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

Emulsifier

Oleth-30

OLETH-30

4.0

Oleth-30 is a gentle emulsifier that helps water and oil mix in your skincare products, but it may be too heavy for very oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Oleth-35

OLETH-35

3.5

Oleth-35 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in products, but it may be less common in natural-focused formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Surfactant

Oleth-4 Phosphate

OLETH-4 PHOSPHATE

3.8

A gentle surfactant and emulsifier that helps cleanse and stabilize formulas without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

Oleth-40

OLETH-40

3.5

Oleth-40 is a workhorse emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Oleth-44

OLETH-44

3.8

Oleth-44 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in creams and cleansers, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Oleth-45

OLETH-45

3.8

Oleth-45 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Oleth-5

OLETH-5

3.8

Oleth-5 helps mix oil and water in your products, but it can be mildly irritating or pore-clogging for some skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Surfactant

Oleth-5 Phosphate

OLETH-5 PHOSPHATE

3.8

Oleth-5 Phosphate is a gentle emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in products, with low irritation potential and a good safety profile for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

Oleth-50

OLETH-50

3.8

Oleth-50 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulas, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Oleth-6

OLETH-6

3.8

Oleth-6 is a workhorse emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but it may be mildly irritating or pore-clogging for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Oleth-6 Carboxylic Acid

OLETH-6 CARBOXYLIC ACID

4.0

A gentle, effective cleansing ingredient that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing agent
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Emulsifier

Oleth-7

OLETH-7

3.8

Oleth-7 is a workhorse emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, but it may be slightly irritating or clog pores for some skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Oleth-8

OLETH-8

3.5

Oleth-8 helps mix water and oil in products, but it may be mildly irritating or pore-clogging for some skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Surfactant

Oleth-82

OLETH-82

3.8

Oleth-82 is a synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers, but it may be slightly drying or irritating for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

Oleth-9

OLETH-9

4.0

Oleth-9 is a reliable emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures, but it may not suit those with very sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Antioxidant

Oleuropein Aglycone

Oleuropein Aglycone

4.0

A powerful olive-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and supports a more even, youthful complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Oleuropeinyl Glucoside

Oleuropeinyl Glucoside

4.0

A gentle antioxidant from olive leaves that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Oleyl Acetate

OLEYL ACETATE

3.8

Oleyl Acetate is a lightweight emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for acne-prone individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Skin conditioning agent

Oleyl Acetyl Glutaminate

Oleyl Acetyl Glutaminate

4.0

A mild, amino-acid-derived ingredient that conditions skin without irritation, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Emollient

Oleyl Alcohol

Oleyl Alcohol

4.0

A gentle fatty alcohol that softens skin and thickens formulas, but may clog pores for some.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Oleyl Arachidate

Oleyl Arachidate

4.0

A gentle wax ester that softens skin and improves product feel without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Surfactant

Oleyl Betaine

Oleyl Betaine

4.0

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin or hair.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Oleyl Erucate

Oleyl Erucate

3.8

Oleyl Erucate is a gentle emollient that helps soften and smooth skin, but it's not a standout active ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Oleyl Ethyl Phosphate

Oleyl Ethyl Phosphate

4.0

A gentle, phosphate-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Emollient

Oleyl Glyceryl Ether

Oleyl Glyceryl Ether

4.0

A gentle emollient that helps soften skin and stabilize formulas without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Antistatic Agent

Oleyl Hydroxyethyl Imidazoline

Oleyl Hydroxyethyl Imidazoline

3.5

A synthetic antistatic agent that helps soften hair and reduce flyaways, but may be irritating for sensitive scalps or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Oleyl Lactate

Oleyl Lactate

4.0

Oleyl lactate is a gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Oleyl Lanolate

Oleyl Lanolate

3.8

Oleyl Lanolate is a gentle emollient that helps soften skin, but may clog pores in acne-prone individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Oleyl Linoleate

Oleyl Linoleate

4.0

A gentle emollient that helps soften skin and support barrier function, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Oleyl Myristate

Oleyl Myristate

4.0

Oleyl Myristate is a reliable emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, but it may clog pores for acne-prone individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Oleyl Oleate

Oleyl Oleate

3.8

Oleyl Oleate is a lightweight emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients absorb, but it may clog pores for acne-prone individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Oleyl Palmitamide

Oleyl Palmitamide

3.5

Oleyl Palmitamide is a gentle emollient that helps soften and condition the skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Oleyl Stearate

Oleyl Stearate

3.8

Oleyl Stearate is a gentle emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Anti-Aging Agent

Oligopeptide-100 Amide

Oligopeptide-100 Amide

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-101 Amide

Oligopeptide-101 Amide

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Oligopeptide-102

Oligopeptide-102

4.0

A synthetic peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with minimal irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-103

Oligopeptide-103

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-105

Oligopeptide-105

4.0

Oligopeptide-105 is a lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-106

Oligopeptide-106

4.0

Oligopeptide-106 is a synthetic peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-107

Oligopeptide-107, SH-Oligopeptide-1

4.0

A synthetic peptide that signals skin to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-107 / rh-Polypeptide-1

Oligopeptide-107, rh-Polypeptide-1

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
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Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-109

Oligopeptide-109

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help signal skin to produce more collagen, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-111

Oligopeptide-111

4.0

Oligopeptide-111 is a lab-made peptide that may help skin look firmer and more youthful by encouraging collagen-related activity, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-113

Oligopeptide-113

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-114 Acetate

Oligopeptide-114 Acetate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Oligopeptide-115

Oligopeptide-115

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-116

Oligopeptide-116

4.0

A synthetic peptide that signals skin cells to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and improve firmness with consistent use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-119

Oligopeptide-119

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-121

Oligopeptide-121

4.0

Oligopeptide-121 is a lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-122

Oligopeptide-122

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen production and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Oligopeptide-123

Oligopeptide-123

3.8

A lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and firmness, but specific research on this exact peptide is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-124 Amide

Oligopeptide-124 Amide

4.0

A lab-made peptide amide that may help firm skin and reduce fine lines, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-125 Amide

Oligopeptide-125 Amide

4.0

A synthetic peptide amide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but long-term human data is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-126

Oligopeptide-126, Sh-Oligopeptide-1

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Oligopeptide-127

Oligopeptide-127, Rh-Oligopeptide-4

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review