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

Anti-aging agent

Quinoyl Tripeptide-1

Quinoyl Tripeptide-1

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more human studies are needed to confirm its effects.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Anti-aging agent

Quinoyl Tripeptide-35

Quinoyl Tripeptide-35

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and smooth fine lines, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Quinoyl Tripeptide-7

Quinoyl Tripeptide-7

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Anti-aging agent

R-Bovine Octapeptide-1

R-Bovine Octapeptide-1

3.5

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce the look of fine lines, but research is limited and mostly based on similar peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

R-Bovine Oligopeptide-1

R-Bovine Oligopeptide-1

4.0

A lab-made peptide that may help firm and repair skin, but human studies are limited and it's not a medical treatment.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
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Skin conditioning agent

R-Leucosporidium Polypeptide-1

R-Leucosporidium Polypeptide-1

3.8

A novel yeast-derived peptide that may help improve skin firmness, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Humectant

R-Saccharomyces Polypeptide-1

R-SACCHAROMYCES POLYPEPTIDE-1

4.0

A gentle, yeast-derived peptide that helps hydrate and support the skin barrier, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectantconditioning agent
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Anti-aging agent

R-Salmon Oligopeptide-1

R-Salmon Oligopeptide-1

3.8

A promising but under-researched peptide that may support collagen and skin repair, but lacks robust human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

R-Spider Polypeptide-3

R-Spider Polypeptide-3

3.5

A synthetic peptide that may help firm and smooth skin, but research is still early and benefits are not guaranteed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Preservative Booster

Radish Root Ferment Filtrate

Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, naturally derived preservative booster that helps keep your products fresh while offering mild skin-conditioning benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarepreservative
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Emollient

Radish Seed Oil

RAPHANUS SATIVUS SEED OIL

4.0

A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that hydrates and softens skin without feeling heavy, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Radish Sprout Extract

RAPHANUS SATIVUS SPROUT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help protect skin from pollution and UV damage, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Radish Sprout Powder

RAPHANUS SATIVUS SPROUT POWDER

3.8

Radish sprout powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Raffinose

RAFFINOSE

4.0

Raffinose is a gentle, plant-derived sugar that hydrates the skin and feeds beneficial bacteria, making it a smart choice for sensitive or microbiome-focused routines.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Emulsifier

Raffinose Isostearate

RAFFINOSE ISOSTEARATE

4.0

A mild, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in skincare products while offering gentle skin conditioning.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emollient

Raffinose Myristate

RAFFINOSE MYRISTATE

4.0

Raffinose Myristate is a mild, sugar-based emollient that hydrates and conditions skin without clogging pores, making it a good option for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Humectant

Raffinose Oleate

RAFFINOSE OLEATE

4.0

Raffinose Oleate is a gentle, sugar-based ingredient that hydrates and soothes the skin, making it a promising option for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectantemollient
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Anti-aging agent

Rainbow Trout Oligopeptide Complex

SR-RAINBOW TROUT OLIGOPEPTIDE-1 SH-OLIGOPEPTIDE-2

3.5

A novel peptide complex from fish sources that may support skin firmness and repair, but human research is very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Anti-Aging Agent

Rainbow Trout Oligopeptide-1

SR-RAINBOW TROUT OLIGOPEPTIDE-1 SH-POLYPEPTIDE-9

3.5

A novel peptide from fish that may support skin firmness and repair, but human research is very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ramaria Formosa Extract

RAMARIA FORMOSA FRUITING BODY EXTRACT

3.8

A mushroom-derived extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it is not a proven skincare powerhouse.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Rambutan Extract

Nephelium lappaceum branch/fruit/leaf extract

3.8

Rambutan extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Ransou Extract

RANSOU EKISU

3.8

Ransou Extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm and hydrate the skin, though scientific research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Raoulia Australis Callus Extract

Raoulia Australis Callus Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from New Zealand that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Raoulia Australis Shoot Extract

Raoulia Australis Shoot Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract from New Zealand that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Rapeseed Extract

Brassica Napus Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that helps soothe and condition the skin without common irritants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioner

Rapeseed Ferment Extract

CANDIDA BOMBICOLA/GLUCOSE/METHYL RAPESEEDATE FERMENT

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived emollient that helps soften and condition skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Rapeseed Flower Extract

Brassica Napus Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning Agent

Rapeseed Gamma-Lactone

RAPESEED GAMMA-LACTONE

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps soften and smooth skin with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Rapeseed Glucoside

Rapeseed Glucoside

4.5

A mild, biodegradable surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
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Emollient

Rapeseed Oil

Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, non-comedogenic plant oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Rapeseed Oil PEG-20 Esters

RAPESEED OIL PEG-20 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emollient

Rapeseed Oil PEG-3 Esters

RAPESEED OIL PEG-3 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient and emulsifier that helps moisturize and stabilize formulas without heavy greasiness.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollientemulsifier
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Emollient

Rapeseed Oil Unsaponifiables

BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES

4.0

A gentle, lipid-rich emollient that helps restore the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Surfactant

Rapeseed Sophorolipids

Sophorolipids

4.3

A mild, eco-friendly surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarecleanser
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Antioxidant

Rapeseed Sprout Extract

BRASSICA NAPUS SPROUT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant 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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Skin Conditioning Agent

Rapeseed Sterols

Brassica Campestris Sterols

4.3

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that mimics the skin's natural lipids to strengthen the moisture barrier and soothe dryness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Film Former

Rapeseed/Tung Oil Copolymer

BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS/ALEURITES FORDI OIL COPOLYMER

4.0

A plant-derived film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer without feeling heavy or sticky.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircarefilm-former
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Antioxidant

Raponticin Glucoside

Raponticin Glucoside

4.0

A gentle plant-derived antioxidant that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental stress, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Raspberry Callus Powder

RUBUS IDAEUS CALLUS POWDER

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich powder from raspberry cells that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Raspberry Fruit Water

RUBUS IDAEUS FRUIT WATER

3.8

Raspberry Fruit Water offers gentle antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its effects are mild compared to concentrated extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Raspberry Ketone

RASPBERRY KETONE

3.8

Raspberry ketone adds a sweet scent and mild antioxidant benefits to skincare, but its effects are subtle and not a substitute for proven antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Raspberry Ketone Glucoside

Raspberry Ketone Glucoside

3.8

A gentle, water-soluble antioxidant that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Raspberry Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters

RASPBERRY SEED OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that combines the nourishing fatty acids of raspberry seed oil with improved texture and water compatibility.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing agent

Rauwolfia Root Extract

Rauwolfia Serpentina Root Extract

3.0

Rauwolfia Root Extract is a traditional botanical with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but its use in modern skincare is limited and lacks strong clinical evidence.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Ravenala Aril Extract

Ravenala Madagascariensis Aril Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from the traveler's palm that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ravenala Leaf Extract

Ravenala Madagascariensis Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ravenala Leaf/Stem Extract

RAVENALA MADAGASCARIENSIS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Ravenala Stem Extract

Ravenala Madagascariensis Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract from the traveler's palm that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review