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

Humectant

Ozonized Glycerin

OZONIZED GLYCERIN

4.0

Ozonized glycerin is a gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that hydrates while offering soothing and antimicrobial benefits, making it a promising option for acne-prone or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectantsoothing
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Emollient

Ozonized Jojoba Oil

SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL (AND) OZONE

3.8

Ozonized jojoba oil combines the moisturizing benefits of jojoba with the antimicrobial potential of ozone, but research on its cosmetic efficacy is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Ozonized Macadamia Seed Oil

OZONIZED MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA SEED OIL

3.8

Ozonized macadamia seed oil is a gentle, oxygen-enriched emollient that may support skin comfort and barrier function, but its ozone-related benefits are still being explored.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Ozonized Meadowfoam Seed Oil

OZONIZED MEADOWFOAM SEED OIL

3.8

Ozonized meadowfoam seed oil is a unique, oxygen-enriched oil that may help calm skin and support a clearer complexion, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollientantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Ozonized Oleth-10

OZONIZED OLETH-10

3.5

Ozonized Oleth-10 is a semi-synthetic surfactant with added ozone for potential antimicrobial benefits, but its skin effects are not well-studied and it may be drying for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Ozonized PEG-10 Oleate

OZONIZED PEG-10 OLEATE

3.5

Ozonized PEG-10 Oleate is a semi-synthetic cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but its ozonized form is less studied and may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Ozonized PEG-14 Oleate

OZONIZED PEG-14 OLEATE

3.5

A mild emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in cleansers, with added ozonized fatty acids for potential skin-soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Ozonized Polysorbate 80

OZONIZED POLYSORBATE 80

3.5

Ozonized Polysorbate 80 is a modified emulsifier with potential antimicrobial benefits, but its ozone content may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ozonized Prickly Pear Callus Extract

OZONIZED OPUNTIA FICUS INDICA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.5

A novel biotech ingredient with antioxidant potential, but research is very limited and it's rarely found in mainstream products.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ozonized Rice Callus Extract

OZONIZED ORYZA SATIVA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

A novel biotech ingredient that combines rice callus extract with ozone for antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Ozonized Sesame Seed Oil

SESAMUM INDICUM (SESAME) SEED OIL (AND) OZONE

3.8

Ozonized sesame seed oil is a unique ingredient that combines the moisturizing benefits of sesame oil with the purifying properties of ozone, making it a promising option for acne-prone or irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Ozonized Sunflower Seed Oil

Ozonized Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil

3.8

Ozonized sunflower seed oil is a semi-synthetic emollient that may help calm skin and support a clearer complexion, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Ozonized Turpentine

Ozonized Turpentine

3.5

Ozonized turpentine is a niche ingredient with potential antimicrobial benefits, but its strong odor and irritation risk limit its appeal for everyday skincare.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantimicrobial
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ozonized Yeast Ferment Filtrate

Ozonized Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate

3.8

A novel fermented yeast ingredient with ozonation that may support skin antioxidant defenses, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

P-Aminophenol

P-AMINOPHENOL

2.5

P-Aminophenol is a common hair dye ingredient that helps create natural-looking shades, but it can cause allergic reactions and irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyhair colorchemical
Read ingredient review

Hair Colorant

P-Aminophenol HCl

P-AMINOPHENOL HCL

2.0

P-Aminophenol HCl is a synthetic colorant used in hair dyes; it is not a skincare ingredient and can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyhair-color
Read ingredient review

Colorant

P-Aminophenol Sulfate

P-AMINOPHENOL SULFATE

2.0

A synthetic hair dye ingredient that helps create long-lasting color but can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyhair colorchemical
Read ingredient review

Preservative booster

p-Anisic Acid

P-ANISIC ACID

4.0

p-Anisic acid is a mild, naturally derived preservative helper that also offers gentle antioxidant and soothing benefits, making it a safe choice for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarepreservative
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

P-Anisonitrile

P-ANISONITRILE

3.5

P-Anisonitrile is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, anise-like scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

P-Anisyl Acetate

P-ANISYL ACETATE

3.5

P-Anisyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, floral scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

P-Anisyl Butyrate

P-ANISYL BUTYRATE

3.5

P-Anisyl Butyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a pleasant, sweet, floral scent; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

P-Anisyl Formate

P-ANISYL FORMATE

3.5

P-Anisyl Formate is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a pleasant floral-sweet note to products, but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

P-Anisyl Isobutyrate

P-ANISYL ISOBUTYRATE

4.0

P-Anisyl Isobutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

P-Anisyl Methyl Ketone

P-ANISYL METHYL KETONE

3.5

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a sweet, pleasant aroma but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

P-Anisyl Phenylacetate

P-ANISYL PHENYLACETATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a sweet, floral scent to products; generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

P-Anisyl Propionate

P-ANISYL PROPIONATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent; considered safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

P-Cresol

P-CRESOL

2.5

P-Cresol is a synthetic fragrance and preservative compound that can be irritating; it is rarely used in modern leave-on skincare and is best avoided by sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrancepreservative
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

P-Cresyl 3-Methylcrotonate

P-CRESYL 3-METHYLCROTONATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but offers no skincare benefit; may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

P-Cresyl 3-Oxo-3-Phenylpropionate

P-CRESYL 3-OXO-3-PHENYLPROPIONATE

3.0

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited public safety data; best for those who tolerate synthetic fragrances well.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

P-Cresyl Benzoate

P-CRESYL BENZOATE

3.5

P-Cresyl Benzoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

p-Cresyl Isobutyrate

P-CRESYL ISOBUTYRATE

3.5

p-Cresyl Isobutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral note to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

P-Cresyl Isovalerate

P-CRESYL ISOVALERATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a sweet, floral note to products but offers no skincare benefit beyond scent.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

P-Cresyl Methyl Ether

P-CRESYL METHYLETHER

3.5

P-Cresyl Methyl Ether is a synthetic fragrance component that adds a pleasant floral note but offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

P-Cresyl Octanoate

P-CRESYL OCTANOATE

3.5

A synthetic ester that adds a subtle scent and light conditioning feel, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

P-Cresyl Propionate

P-CRESYL PROPIONATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant floral scent but offers no skincare benefits and may be unnecessary for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

p-Cresyloxyacetaldehyde Dimethyl Acetal

P-CRESYLOXYACETALDEHYDE DIMETHYL ACETAL

3.5

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a floral hyacinth note but offers no skincare benefit; safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

P-Cymene

P-CYMENE

3.8

P-Cymene is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

P-Ethylphenetole

P-ETHYLPHENETOLE

3.5

P-Ethylphenetole is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited published safety data; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

p-Hydroxyanisole

P-HYDROXYANISOLE

3.5

p-Hydroxyanisole is a synthetic stabilizer that prevents oils from going rancid, but it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Preservative

p-Isopropylphenol

P-ISOPROPYLPHENOL

3.5

p-Isopropylphenol is a synthetic preservative that helps keep products fresh, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

P-Isopropylphenyl Methyl Ketone

P-ISOPROPYLPHENYL METHYL KETONE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

P-Menthadiene

P-MENTHA-1,4-DIENE

3.5

P-Menthadiene is a natural fragrance compound with mild antioxidant potential, but it may cause skin sensitivity in some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

P-Menthanone

P-MENTHANONE

3.5

P-Menthanone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a minty or herbal note, but it offers no direct skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

P-Menthanyl Acetate

P-MENTHANYL ACETATE

3.5

A synthetic minty fragrance that adds a fresh scent but may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Cooling agent

P-Menthen-6-Yl Propanone

P-MENTHEN-6-YL-PROPANONE

4.0

A synthetic cooling ingredient that creates a refreshing, minty sensation on skin without the strong scent of actual mint.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresensory modifier
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

P-Methoxybutylidene Cyclohexane

P-METHOXYBUTYLIDENE-CYCLOHEXANE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant floral note but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

p-Methoxycinnamaldehyde

P-METHOXYCINNAMALDEHYDE

3.5

A plant-derived aromatic compound with antioxidant potential, but its strong scent and moderate irritation risk limit its use in skincare.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

P-Methoxypropiophenone

P-METHOXYPROPIOPHENONE

3.0

P-Methoxypropiophenone is a synthetic fragrance compound with limited safety data; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

P-Methyl Acetophenone

P-METHYL ACETOPHENONE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Hair Colorant

P-Methylaminophenol

P-METHYLAMINOPHENOL

2.5

P-Methylaminophenol is a common hair dye ingredient that helps develop color but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyhair-colorsynthetic
Read ingredient review

Colorant

P-Methylaminophenol Sulfate

P-METHYLAMINOPHENOL SULFATE

3.5

A common synthetic ingredient in permanent hair dyes that helps create rich, lasting color but can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyhaircarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

p-Methylhydrocinnamic Aldehyde

P-METHYLHYDROCINNAMIC ALDEHYDE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Hair Colorant

P-Phenylenediamine

P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE

2.5

P-Phenylenediamine is a potent hair dye ingredient that delivers long-lasting color but carries a high risk of allergic reactions and skin sensitization.

Irritation

high

Source

synthetic

beautyhair-colorsynthetic-colorant
Read ingredient review

Hair colorant

P-Phenylenediamine Sulfate

P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE SULFATE

2.0

A powerful but potentially irritating hair dye ingredient that requires careful patch testing before use.

Irritation

high

Source

synthetic

beautyhair colorsynthetic
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

p-tert-Butyl Acetophenone

P-TERT-BUTYL ACETOPHENONE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral, sweet scent but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

p-tert-Butylphenyl Acetate

P-TERT-BUTYLPHENYL ACETATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

p-tert-Butylphenyl Acetonitrile

P-TERT-BUTYLPHENYL ACETONITRILE

3.0

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral, sweet scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

p-tert-Butylphenylisobutanol

P-TERT-BUTYLPHENYLISOBUTANOL

3.5

A synthetic floral scent ingredient that is generally safe at low levels but may cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

p-Tolyl Phenylacetate

P-TOLYL PHENYLACETATE

3.5

p-Tolyl Phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral, honey-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review