A gentle conditioning ingredient that makes hair and skin feel smoother without heavy buildup.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Beauty ingredient research
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
A gentle conditioning ingredient that makes hair and skin feel smoother without heavy buildup.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, protein-based conditioner that helps strengthen hair and reduce frizz without weighing it down.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle conditioning ingredient that makes hair and skin feel softer and more manageable without heavy buildup.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps hair feel soft and smooth while reducing static and flyaways.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, protein-based conditioning ingredient that smooths hair and reduces frizz without heavy buildup.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle conditioning ingredient that makes hair and skin feel smoother without heavy buildup.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle synthetic conditioner that helps detangle hair and reduce flyaways, but offers no long-term repair.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Quaternium-80 is a gentle conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair, but it may not suit very sensitive scalps.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic conditioning agent that helps reduce frizz and static, but offers limited skin benefits beyond temporary smoothness.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Quaternium-82 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve hair feel, but it may build up on fine or low-porosity hair over time.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Quaternium-83 is a synthetic conditioning agent that helps reduce static and improve manageability in hair products, with a low risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce flyaways and static in hair, generally considered safe for most users.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic conditioner that smooths hair and reduces static, but may build up with frequent use.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Quaternium-86 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability in hair products, but it may cause buildup with frequent use.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Quaternium-87 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and soften hair, but it may not suit very sensitive scalps.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Quaternium-88 is a gentle conditioning polymer that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup, making it a popular choice for sensitive scalps and fine hair.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic conditioning agent that reduces frizz and static without heavy buildup.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Quaternium-90 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce static and improve manageability in hair products, but it may not suit very sensitive scalps.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle clay derivative that improves product feel and stability, but offers no direct skin benefit.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A modified clay that helps control oil and improve product feel, generally safe but not well-studied in long-term use.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle clay-derived thickener that improves product feel without common irritation concerns.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle synthetic conditioner that helps detangle hair and reduce flyaways without heavy buildup.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps detangle hair and reduce frizz with a low risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Quaternium-93 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce frizz and static in hair, but it may not suit those with very sensitive scalps.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Quaternium-95 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps detangle and soften hair with a low risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic conditioning agent that helps reduce static and improve the feel of hair and skin, generally well-tolerated but not a standout active.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Quaternium-97 is a synthetic conditioning ingredient that helps reduce frizz and static while making hair feel softer and easier to manage.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A fermented botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
A natural antioxidant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even skin tone.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Quercetagetin is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Quercetin is a potent plant antioxidant that helps defend skin against pollution and UV damage while supporting a calmer, more even complexion.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A stabilized, oil-friendly version of quercetin that offers antioxidant protection with better skin absorption.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, stable antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from oak fruit, best for those seeking mild physical exfoliation with antioxidant benefits.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle botanical powder from oak leaves that may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is very limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, natural extract from oak wood that may help calm and clarify skin, but research is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, antioxidant-rich bark extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering soothing benefits.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that creates a mild foam and cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived surfactant from the Chilean soapbark tree that cleanses without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Quince flower extract is a mild botanical with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's mainly used as a gentle skin conditioner.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and provide light hydration.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Quince fruit juice is a gentle, hydrating ingredient with antioxidant properties, but research on its skincare benefits is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Quince fruit water is a mild, hydrating botanical water that can soothe and lightly moisturize skin, but it lacks strong clinical evidence for dramatic effects.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived wax that helps lock in moisture and create a smooth, protective layer on skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based hydrator that forms a light, soothing film on the skin to help lock in moisture.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Quince seed oil is a gentle, nutrient-rich emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived AHA that exfoliates and hydrates without the sting of stronger acids, making it a good option for sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Quinine can help calm inflammation and fight microbes, but it may irritate sensitive skin and is not a proven anti-aging ingredient.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle, probiotic-derived ingredient that may help strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration, though research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, natural exfoliant from quinoa husks that buffs away dead skin without harsh microbeads.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Quinoa Seed Extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps soothe and hydrate the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Quinoa seed oil is a gentle, nutrient-dense emollient that helps soften and protect the skin without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A lightweight, plant-derived emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Quinoa Seedcake Extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm and condition the skin, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural