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

Australian Finger Lime Seed Oil

Citrus Australasica Seed Oil

4.0

A lightweight, nutrient-rich oil that moisturizes without clogging pores, but research on its unique benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Australian Sandalwood Fruit Powder

SANTALUM ACUMINATUM FRUIT POWDER

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from Australian sandalwood fruit, best for those who prefer plant-based scrubs over synthetic beads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Australian Sandalwood Oil

SANTALUM SPICATA WOOD OIL

4.0

Australian Sandalwood Oil offers a gentle, woody fragrance with mild soothing and antioxidant benefits, but it's primarily used for scent in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Avenanthramides

Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract

4.5

Avenanthramides are gentle oat compounds that soothe irritation and fight free radicals, making them ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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UV Filter

Avobenzone

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

4.0

Avobenzone is a reliable UVA sunscreen ingredient, but it needs stabilizers to remain effective and can cause staining on clothes.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresunscreen
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Avocadamide DEA

AVOCADAMIDE DEA

3.5

Avocadamide DEA is a mild foam booster and thickener for cleansers, but its DEA component raises some safety questions.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Avocadamide DIPA

Avocadamide DIPA

4.0

A gentle, avocado-derived surfactant that helps create rich lather without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Antistatic Agent

Avocadamidopropalkonium Chloride

Avocadamidopropalkonium Chloride

4.0

A gentle conditioning ingredient from avocado oil that helps soften hair and skin while offering mild antimicrobial benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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Surfactant

Avocadamidopropyl Betaine

Avocadamidopropyl Betaine

4.3

A gentle, avocado-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Hair Conditioning Agent

Avocadamidopropyl Dimethylamine

AVOCADAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE

4.0

A mild, avocado-derived conditioning ingredient that softens hair and reduces static without weighing it down.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyhaircareconditioning agent
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Emollient

Avocado Butter

PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) FRUIT BUTTER

4.3

Avocado butter is a deeply moisturizing, nutrient-rich emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, making it a great choice for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Avocado Callus Powder

Persea Gratissima Callus Powder

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown avocado ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a calmer complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Avocado Fruit Extract

Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract

4.2

Avocado fruit extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe skin, but its benefits are best supported by general knowledge of avocado oil rather than specific clinical studies on the extract itself.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Avocado Fruit Powder

Persea gratissima fruit powder

3.8

A gentle, nutrient-rich powder that can help soften and soothe skin when used in rinse-off or leave-on formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Avocado Fruit Water

Persea Gratissima Fruit Water

4.0

Avocado Fruit Water is a gentle, hydrating base ingredient that provides light antioxidant benefits without the richness of avocado oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Avocado Leaf Extract

Persea Gratissima Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Avocado Oil

Persea Gratissima Oil

4.5

Avocado oil is a gentle, nutrient-packed emollient that deeply moisturizes and soothes dry or sensitive skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emulsifier

Avocado Oil PEG-11 Esters

AVOCADO OIL PEG-11 ESTERS

3.8

A gentle, semi-synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emollient

Avocado Oil PEG-8 Esters

AVOCADO OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, water-dispersible emollient that softens skin without a heavy greasy feel, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Avocado Oil Unsaponifiables

Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil Unsaponifiables

4.3

A gentle, research-backed emollient from avocado oil that supports skin barrier repair without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Avocado Seed Extract

Persea Gratissima Seed Extract

4.0

Avocado Seed Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Avocado Sterols

Persea Gratissima Sterols

4.2

Avocado sterols are a gentle, plant-based lipid that helps strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Avocado Wax

Persea Gratissima Wax

4.0

A gentle, plant-based wax that adds richness and stability to balms and creams without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing Agent

Awkeotsang Fig Extract

Ficus Awkeotsang Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm and hydrate skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ayapana Extract

EUPATORIUM AYAPANA EXTRACT

3.8

Ayapana extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Azafullerenedione Derivative

Docosyloxymethoxybenzyl Azafullerenedione

3.5

A novel, lab-made antioxidant that may help fight free radicals, but human research is very limited and it's mostly found in luxury products.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic Acid

4.5

Azelaic acid is a gentle multitasker that reduces redness, fights acne, and fades dark spots without the irritation of stronger acids.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareactive
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Skin-conditioning agent

Azelaic Acid Copolymer

Azelaic Acid/Polyglyceryl-3 Copolymer

4.0

A gentler, more stable version of azelaic acid that helps calm redness, reduce breakouts, and even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareactive
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Soothing Agent

Azelamide MEA

Azelamide MEA

4.0

Azelamide MEA is a milder, less irritating cousin of azelaic acid that helps calm redness and support a clearer complexion without the typical itch or sting.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Azelamidopropyl Dimethylamine

Azelamidopropyl Dimethylamine

4.0

A gentle, azelaic-acid-derived ingredient that helps condition skin and manage oiliness without the irritation of pure azelaic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Azelaoyl Dipeptide-27

Azelaoyl Dipeptide-27

4.0

A gentle peptide that combines the calming benefits of azelaic acid with a peptide to help reduce redness and even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Azelaoyl Octapeptide-9

Azelaoyl Octapeptide-9

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help reduce facial redness and reactivity, making it a promising option for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Azelaoyl Tetrapeptide-32

Azelaoyl Tetrapeptide-32

4.0

A gentle peptide that combines the soothing benefits of azelaic acid with the signaling power of a peptide to help reduce redness and even skin tone.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Azelaoyl Tripeptide-1

Azelaoyl Tripeptide-1

4.0

A gentle peptide that pairs azelaic acid's soothing properties with a signaling peptide to help calm redness and support a more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Azeloyl Bis-Dipeptide-10

Azeloyl Bis-Dipeptide-10

4.0

A gentle peptide that targets redness and uneven tone without the irritation of stronger brighteners.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Azeloyl Diethyl Salicylate

Azeloyl Diethyl Salicylate

4.0

A gentle hybrid of azelaic and salicylic acids that aims to brighten skin and smooth texture with less irritation than either parent ingredient alone.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Soothing agent

Azeloyl Pentapeptide-37

AZELAOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-37

4.0

A gentle peptide that may help reduce visible redness and even out skin tone, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Azolla Imbricata Extract

Azolla Imbricata Extract

3.8

Azolla Imbricata Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Azuki Bean Callus Extract

Phaseolus Angularis Callus Culture Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from azuki bean cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Azuki Bean Extract

Phaseolus Angularis Seed Extract

3.8

Azuki Bean Extract offers gentle enzymatic exfoliation and antioxidant protection, making it a mild alternative to harsh physical scrubs.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Azuki Bean Hairy Root Extract

Phaseolus angularis hairy root extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Azuki Bean Powder

Phaseolus angularis seed powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant from azuki beans that helps polish skin without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Azuki Bean Seed Extract

Vigna Angularis Seed Extract

4.0

Azuki bean seed extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and protect the skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Absorbent

Azuki Bean Starch

Phaseolus Angularis Seed Starch

4.0

A gentle, natural starch that soaks up excess oil and gives a silky feel, ideal for oily or combination skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
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Soothing Agent

Azulene

AZULENE

4.0

Azulene is a gentle, blue-hued ingredient that helps calm redness and irritation, making it a favorite for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Colorant

Azurite

AZURITE

2.0

Azurite is a blue mineral used as a colorant in cosmetics, but it lacks proven skincare benefits and may pose safety concerns due to its copper content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Azurite Extract

Azurite Extract

3.0

Azurite extract is a mineral pigment used mainly for its blue color in cosmetics, but its skincare benefits are not well-studied.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
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Skin conditioning agent

B-Complex Yeast Peptide Blend

Biotin, Folic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Niacinamide, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Yeast Polypeptides

4.0

A nourishing blend of B vitamins and yeast peptides that supports skin barrier health and may improve radiance.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Emollient

Babassu Acid

BABASSU ACID

4.0

Babassu Acid is a gentle, plant-derived fatty acid that cleanses and softens skin without stripping moisture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollientsurfactant
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Soothing Agent

Babassu Mesocarp Extract

Orbignya Speciosa Mesocarp Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm irritation and provides antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Emollient

Babassu Oil

Orbignya Speciosa Kernel Oil

4.3

Babassu oil is a gentle, non-comedogenic plant oil that moisturizes without clogging pores, making it a great choice for oily and sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Babassu Oil Glycereth-8 Esters

BABASSU OIL GLYCERETH-8 ESTERS

4.3

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from babassu oil that softens skin and helps other ingredients absorb better.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Babassu Oil PEG-8 Esters

ORBIGNYA OLEIFERA SEED OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps soften and condition skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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