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

Exfoliant

Passion Fruit Seed Acid

Passiflora Edulis Seed Acid

4.0

A mild, natural exfoliant derived from passion fruit seeds that gently resurfaces skin without harsh irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Emollient

Passion Fruit Seed Oil

Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil

4.3

A gentle, non-greasy oil that hydrates and protects skin with essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Passion Fruit Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters

PASSIFLORA EDULIS SEED OILS PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, water-friendly emollient that brings the nourishing qualities of passion fruit seed oil into water-based formulas without greasiness.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Humectant

Passion Fruit Water

Passiflora Edulis Fruit Water

4.0

A gentle, hydrating water alternative that adds light antioxidant benefits and a subtle fruity scent.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Passionflower Callus Extract

Passiflora Alata Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Passionflower Extract

PASSIFLORA CAERULEA FLOWER 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
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Emollient

Passionflower Seed Oil

PASSIFLORA INCARNATA SEED OIL

4.3

A nourishing, non-greasy oil that helps soften skin and support a healthy moisture barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Passionflower Seed Powder

Passiflora Incarnata Seed Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant that helps polish skin without harsh microbeads, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Soothing Agent

Passionflower Water

PASSIFLORA INCARNATA WATER

4.0

A mild, water-based botanical that helps calm and hydrate the skin, ideal for sensitive or irritated complexions.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Emollient

Patauá Oil

OENOCARPUS BATAUA SEED OIL

4.3

Patauá oil is a lightweight, non-greasy Amazonian oil that deeply moisturizes and softens skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Patchouli Flower Extract

Pogostemon Cablin Flower Extract

3.8

Patchouli flower extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Patchouli Leaf Oil

POGOSTEMON CABLIN LEAF OIL

3.8

Patchouli Leaf Oil adds a warm, earthy scent to products and may offer mild antioxidant benefits, but it's primarily a fragrance ingredient with limited direct skincare research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Patchouli Leaf Water

Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Water

3.8

Patchouli Leaf Water offers a gentle, aromatic way to refresh skin with mild astringent and soothing benefits, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Patchouli Leaf/Stem Extract

Pogostemon Cablin Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

Patchouli extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its topical effects is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Paulownia Extract

PAULOWNIA IMPERIALIS BARK/FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract from the Paulownia tree that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Paulownia Leaf Extract

Paulownia Tomentosa Leaf Extract

3.8

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
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Antioxidant

Paulownia Wood Extract

PAULOWNIA TOMENTOSA WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich wood extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Pavlova Lutheri Extract

PAVLOVA LUTHERI EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle marine-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Pawpaw Fruit Extract

Asimina Triloba Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Pawpaw Leaf Extract

ASIMINA TRILOBA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Film Former

PCA Dimethicone

PCA Dimethicone

4.0

A gentle, silicone-based ingredient that helps skin feel smooth and hydrated without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresilicone
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Film Former

PCA Dimethicone Crosspolymer

PCA Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer

4.0

A silicone powder that gives a silky, blurring finish and helps control shine without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresilicone
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Surfactant

PCA Ethyl Cocoyl Arginate

PCA Ethyl Cocoyl Arginate

4.3

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Emollient

PCA Glyceryl Oleate

PCA Glyceryl Oleate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and condition skin while supporting the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Pea Callus Extract

Pisum Sativum (Pea) Callus Extract

4.0

Pea callus extract is a gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Pea Palmitate

Pea Palmitate

4.0

Pea Palmitate is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps moisturize and soften skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Skin conditioning agent

Pea Phytoplacenta Conditioned Media

Pisum Sativum (Pea) Phytoplacenta Conditioned Media

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived ferment that mimics the regenerative properties of animal placenta without the ethical or safety concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Antioxidant

Pea Phytoplacenta Extract

Pisum Sativum (Pea) Phytoplacenta Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Conditioning Agent

Pea Protein Surfactant

CETEARAMIDOETHYL DIETHONIUM ISOSTEAROYL HYDROLYZED PEA PROTEIN

4.0

A mild, protein-based conditioning ingredient that helps hair feel soft and manageable without heavy buildup.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Antioxidant

Pea Sprout Extract

Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract

4.0

Pea sprout extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps calm skin and support a youthful appearance without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Pea Symbiosome Extract

Pisum Sativum (Pea) Symbiosome Extract

4.3

A gentle, lab-grown pea extract that helps skin defend against environmental stress and maintain a youthful appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Peach Bud Extract

Prunus Persica Bud Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from peach buds that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Peach Callus Culture Extract

Prunus Persica (Peach) Callus Culture Extract

3.8

A gentle, lab-grown peach cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Peach Callus Extract

Prunus Persica (Peach) Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from peach callus cells that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Peach Flower Powder

PRUNUS PERSICA FLOWER POWDER

3.8

Peach flower powder offers gentle physical exfoliation with a touch of antioxidant activity, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Peach Fruit Extract

Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract

4.0

Peach Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a nice addition to daily skincare routines.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Film Former

Peach Gum

Prunus Persica Gum

4.0

Peach gum is a gentle, plant-based film-former that helps skin feel smooth and hydrated, but research on its benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Emollient

Peach Kernel Extract

PRUNUS PERSICA KERNEL EXTRACT

4.0

Peach Kernel Extract is a gentle, nourishing emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Peach Kernel Oil

Prunus Persica Kernel Oil

4.3

A gentle, non-greasy oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, making it a great choice for sensitive and oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaremoisturizer
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Antioxidant

Peach Leaf Extract

Prunus Persica Leaf Extract

4.0

Peach Leaf Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Peach Palm Fruit Juice

Bactris Gasipaes Fruit Juice

3.8

A gentle, hydrating fruit juice with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skincare benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Exfoliant

Peach Seed Powder

Prunus Persica Seed Powder

4.0

A natural, biodegradable exfoliant that gently buffs away dead skin cells without the environmental concerns of plastic microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Peach Wood Extract

Prunus Persica Wood Extract

3.8

Peach Wood Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Peacock Seaweed Extract

Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract

4.0

A gentle seaweed extract that helps calm irritation and support skin hydration, ideal for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Absorbent

Peanut Flour

ARACHIS HYPOGAEA FLOUR

3.5

Peanut flour can gently absorb oil and exfoliate, but it may clog pores and is not suitable for those with peanut allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
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Antioxidant

Peanut Fruit Extract

Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract

3.5

A plant-based antioxidant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but it carries a moderate risk of clogging pores and is a common allergen.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Peanut Glycerides

Peanut Glycerides

3.5

Peanut Glycerides are gentle emollients that soften skin, but may be comedogenic for acne-prone individuals and are unsuitable for those with peanut allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Peanut Oil PEG-6 Esters

PEANUT OIL PEG-6 ESTERS

3.5

A versatile emollient and emulsifier that helps products feel smooth, but may be comedogenic for acne-prone skin and is unsuitable for those with peanut allergy.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Peanut Rice Callus Extract

R-PEANUT RICE CALLUS EXTRACT

3.5

A plant cell culture extract that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Peanut Seedcoat Extract

Arachis Hypogaea Seedcoat Extract

3.8

A gentle antioxidant from peanut skins that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early and it's not a powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Surfactant

Peanutamide MEA

PEANUTAMIDE MEA

3.5

Peanutamide MEA is a foam booster and cleanser, but it may be mildly irritating and is not suitable for those with peanut allergies.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Peanutamide MIPA

PEANUTAMIDE MIPA

3.5

Peanutamide MIPA is a gentle conditioning agent that helps soften hair and skin, but it may not be suitable for those with peanut allergies or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Exfoliant

Pear Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/PEAR JUICE FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle probiotic ferment that exfoliates and hydrates without harsh acids, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfolianthumectant
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Antioxidant

Pear Flower Extract

Pyrus Communis Flower Extract

3.8

Pear flower extract is a mild, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Pear Flower Water

Pyrus Communis Flower Water

3.5

Pear flower water is a gentle, lightly fragrant hydrosol that can refresh and soothe skin, but it lacks strong clinical evidence for specific benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Pear Fruit Cell Culture Extract

Pyrus Communis Fruit Cell Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown pear extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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