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

Babassu Seed Powder

Orbignya Phalerata Seed Powder

4.0

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from babassu palm seeds that buffs away dead skin without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Surfactant

Babassuamide DEA

BABASSUAMIDE DEA

3.5

A mild foaming agent from babassu oil that helps create rich lather, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

Babassuamide MEA

Babassuamide MEA

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that helps create a rich lather while being kinder to skin than many harsher cleansers.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Surfactant

Babassuamidopropalkonium Chloride

Babassuamidopropalkonium Chloride

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived conditioning agent that helps soften hair and skin while providing mild antimicrobial benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Surfactant

Babassuamidopropyl Betaine

BABASSUAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE

4.3

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
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Antioxidant

Babchi Fruit Extract

Psoralea Corylifolia Fruit Extract

3.5

Babchi fruit extract is a traditional botanical with potential skin-brightening effects, but it is not well-studied in modern cosmetic science and may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Babchi Seed Powder

Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Powder

3.5

Babchi seed powder is a traditional botanical ingredient with potential brightening benefits, but it requires careful formulation due to possible skin sensitivity and limited modern safety data.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Cleansing Agent

Baby's Breath Root Extract

Gypsophila Paniculata Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based cleansing extract that may also help calm the skin, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleansing agent
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Soothing agent

Baby's Tears Extract

Soleirolia soleirolii extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Emollient

Bacaba Fruit Oil

Oenocarpus Bacaba Fruit Oil

4.0

Bacaba Fruit Oil is a gentle, plant-based emollient rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, ideal for dry or sensitive skin, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing agent

Baccharis Oil

Baccharis Dracunculifolia Herb Oil

3.8

Baccharis Oil is a gentle, plant-based oil with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Bacillus Clover Soybean Ferment

Bacillus/Clover Flower/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help strengthen the skin barrier and fight oxidative stress.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin conditioning agent

Bacillus Corn Ferment Filtrate

BACILLUS/CORN SEED FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help calm skin and support a healthy skin barrier, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Bacillus Ferment

Bacillus Ferment

4.0

A gentle probiotic ingredient that may help balance skin bacteria and strengthen the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareprobiotic
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Humectant

Bacillus Ferment Filtrate

BACILLUS/GLUTAMIC ACID FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived humectant that helps hydrate and condition the skin, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Soothing Agent

Bacillus Fermented Indigo Extract

BACILLUS/POLYGONUM TINCTORIUM LEAF FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Bacillus Licheniformis Keratinase

Bacillus Licheniformis Keratinase

4.0

A gentle enzymatic exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing, but may irritate sensitive skin if overused.

Irritation

moderate

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Soothing Agent

Bacillus Rice Bran Honey Ferment

Bacillus/Rice Bran/Honey Ferment

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Exfoliant

Bacillus Rice Ferment Filtrate

BACILLUS/RICE FERMENT LEES FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps soften and smooth skin without harsh scrubbing, ideal for those new to exfoliation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliantconditioning agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Bacillus Rice Lees Ferment

Bacillus/Rice Lees Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented rice ingredient that may support skin barrier and provide antioxidant benefits, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning Agent

Bacillus Silk Soybean Ferment

Bacillus/Silk/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareskin conditioning
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Skin Conditioning Agent

Bacillus Soybean Ferment Extract

BACILLUS/FOLIC ACID/SOYBEAN FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and condition skin, but its benefits come from the fermentation process rather than the folic acid itself.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
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Skin conditioning agent

Bacillus Wild Rice Ferment Filtrate

Bacillus/Zizania Latifolia Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help strengthen the skin barrier and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bacopa Monniera Oil

BACOPA MONNIERA OIL

3.8

Bacopa Monniera Oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that may help calm stressed skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Bael Leaf Oil

AEGLE MARMELOS LEAF OIL

3.5

Bael Leaf Oil is a fragrant essential oil with traditional uses, but its benefits in modern skincare are not well-studied and it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing agent

Bael Root Powder

Aegle Marmelos Root Powder

3.5

A gentle botanical powder with traditional roots, but limited modern research to back its skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Baical Skullcap Root Powder

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Powder

4.3

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root powder that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Baicalein

Baicalein

4.2

Baicalein is a plant-based antioxidant that helps calm redness and protect skin from daily environmental damage.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Baicalin

BAICALIN

4.0

Baicalin is a gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, making it a solid addition to soothing or anti-aging formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Anti-aging

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol

4.5

A gentler, plant-based alternative to retinol that helps smooth fine lines and even skin tone without the typical irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Bakuhan

Bakuhan

3.8

Bakuhan is a gentle, rice-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, but research on its benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Soothing Agent

Bakumondou Extract

OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

Bakumondou extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm irritation and support skin hydration, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Balanites Seed Oil

BALANITES ROXBURGHII SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing Agent

Baliospermum Montanum Root Powder

BALIOSPERMUM MONTANUM ROOT POWDER

3.5

A traditional Ayurvedic root powder with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but limited modern research and a moderate irritation risk for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Balloon Vine Extract

CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM FLOWER/LEAF/VINE EXTRACT

3.8

Balloon vine extract is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Balloon Vine Seed Extract

CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM SEED EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Balsam Fir Extract

Abies Balsamea Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Balsam Fir Needle Extract

Abies Balsamea Needle Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Balsam Fir Needle Oil

Abies Balsamea Needle Oil

3.8

A fragrant essential oil that adds a fresh, woodsy scent to products but may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing Agent

Balsam Fir Resin

Abies Balsamea Resin

3.8

A natural tree resin with potential soothing benefits, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Balsam of Peru Extract

Myroxylon Balsamum Pereirae Balsam Extract

3.5

A natural fragrance ingredient with a warm, sweet scent, but it's a common allergen and may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Balsam of Peru Oil

Myroxylon Balsamum Pereirae Balsam Oil

3.0

Balsam of Peru is a natural fragrance ingredient with a warm, sweet scent, but it's also a common allergen that can cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Balsam Peru Oil

Myroxylon Pereirae Oil

3.5

Balsam Peru Oil adds a warm, sweet scent to products but is a known allergen for some people, so patch testing is wise.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing Agent

Bamboo & Honey Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/PHYLLOSTACHYS PUBESCENS STEM/HONEY FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Bark Extract

Phyllostachys Bambusoides Bark Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Callus Culture Extract

BAMBUSA VULGARIS CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown bamboo extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a smoother appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Callus Extract

BAMBUSA VULGARIS CALLUS CULTURE CONDITIONED MEDIA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown bamboo extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a youthful appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Ferment Filtrate

Phyllostachys Heterocycla Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented bamboo extract that may help calm and protect the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Flower Extract

Bambusa Vulgaris Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Frass Extract

Phyllostachys Heterocycla Frass Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from bamboo processing byproducts that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Bamboo Juice

Phyllostachys Bambusoides Juice

4.0

A gentle, hydrating plant juice that provides light moisture and antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or dehydrated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Leaf & Shoot Extract

Phyllostachys Edulis Leaf/Shoot Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Bamboo Leaf and Stem Extract

Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help soothe and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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