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

Anacardoyl Tripeptide-35

Anacardoyl Tripeptide-35

3.8

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

Abrasive

Anadara Shell Powder

ANADARA KAGOSHIMENSIS SHELL POWDER

3.5

A natural exfoliant from clam shells that gently polishes skin, but may be too scratchy for sensitive or compromised skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Andesite Extract

Andesite Extract

3.5

A mineral-rich volcanic rock extract that may support skin barrier function, but research is limited and benefits are not well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaremineral
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Andiroba Seed Oil

Carapa guaianensis seed oil

4.0

A gentle Amazonian oil that hydrates and soothes, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Andiroba Seed Powder

Carapa guaianensis seed powder

3.8

A gentle, natural seed powder that helps exfoliate and absorb excess oil without harshness, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Andrographolide

ANDROGRAPHOLIDE

3.8

A plant-derived compound with promising antioxidant and soothing benefits, though research in topical skincare is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Androsace Helvetica Extract

Androsace Helvetica Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Androsace Umbellata Extract

ANDROSACE UMBELLATA EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Androstadienone

ANDROSTA-4,16-DIEN-3-ONE

2.5

Androstadienone is a synthetic pheromone-like compound used in some fragrances, but its effects on human behavior are subtle and not well-established in cosmetics.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyfragrancepheromone
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Anemarrhena Callus Extract

ANEMARRHENA ASPHODELOIDES CALLUS CONDITIONED MEDIA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Anemarrhena Root Extract

ANEMARRHENA ASPHODELOIDES ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

Anemarrhena Root Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skin research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Anethole

ANETHOLE

3.5

Anethole adds a sweet, licorice-like scent to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Anetholea Anisata Leaf Extract

ANETHOLEA ANISATA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited compared to more established plant extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Anethum Sowa Seed Oil

ANETHUM SOWA SEED OIL

3.8

Anethum Sowa Seed Oil offers mild soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but its essential oil nature means it can be irritating for sensitive skin if used at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica & Burdock & Jasmine Extract

Angelica Sinensis Leaf/Arctium Lappa Root/Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on this specific combination is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Acutiloba Flower Extract

ANGELICA ACUTILOBA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still limited compared to more studied antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Acutiloba Leaf Extract

Angelica Acutiloba Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, best for sensitive or dry skin types looking for mild plant-based support.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Dahurica Leaf Extract

Angelica Dahurica Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Angelica Dahurica Root Powder

Angelica Dahurica Root Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with traditional roots, offering antioxidant and soothing potential, though modern research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Extract

Angelica Furcijuga Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on this specific species is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Angelica Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/ANGELICA FURCIJUGA FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical ingredient that may help hydrate and soothe skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Gigas Sprout Extract

Angelica Gigas Sprout 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

Angelica Glauca Root Extract

Angelica Glauca Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Keiskei Callus Extract

Angelica Keiskei Callus 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
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Keiskei Extract

Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a calm, even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Keiskei Root Extract

Angelica Keiskei Root Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Leaf Extract

Angelica Utilis Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Angelica Leaf Oil

Angelica Archangelica Leaf Oil

3.8

Angelica Leaf Oil adds a fresh, herbal scent to products but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals; use with caution.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Root Extract

Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract

3.8

Angelica Root Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Angelica Root Ferment Extract

SACCHAROMYCES/ANGELICA DAHURICA ROOT FERMENT EXTRACT

3.8

A fermented botanical extract that may offer soothing and conditioning benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Angelica Root Oil

Angelica Archangelica Root Oil

3.5

Angelica Root Oil adds a pleasant herbal scent to products, but its skin benefits are not well-studied and it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Angelica Root Water

Angelica Archangelica Root Water

3.8

Angelica Root Water is a gentle, water-based botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Seed Powder

Angelica Archangelica Seed Powder

3.5

Angelica seed powder is a gentle botanical exfoliant and antioxidant, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angelica Shikokiana Extract

Angelica Shikokiana Leaf/Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not well-established in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Angoroside C

Angoroside C

3.5

Angoroside C is a gentle plant antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, but research is still early and it's not a proven powerhouse.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Anhydroxylityl Lactate

Anhydroxylityl Lactate

4.0

A gentle, sugar-derived humectant that hydrates without stickiness, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Aniba Ferrea Wood Oil

ANIBA FERREA WOOD OIL

3.8

Aniba Ferrea Wood Oil adds a pleasant woody scent to products but has limited research on skin benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance component

Aniba Rosaeodora Amazonica Wood Extract

ANIBA ROSAEODORA AMAZONICA WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A fragrant botanical extract with limited research on skin benefits; best for those who enjoy natural scents and have no fragrance sensitivities.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Aniba Rosaeodora Amazonica Wood Oil

ANIBA ROSAEODORA AMAZONICA WOOD OIL

3.8

A fragrant essential oil with a pleasant woody scent and some skin-soothing potential, but it carries a moderate risk of skin irritation and raises sustainability concerns.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Aniba Rosaeodora Root Extract

ANIBA ROSAEODORA ROOT EXTRACT ACETYLATED

3.5

A gentle botanical extract from rosewood root that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and sustainability concerns exist.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Extract

ANIBA ROSAEODORA WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A fragrant wood extract with mild soothing potential, but its use is limited by sustainability concerns and a moderate risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil

ANIBA ROSAEODORA WOOD OIL

3.8

A fragrant essential oil with skin-conditioning benefits, but potential for irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Component

Aniba Rosodora Wood Extract

ANIBA ROSODORA WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A fragrant wood extract with mild skin-conditioning potential, but limited research and moderate irritation risk mean it's best for those without sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Aniba Rosodora Wood Oil

ANIBA ROSODORA WOOD OIL

3.8

A fragrant essential oil with a warm, woody scent that can add a pleasant aroma to skincare but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Animal-Derived Ingredient Complex

Animal-Derived Ingredient Complex

3.5

Animal-derived ingredients can be effective but raise ethical and allergy concerns; check labels if you prefer plant-based options.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Anisaldehyde

ANISALDEHYDE

3.5

Anisaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance compound with a sweet, floral scent; it is generally safe at low concentrations but can be a skin sensitizer for some individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Anise Alcohol

ANISE ALCOHOL

3.5

Anise alcohol is a natural fragrance compound that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Component

Anise Fruit Water

PIMPINELLA ANISUM FRUIT WATER

3.5

A gentle, aromatic botanical water that adds a light scent and soothing feel to skincare, but lacks strong clinical evidence for specific skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical water
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Aniseed Myrtle Leaf Extract

BACKHOUSIA ANISATA LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from Australian aniseed myrtle that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a balanced microbiome.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Anisole

Anisole

3.5

Anisole is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, anise-like scent; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Anisyl Acetate

ANISYL ACETATE

3.5

Anisyl acetate is a pleasant-smelling fragrance ingredient that is generally well-tolerated, but like all fragrance components, it can be a potential allergen for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Annatto

CI 75120

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived colorant that adds warm tones to makeup and skincare without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Annatto Pulp Extract

BIXA ORELLANA PULP EXTRACT

4.0

Annatto pulp extract is a gentle, natural colorant with antioxidant benefits, ideal for sensitive skin looking for a subtle tint without synthetic dyes.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review