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

Emollient

Annatto Seed Oil

Bixa Orellana Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps soften skin and may offer some environmental protection.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Annual Feverfew Oil

TANACETUM ANNUUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM OIL

4.0

Annual feverfew oil is a gentle, plant-based oil that helps calm redness and irritation, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Annual Fleabane Flower Extract

ERIGERON ANNUUS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Annual Meadow Grass Extract

Poa Annua Extract

3.5

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Annual Mercury Extract

Mercurialis Annua Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with promising anti-inflammatory benefits, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Annual Tanacetum Flower Oil

TANACETUM ANNUUM FLOWER OIL

3.8

A gentle, fragrant oil from the feverfew family that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Anogeissus Bark Extract

ANOGEISSUS LEIOCARPA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Anserine

ANSERINE

4.0

Anserine is a gentle antioxidant peptide that may help protect skin from glycation and oxidative stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Ant Egg Oil Extract

Ant Egg Oil Extract

2.5

A niche, insect-derived oil with anecdotal moisturizing benefits but very limited scientific research and potential ethical concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareoil
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Antarctic Hairgrass Leaf Extract

Deschampsia antarctica leaf extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from a hardy Antarctic plant that may help shield skin from environmental stressors, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Antarctic Kelp Extract

Durvillaea antarctica extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps skin retain moisture and defends against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Antarctic Krill Extract

HEMICHLORIS ANTARCTICA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle marine extract that helps hydrate and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins

4.0

Anthocyanins are potent plant antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental stress and may calm redness, though their stability in formulas can be a challenge.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Absorbent

Anthracite Extract

Anthracite Extract

3.0

Anthracite extract is a mineral-based ingredient that may help draw out impurities, but its use in skincare is niche and lacks robust safety data.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Anthurium Flower Extract

Anthurium Andraeanum Flower Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Anti-Acne Monoclonal Antibody

Human Anti-Propionibacterium Acnes Monoclonal Antibody

3.5

A novel biotech ingredient that targets acne bacteria specifically, but clinical evidence is still limited and it may be hard to find in consumer products.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareactive
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging

Anti-Collagenase-1 Antibody

Anti-Collagenase-1 Mouse Monoclonal Antibody

3.0

A biotech ingredient that aims to preserve collagen by neutralizing collagenase-1, but its effectiveness in a jar is still debated.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareactive
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Antler Velvet Ferment Filtrate

Lactobacillus/Antler Velvet Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A trendy fermented ingredient with limited research; may offer antioxidant benefits but lacks robust human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae Powder

APHANIZOMENON FLOS-AQUAE POWDER

4.0

A nutrient-dense algae powder that provides antioxidant protection and skin conditioning, but its benefits are supported more by traditional use than robust clinical studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Aphanothece Sacrum Extract

APHANOTHECE SACRUM POWDER

3.8

Aphanothece Sacrum is a gentle algae extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Aphloia Leaf Extract

Aphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apigenin

Apigenin

4.0

Apigenin is a gentle antioxidant that helps calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apocynum Venetum Extract

Apocynum Venetum Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apple Bark Extract

Pyrus Malus Bark Extract

3.8

Apple Bark Extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apple Callus Extract

Malus Domestica Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin cells from environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apple Callus Powder

Pyrus Malus Callus Powder

4.0

Apple callus powder is a biotech antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more youthful appearance, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Apple Carpel Powder

Pyrus Malus Carpel Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant from apple cores that helps smooth skin without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Apple Ferment Filtrate

Saccharomyces/Malus Pumila Fruit Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented apple extract that helps soften skin and provide light antioxidant benefits without harsh exfoliation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Apple Fiber

Pyrus Malus Fiber

4.0

Apple fiber is a gentle, natural exfoliant that helps slough off dead skin cells without the harshness of plastic microbeads, making it a popular eco-friendly choice for scrubs and masks.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apple Flower Extract

Pyrus Malus Flower Extract

4.0

A mild, plant-derived extract that may help soothe skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Apple Flower Water

Pyrus Malus Flower Water

3.8

A gentle, lightly fragrant floral water that can refresh and soothe skin, but lacks strong scientific backing for specific skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaretoner
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apple Fruit Extract

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

4.0

Apple fruit extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that offers mild exfoliation and hydration, making it a good choice for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Apple Fruit Water

Pyrus Malus Fruit Water

4.0

Apple Fruit Water is a gentle, hydrating base ingredient that adds light antioxidant benefits and a subtle natural scent to skincare products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Apple Juice

Pyrus Malus Juice

4.0

Apple juice is a gentle, natural humectant that provides light hydration and antioxidant benefits, but its effectiveness is limited compared to more concentrated actives.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apple Leaf Extract

Pyrus Malus Leaf Extract

3.8

Apple Leaf Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Apple Mint Leaf Extract

Mentha Suaveolens Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Apple Pectin Extract

Pyrus Malus Pectin Extract

4.0

Apple pectin extract is a gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe skin while forming a light protective film.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantfilm-former
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apple Peel Extract

Pyrus Malus Peel Extract

4.0

Apple peel extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Apple Peel Wax

Pyrus Malus Peel Cera

4.0

Apple peel wax is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and protect the skin while adding texture to balms and creams.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apple Pulp Extract

Pyrus Malus Pulp Extract

4.0

Apple Pulp Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apple Root Bark Powder

Pyrus Malus Root Bark Powder

3.5

A gentle botanical powder from apple tree root bark that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it is not a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apple Root Extract

Pyrus Malus Root Extract

3.8

Apple Root Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apple Seed Extract

Pyrus Malus Seed Extract

3.8

Apple seed extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Apple Seed Oil

Pyrus Malus Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, backed by moderate evidence for antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apple Stem Cell Extract

Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract

4.0

A plant stem cell extract that may help protect skin cells from environmental stress and support a more youthful appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apple Stem Extract

Pyrus Malus Stem Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin cells from oxidative stress, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apricot Bud Extract

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Bud Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from apricot buds that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Apricot Ferment Filtrate

ENDOMYCES/PRUNUS ARMENIACA FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apricot Flower Extract

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Flower Extract

3.8

A mild, flower-derived extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Apricot Fruit Extract

Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract

4.0

Apricot Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a calm, even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Apricot Fruit Water

Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Water

3.8

Apricot fruit water is a mild, hydrating base that adds a touch of natural fruit extract to skincare, but it offers limited active benefits compared to more concentrated ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Apricot Juice

Prunus Armeniaca Juice

3.8

Apricot Juice offers gentle hydration and a touch of natural fruit goodness, but its benefits are mild compared to more concentrated active ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Apricot Kernel Amino Acids

Apricot Kernel Amino Acids

4.0

A gentle, plant-based amino acid blend that helps hydrate and support the skin barrier without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Apricot Kernel Extract

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and condition skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Apricot Kernel Ferment Oil

KLUYVEROMYCES/LACTOBACILLUS/APRICOT KERNEL FERMENT OIL FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented oil that moisturizes and softens skin, with potential antioxidant benefits from fermentation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Apricot Kernel Oil

Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil

4.3

Apricot kernel oil is a gentle, non-greasy moisturizer that softens skin without clogging pores, making it a favorite for sensitive and oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Apricot Kernel Oil Glycol Esters

APRICOT KERNEL OIL PROPYLENE GLYCOL ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review