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

Nicotinoyl Octapeptide-9

Nicotinoyl Octapeptide-9

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Nicotinoyl PEG-5 Tocopheryl Succinate

NICOTINOYL PEG-5 TOCOPHERYL SUCCINATE

4.0

A gentle, multi-tasking molecule that pairs niacinamide-like benefits with vitamin E’s antioxidant power, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Nicotinoyl Pentapeptide-20

Nicotinoyl Pentapeptide-20

4.0

A promising anti-aging peptide that combines the benefits of niacinamide with a signal peptide to help firm skin and soften wrinkles.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nicotinoyl Pentapeptide-33

Nicotinoyl Pentapeptide-33

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nicotinoyl Pentapeptide-46

Nicotinoyl Pentapeptide-46

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help smooth wrinkles and improve skin firmness, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Nicotinoyl S-Allylcysteine

Nicotinoyl S-Allylcysteine

4.0

A novel synthetic ingredient that pairs niacinamide with a garlic-derived compound for antioxidant and anti-aging effects, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nicotinoyl SH-Decapeptide-9

Nicotinoyl SH-Decapeptide-9

4.0

A synthetic peptide designed to mimic skin-repair signals, often used in anti-aging products for its potential to improve firmness and smooth wrinkles.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Nicotinoyl SH-Pentapeptide-19

Nicotinoyl SH-Pentapeptide-19

4.0

A lab-made peptide-niacin hybrid that aims to firm skin and soften wrinkles, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nicotinoyl SH-Pentapeptide-4

Nicotinoyl SH-Pentapeptide-4

4.0

A lab-made peptide-vitamin hybrid that aims to mimic natural skin signals to help smooth lines and improve firmness, with generally low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-1

Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-1

4.3

A gentle peptide-niacinamide hybrid that helps firm skin and soften lines without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-35

Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-35

4.0

A promising synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-47

Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-47

4.0

A lab-made peptide that mimics niacinamide's benefits to help smooth wrinkles and improve skin texture with low irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-48

Nicotinoyl Tripeptide-48

4.2

A promising synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Vasodilator

Nicotinyl Alcohol

Nicotinyl Alcohol

3.5

Nicotinyl alcohol may help improve skin radiance by boosting blood flow, but it is less studied and potentially more irritating than niacinamide.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarevasodilator
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Nictoflorin

Nictoflorin

3.8

Nictoflorin is a gentle plant antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Nigella Damascena Seed Powder

NIGELLA DAMASCENA SEED POWDER

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant that helps polish skin without harsh microbeads, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Nigero Oligosaccharides

Nigero Oligosaccharides

4.0

A gentle, microbiome-friendly sugar that hydrates and helps balance skin bacteria without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantprebiotic
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Night Jasmine Seed Extract

Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis Seed Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Night-Blooming Cereus Extract

Cereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Night-Blooming Jasmine Water

Cestrum Nocturnum Branch/Flower/Leaf Water

3.5

A gentle, fragrant botanical water that adds a pleasant scent and mild skin-conditioning benefits, but lacks strong scientific backing for specific skincare effects.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical water
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Nikko Fir Leaf Extract

Abies Homolepis Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Nikko Maple Bark Extract

Acer Nikoense 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
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Nikko Maple Extract

Acer Nikoense Branch/Stem 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

Nipa Palm Shoot Extract

NYPA FRUTICANS SHOOT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Nipa Palm Sprout Extract

Nypa Fruticans Sprout Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its efficacy in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Preservative

Nisin

Nisin

4.0

Nisin is a gentle, naturally derived preservative that helps keep skincare products fresh while supporting a healthy skin microbiome.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarepreservativeantimicrobial
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Nitrocellulose

NITROCELLULOSE

3.5

Nitrocellulose is a common film former in nail polish that provides a durable, glossy finish, but it is highly flammable in its raw form and can be drying to nails over time.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautynail carefilm former
Read ingredient review

Solvent

Nitroethane

Nitroethane

2.0

Nitroethane is a synthetic solvent with limited cosmetic use; it may pose irritation risks and is not a common skincare ingredient.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
Read ingredient review

Propellant

Nitrogen

NITROGEN

3.5

Nitrogen is a safe, inert gas that helps dispense and preserve cosmetic products without affecting skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarepropellant
Read ingredient review

Microbiome modulator

Nitrosomonas eutropha Ferment

Nitrosomonas eutropha Ferment

3.8

A probiotic bacteria ferment that may support a balanced skin microbiome, but research is still early and product-specific results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaremicrobiome
Read ingredient review

Propellant

Nitrous Oxide

NITROUS OXIDE

3.5

Nitrous oxide is a safe, non-irritating propellant that helps create light, airy textures in foaming products, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepropellant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Nobiletin

Nobiletin

4.0

Nobiletin is a citrus-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and may support a more even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Noctiluca Algae Extract

PYROCYSTIS NOCTILUCA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich algae extract that may help soothe skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Non-2-Enal

NON-2-ENAL

3.8

Non-2-Enal is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh, green note to products but offers no skincare benefits beyond scent.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Non-2-Enenitrile

NON-2-ENENITRILE

3.5

Non-2-Enenitrile is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, green scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Nona-2,4-dienal

NONA-2,4-DIENAL

3.0

Nona-2,4-dienal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fatty, aldehyde note but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Nonadecane

NONADECANE

4.0

Nonadecane is a gentle, lightweight emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Nonadienol

Nonadienol

3.5

Nonadienol is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh violet scent to products; it is generally safe but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Nonan-2-One

NONAN-2-ONE

3.5

Nonan-2-One is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, floral note but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Nonanal

NONANAL

3.5

Nonanal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Nonanal Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base

Nonanal/Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base

3.5

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a pleasant scent but may cause skin sensitivity in some people, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Solvent

Nonane

NONANE

3.5

Nonane is a lightweight, volatile solvent that helps products spread easily and evaporate quickly, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Nonanediyl Diacetate

NONANEDIYL DIACETATE

3.8

A lightweight synthetic ester that helps skincare products feel silky and spread easily without greasiness.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Nonanoyl Tryptamine

Nonanoyl Tryptamine

3.5

A synthetic ingredient that aims to soothe skin by mimicking natural calming signals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Skin lightening agent

Nonapeptide-1

Nonapeptide-1

4.0

A synthetic peptide that targets melanin production to help fade dark spots and even out skin tone, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Nonapeptide-18

METHYLENEDIOXYPHENYLSUCCINOYL NONAPEPTIDE-18

4.0

A targeted peptide that may help fade under-eye circles by improving blood flow and reducing pigment buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nonapeptide-27 Amide

Nonapeptide-27 Amide

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, similar to how neuropeptides work.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nonapeptide-29 Complex

NONAPEPTIDE-29 AMIDO CARBOXYMETHYL HYDROXYLIMINOMETHYLBENZAMIDO SH-DSRNA-1

3.8

A lab-made peptide complex that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Nonapeptide-29 Hexapeptide-8

Nonapeptide-29 Hexapeptide-8

4.0

A synthetic peptide duo that may help soften expression lines and improve skin firmness with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nonapeptide-30

Nonapeptide-30

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce the look of fine lines by signaling skin to produce more collagen, but human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nonapeptide-31

Nonapeptide-31

4.0

Nonapeptide-31 is a synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines by mimicking natural signaling processes in the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nonapeptide-32

Nonapeptide-32

4.0

Nonapeptide-32 is a synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, similar to how neuropeptides work in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nonapeptide-33

Nonapeptide-33

4.0

Nonapeptide-33 is a synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, similar to how neuropeptides work, but with a lower risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Nonapeptide-34

Nonapeptide-34

3.8

Nonapeptide-34 is a synthetic peptide that may help soften expression lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review