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

Soothing Agent

Peony Flower Water

PAEONIA SUFFRUTICOSA FLOWER WATER

4.0

Peony flower water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich floral water that can help soothe and brighten skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Antioxidant

Peony Leaf Cell Extract

Paeonia Lactiflora Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Peony Phytoplacenta Extract

PAEONIA LACTIFLORA PHYTOPLACENTA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from peony cell cultures that may help calm and protect skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Peony Root Extract

Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm redness and support a balanced complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Peony Root Powder

Paeonia Lactiflora Root Powder

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Peony Root Water

PAEONIA SUFFRUTICOSA ROOT WATER

4.0

Peony Root Water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical water that helps soothe and protect the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or redness-prone skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Pepino Melon Fruit Extract

Solanum Muricatum Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Peppermint & Nettle Leaf Extract

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may help soothe and refresh the skin, but its benefits are largely based on traditional use rather than strong clinical evidence.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Peppermint Extract

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

Peppermint extract adds a cooling tingle and fresh scent to products, but can irritate sensitive skin if used too strong.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Skin conditioning

Peppermint Ferment Filtrate

Saccharomyces/Peppermint Leaf Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help soothe and condition skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Peppermint Leaf Cell Extract

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Peppermint Leaf Extract

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract

3.8

Peppermint leaf extract adds a refreshing tingle to skincare but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Peppermint Leaf Juice

Mentha Piperita Leaf Juice

3.8

Peppermint Leaf Juice offers a refreshing, cooling sensation and mild astringent benefits, but its high menthol content can irritate sensitive or broken skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Peppermint Meristem Cell Culture

Mentha Piperita Meristem Cell Culture

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Peppermint Oil

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil

3.8

Peppermint oil adds a cooling tingle and fresh scent to products, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Peppermint Water

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Flower/Leaf/Stem Water

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water that can refresh and temporarily soothe skin, but its benefits are mostly sensory and mild.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Exfoliant

Pepsin

PEPSIN

3.5

Pepsin is an enzyme exfoliant that breaks down proteins on the skin, but its use in cosmetics is rare and not well-studied for safety or efficacy.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Anti-Aging Agent

Peptide Complex

Pentapeptide-60, S-Methanocaldococcus Jannaschii Heptapeptide-1

4.0

A peptide duo that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Skin conditioning agent

Peptide Complex Blend

Escherichia Coli Thioredoxin-1, Heptapeptide-20, Hexapeptide-40, Oligopeptide-113, Sh-Polypeptide-70

3.5

A cutting-edge peptide blend that may support skin firmness, but research is still emerging and the complex formulation makes it hard to evaluate.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
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Skin conditioning agent

Peptide Complex with Defensin-Like Protein

R-(SH-POLYPEPTIDE-102 METHIONYL S-PENTADIPLANDRA BRAZZEANA DEFENSIN-LIKE PROTEIN)

3.5

A novel peptide-protein hybrid with promising but limited research; may help support skin resilience.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Skin conditioning agent

Peptide Complex with Thermophilus Ferment

Octapeptide-22, R-Thermus Thermophilus Putative Esterase, Hexapeptide-40

3.8

A cutting-edge peptide and ferment blend that may support skin firmness, but its unique ingredients lack broad independent research.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Antioxidant

Pequi Fruit and Leaf Extract

Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit/Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Pequi Kernel Oil

Caryocar Villosum Kernel Oil

4.0

A gentle, nourishing oil rich in oleic and palmitoleic acids that helps soften and protect the skin without feeling overly greasy.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Stabilizer

Peracid-Aluminum Complex

ETHANEPEROXOIC ACID/ALUMINUM ISOPROXIDE/TRIMETHYL-CYCLODODECATRIENE

2.5

This is a synthetic processing aid with limited direct skin benefit; it's rarely used in leave-on skincare and may pose irritation risks at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarestabilizer
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Emollient

Perennial Ryegrass Fruit Oil

LOLIUM PERENNE FRUIT OIL

3.8

A gentle, plant-based oil that helps soften and smooth skin without feeling greasy, though research on its unique benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Perennial Ryegrass Leaf Extract

Lolium Perenne Leaf 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
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Emollient

Perennial Ryegrass Leaf Oil

LOLIUM PERENNE LEAF OIL

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived oil that helps soften skin and provides antioxidant benefits, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Film Former

Perfluoro Distearamide

POLYPERFLUOROETHOXYMETHOXY DIFLUOROMETHYL DISTEARAMIDE

3.5

A synthetic film-former that helps products resist water and last longer, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Film Former

Perfluoro T-Butylcyclohexane

PERFLUORO T-BUTYLCYCLOHEXANE

3.5

A synthetic fluorinated ingredient that creates a smooth, breathable film on skin, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
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Film Former

Perfluoroalkyl Acrylate Copolymer

Butyl Acrylate/C6-14 Perfluoroalkylethyl Acrylate/Mercaptopropyl Dimethicone Copolymer

3.5

A synthetic film former that helps makeup and sunscreen resist water and last longer, but raises environmental concerns due to its perfluoroalkyl structure.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm former
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Film Former

Perfluoroalkyl Citrate Ester

ISODODECYL/PERFLUORONONYLETHYL DIMER DILINOLEATE/CITRATE

3.5

A synthetic film-former that boosts water resistance and wear time, but its perfluoroalkyl structure raises environmental persistence concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Surfactant

Perfluoroalkyl Phosphate

AMP-C8-18 PERFLUOROALKYLETHYL PHOSPHATE

3.5

A synthetic ingredient that helps sunscreen spread evenly and stay on the skin longer, but belongs to a chemical family under environmental scrutiny.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Antistatic agent

Perfluoroalkyl Quat

C4-18 Perfluoroalkylethyl Thiohydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

3.0

A synthetic fluorinated ingredient that helps repel water and reduce frizz, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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Opacifying Agent

Perfluoroalkylsilyl Mica

PERFLUOROALKYLSILYL MICA

3.5

A coated mica that gives a silky feel and water resistance to powders, but its perfluoroalkyl coating raises environmental and health concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecosmetic
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Film Former

Perfluorobutylcyclohexane

PERFLUOROBUTYLCYCLOHEXANE

3.8

A synthetic film-former that helps lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier without feeling heavy.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Perfluorocaprylyl Bromide

PERFLUOROCAPRYLYL BROMIDE

3.5

A synthetic fluorinated compound that may help deliver oxygen to the skin, but its cosmetic benefits are not well-established and it is rarely used.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Texture Enhancer

Perfluorocyclohexylmethanol

PERFLUOROCYCLOHEXYLMETHANOL

3.5

A synthetic ingredient that gives products a silky feel and helps them spread smoothly, but it's not well-studied for long-term skin effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
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Oxygen carrier

Perfluorodecalin

PERFLUORODECALIN

3.8

Perfluorodecalin is a synthetic oxygen carrier that may temporarily improve skin oxygenation and radiance, but its cosmetic benefits are still being studied.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Emollient

Perfluorodimethylcyclohexane

PERFLUORODIMETHYLCYCLOHEXANE

3.8

A lightweight, non-greasy synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly and can enhance the feel of sunscreens and serums.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Perfluorodimethylethylpentane

PERFLUORO DIMETHYLETHYLPENTANE

3.8

A lightweight, fast-evaporating synthetic liquid that helps products glide on smoothly without leaving a greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Film Former

Perfluoroheptane

PERFLUOROHEPTANE

3.8

Perfluoroheptane is a synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a non-greasy, breathable layer on the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Solvent

Perfluorohexane

Perfluorohexane

3.5

Perfluorohexane is a lightweight synthetic liquid that helps products spread smoothly and evaporate quickly, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Surfactant

Perfluorohexyl Ethylphosphonic Acid

PERFLUOROHEXYL ETHYLPHOSPHONIC ACID

3.0

A synthetic fluorinated surfactant that helps products spread and resist water, but its safety and environmental impact are not fully understood.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Film Former

Perfluorohexylethyl Acrylates Copolymer

ACRYLATES/PERFLUOROHEXYLETHYL METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER

3.5

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but its perfluoro (PFAS) chemistry raises environmental concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Solvent

Perfluoroisohexane

PERFLUOROISOHEXANE

3.8

A lightweight, volatile liquid that helps products spread smoothly and evaporates quickly, leaving a non-greasy feel—generally safe but best for those who tolerate silicones.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Film Former

Perfluoromethylcyclohexane

PERFLUOROMETHYLCYCLOHEXANE

3.8

A lightweight synthetic liquid that helps products glide on smoothly and leaves a non-greasy, breathable film on skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Solvent

Perfluoromethylcyclopentane

PERFLUOROMETHYLCYCLOPENTANE

3.5

A fast-evaporating synthetic liquid that helps products spread and dry quickly, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Occlusive

Perfluoromethyldecalin

PERFLUOROMETHYLDECALIN

3.8

A synthetic oxygen carrier that may temporarily boost skin oxygenation and help other ingredients absorb better, but its long-term benefits are still being studied.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareocclusive
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Film Former

Perfluorononyl Dimethicone

PERFLUORONONYL DIMETHICONE

3.8

A high-tech silicone that provides a silky feel and water resistance without clogging pores, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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