ingredient that may help calm reactive skin by interacting with skin's own dopamine receptors, but research is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, synthetic brightener that works by calming melanin production signals, making it a promising alternative to more aggressive lighteners.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research in cosmetics is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A lab-made molecule inspired by dopamine that may help protect skin from oxidative stress, but human research is still very limited.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic compound that may help reduce skin sensitivity by calming nerve signals, but research is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic resin that helps nail polish stick and last longer, but it's not a moisturizing or skin-friendly ingredient.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A plant-derived antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, but research in cosmetics is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-inspired antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against pollution and UV damage, but human studies are still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A synthetic brightener that works by inhibiting melanin production, but research is still emerging compared to more established ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic foaming agent that can be effective but may cause irritation for sensitive skin; less common in modern formulations.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A novel synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but human research is very limited.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A promising but under-researched brightening ingredient that may help even skin tone and support collagen, but lacks the long track record of niacinamide.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A strong hair dye intermediate that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation; not recommended for sensitive individuals.
Irritation
high
Source
synthetic
A common but potent hair dye ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Irritation
high
Source
synthetic
A common but potent hair dye ingredient that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation; use with caution and always patch test.
Irritation
high
Source
synthetic
A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A novel retinoid derivative that may offer anti-aging and brightening benefits, but research is very limited and it may cause irritation similar to other retinoids.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A synthetic ceramide that helps restore the skin's moisture barrier, making it ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
NADP is a cellular energy coenzyme with theoretical antioxidant benefits, but its effectiveness in skincare is not yet well-supported by human studies.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
Naftalan Oil Extract is a traditional soothing oil with anti-inflammatory potential, but it is a crude oil derivative with limited modern safety data and a strong odor.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived oil that helps soften and condition skin with antioxidant support, though research is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Nahocol D is a gentle, algae-derived humectant that helps hydrate and condition skin, though research on its benefits is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A marine microalgae extract that provides antioxidant protection and hydration, with early research suggesting benefits for skin barrier support and environmental stress defense.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle marine microalgae powder that offers antioxidant protection and soothing benefits, ideal for sensitive or environmentally stressed skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle marine algae extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, antioxidant-rich marine microalgae that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
UV Absorber
POTASSIUM NAPHTHYL METHYLHYDROXYDIOXOBENZOTHIAZINOLATE METHANONE
A synthetic UV filter that helps shield skin from harmful rays, but its use is limited to certain regions and formulations.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Naproxen is a proven pain reliever but is not a cosmetic ingredient; it is regulated as an over-the-counter drug and should not be used in skincare for cosmetic purposes.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help soothe and brighten skin, though research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Naranjilla fruit juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it's not a powerhouse ingredient.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though research is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
natural