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

Phytosteryl Macadamiate

Phytosteryl Macadamiate

4.3

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps restore the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Phytosteryl Nonanoate

Phytosteryl Nonanoate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics natural skin lipids to support a healthy moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Phytosteryl Rice Branate

Phytosteryl Rice Branate

4.0

A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and smooth skin while supporting the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Phytosteryl Ricinoleate

Phytosteryl Ricinoleate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and soothe skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Phytyl Diglycoyl Cysteine

Disodium S-Phytyl Diglycoloylcysteine

4.0

A synthetic antioxidant ingredient that mimics the skin's natural defenses, but research is still emerging on its long-term benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Piceatannol

Piceatannol

4.0

A promising antioxidant from plants that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Pichia Anomala Extract

Pichia Anomala Extract

4.0

A gentle yeast extract that may help calm irritation and support a balanced skin microbiome, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Pichia Caribbica Ferment

Pichia Caribbica Ferment

4.0

A gentle yeast ferment that may help strengthen the skin barrier and calm irritation, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Pichia Ferment Extract

PICHIA PASTORIS/DIETHYLHEXYL SYRINGYLIDENEMALONATE/TOCOPHEROL FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A biotech antioxidant that pairs yeast fermentation with a vitamin E derivative and a UV-filter-like compound for multi-action skin protection.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Pichia Ferment Lysate Filtrate

Pichia Ferment Lysate Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, yeast-derived ingredient that helps hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Skin Conditioning

Pichia Heedii Extract

Pichia Heedii Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived yeast extract that may help calm skin and support a healthy barrier, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Pichia Minuta Extract

Pichia Minuta Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived yeast extract that may help calm irritated skin and support a healthy skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Pichia Pastoris Ferment Filtrate

Pichia Pastoris Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived yeast ferment that helps calm irritation and support the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Pichia Pastoris/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

Pichia Pastoris/Soybean Seed Ferment Lysate Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Pichia Pomiferin Ferment Extract

Pichia/Pomiferin Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin-conditioning agent

Pichia Retinol Ferment

Pichia/Retinol Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentler, fermented form of retinol that may support smoother, brighter skin with less irritation than traditional retinol.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareactive
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Humectant

Pichia Sea Salt Ferment Extract

Pichia/Sea Salt Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating ferment that may support skin barrier function and moisture retention, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Pichia/Osajin Ferment Extract

Pichia/Osajin Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Pichia/Safflower Ferment Filtrate

Pichia/Safflower Flower Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Picolinamide

Picolinamide

3.5

Picolinamide is a lesser-known relative of niacinamide with potential soothing and brightening benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Colorant

Picramic Acid

PICRAMIC ACID

2.5

Picramic acid is a synthetic dye used in hair color, but it has limited safety data and potential for skin irritation, making it a less common choice in modern formulations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyhair colorsynthetic dye
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Soothing agent

Picrasma Excelsa Wood Extract

PICRASMA EXCELSA WOOD EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for soothing skin and supporting a balanced microbiome, though modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Picrasma Quassioides Fruit Extract

PICRASMA QUASSIOIDES FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Picrorhiza Kurroa Root Extract

PICRORHIZA KURROOA RHIZOME/ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

A promising Ayurvedic botanical with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, but human skincare studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin lightening agent

Pidobenzone

PIDOBENZONE

3.5

Pidobenzone is a synthetic skin-lightening ingredient that may help fade dark spots, but it has limited safety data compared to more established alternatives.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareskin lightening
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Antioxidant

Pierre Turmeric Root Extract

Curcuma Pierreana Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich turmeric extract that may help calm skin and even out tone, though research on this specific species is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Conditioning Agent

Pig Adipose Cell Conditioned Media

Pig Adipose Stromal Cell Conditioned Media

2.5

An experimental biotech ingredient with limited human safety data; not recommended for routine use until more research is available.

Irritation

moderate

Source

biotech

beautyskincarebiotech
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Colorant

Pigment Blue 15:1

CI 74160

3.5

A widely used synthetic blue pigment that provides vibrant color with a strong safety record in cosmetics.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Colorant

Pigment Red 190

CI 18736

3.0

A synthetic red pigment that adds vibrant color to makeup but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautycosmeticscolorant
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Colorant

Pigment Red 57:1

Pigment Red 57:1

3.5

A widely used synthetic red colorant in cosmetics, generally safe but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
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Humectant

Pigskin Extract

Pigskin Extract

3.5

Pigskin extract is a collagen-rich ingredient that may help hydrate and plump skin, but evidence is limited and it may not suit vegans or those with ethical concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Pikea Robusta Extract

PIKEA ROBUSTA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle red algae extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Hair conditioning agent

Pilocarpus Microphyllus Leaf Extract

Pilocarpus Microphyllus Leaf Extract

3.5

A botanical extract with traditional use in haircare, but limited modern scientific evidence to support its benefits.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarehaircare
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Antioxidant

Pimenta Acris Fruit Extract

Pimenta Acris Fruit Extract

3.5

A plant-based antioxidant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is limited and it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Pimenta Acris Leaf Oil

Pimenta Acris Leaf Oil

3.5

A fragrant essential oil with antimicrobial potential, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
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Fragrance Component

Pimenta Acris Leaf Powder

Pimenta Acris Leaf Powder

3.5

A botanical powder with mild astringent and aromatic properties, but limited research and potential for skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance

Pimenta Acris Leaf Water

Pimenta Acris Leaf Water

3.8

A fragrant botanical water with mild astringent properties, but limited research and potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Pimento Berry Extract

Pimenta Officinalis Fruit Extract

4.0

Pimento Berry Extract offers antioxidant protection and mild soothing benefits, making it a gentle addition to antioxidant-rich formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Pimento Berry Oil

Pimenta Officinalis Fruit Oil

3.8

Pimento berry oil adds a warm, spicy scent and offers antioxidant benefits, but its essential oil nature means it can irritate sensitive skin if used too strong.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Pimento Leaf Oil

Pimenta Officinalis Leaf Oil

3.8

Pimento leaf oil adds a warm, spicy scent to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin; it's best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Pimpinella Brachycarpa Leaf Extract

PIMPINELLA BRACHYCARPA 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

Pimpinella Extract

PIMPINELLA GUSTAVOHEGIANA EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with limited research, offering potential antioxidant and soothing benefits for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Humectant

Pinacol

PINACOL

3.5

Pinacol is a synthetic humectant that helps hydrate the skin and can improve the feel of other ingredients, but it is less common and less studied than alternatives like glycerin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
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Fragrance

Pinanal

PINANAL

3.5

Pinanal is a synthetic pine-scented fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh aroma but offers no skincare benefits and may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Pinane Carbaldehyde

PINANE CARBALDEHYDE

3.5

Pinane Carbaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance component that adds a pine-like aroma but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Humectant

Pinanediol

Pinanediol

4.0

Pinanediol is a gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe skin, with early research suggesting additional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Fragrance Ingredient

Pinanyl Methyl Ketone

Pinanyl Methyl Ketone

3.5

Pinanyl Methyl Ketone is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pine-like aroma to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Skin conditioning

Pine & Soy Ferment Filtrate

BACILLUS/(PINUS DENSIFLORA/PARVIFLORA/THUNBERGII) LEAF/SOYBEAN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical blend that may support skin hydration and antioxidant defense, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidantskin conditioning
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Antioxidant

Pine Bark Extract

Pinus Taeda Bark Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps defend skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Pine Branch/Leaf Extract

Pinus Thunbergii Branch/Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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