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

Fragrance Ingredient

Rose Ketone-5

Rose Ketone-5

3.5

Rose Ketone-5 adds a pleasant rose scent but can be a skin sensitizer for some, especially those with fragrance allergies.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rose Leaf Cell Extract

Rosa Pendulina Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Rose of Jericho Extract

SELAGINELLA PULVINATA EXTRACT

4.0

A unique desert plant extract that helps skin hold onto moisture and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rose Ovary Extract

Rosa Hybrid Ovary Extract

3.5

Rose ovary extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rose Phytoplacenta Extract

Rosa Hybrid Phytoplacenta Extract

3.5

A trendy botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but human studies are lacking and its benefits are mostly based on tradition and lab data.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rose Soybean Ferment Filtrate

Bacillus/Rose Flower/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rosehip Extract

Rosa Spinossissima Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while soothing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rosehip Ferment Extract

PLEUROTUS/ROSA CANINA FERMENT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fermented blend that may support skin radiance and antioxidant defense, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning

Rosehip Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Rosehip Flower Oil

Rosa Canina Flower Oil

3.8

A gentle, fragrant flower oil that adds a light emollient feel and subtle rose scent, but offers less documented antioxidant activity than rosehip seed oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rosehip Fruit Juice

Rosa Canina Fruit Juice

4.0

Rosehip fruit juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and protect the skin, but it is less concentrated in fatty acids than rosehip oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rosehip Leaf Extract

Rosa Moschata Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stressors, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Rosehip Oil

Rosa Moschata Oil

4.3

Rosehip oil is a gentle, non-greasy plant oil that hydrates and provides antioxidant support, but it's not a cure-all and may not suit very oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Rosehip Oil PEG-8 Esters

Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters

4.0

A water-friendly version of rosehip oil that delivers fatty acids without the greasy feel, ideal for lightweight hydration and gentle cleansing.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollientsurfactant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Rosehip Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

4.3

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

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rosehip Seed Extract

Rosa Canina Seed Extract

4.0

Rosehip seed extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress while soothing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosa Moschata Seed Oil

4.5

Rosehip seed oil is a lightweight, non-greasy oil rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that helps hydrate, soothe, and support skin barrier function.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rosemary Callus Extract

Rosmarinus Officinalis Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown rosemary extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rosemary Extract

Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.3

Rosemary extract is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may soothe minor irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rosemary Flower Extract

Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle antioxidant extract from rosemary flowers that helps protect skin from environmental stress without causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Rosemary Flower Oil

Rosmarinus Officinalis Flower Oil

4.0

Rosemary Flower Oil offers antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its essential oil nature.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Rosemary Flower Wax

ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS FLOWER WAX

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived wax that adds texture and moisture to skincare without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Rosemary Leaf Oil

ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF OIL

4.0

Rosemary leaf oil adds a pleasant herbal scent and antioxidant benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin if used at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rosemary Leaf Powder

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Powder

3.8

Rosemary Leaf Powder adds gentle exfoliation and antioxidant protection, but its gritty texture and potential for irritation in high amounts mean it's best used in rinse-off products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioner

Rosemary Leaf Water

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water

4.0

Rosemary leaf water is a mild, fragrant hydrosol that can add light antioxidant benefits and a refreshing feel to skincare, but its effects are subtle compared to concentrated extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rosemary Leaf/Stem Oil

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf/Stem Oil

4.0

Rosemary oil offers antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin if used at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rosemary Phytoplacenta Extract

ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS PHYTOPLACENTA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown rosemary extract that may support skin repair and fight oxidative stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Rosemary Stem Oil

ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) STEM OIL

4.0

Rosemary stem oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps moisturize and protect the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareoil
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Rosemary Water

ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM WATER

4.0

Rosemary water is a mild, aromatic hydrosol that can offer gentle antioxidant and soothing benefits, but its effects are subtle and best suited for those who enjoy botanical skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Film-Former

Rosin

Rosin

3.5

Rosin helps products stay put, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people, especially those with allergies to pine or tree resins.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Rosin Acrylate

Rosin Acrylate

3.5

Rosin Acrylate is a reliable film-former that boosts water resistance and wear time, but it may feel stiff or heavy on sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Rosin Hydrolyzed Collagen

Rosin Hydrolyzed Collagen

3.5

Rosin Hydrolyzed Collagen is a hybrid ingredient that adds hold and shine to hair and makeup while offering some conditioning, but it's not a true collagen treatment for skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Rosin/Formaldehyde Copolymer

ROSIN/FORMALDEHYDE COPOLYMER

2.5

Rosin/Formaldehyde Copolymer is a film-forming resin used in nail products, but its formaldehyde content raises safety concerns for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautynail carefilm former
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rosmarinic Acid

Rosmarinic Acid

4.0

Rosmarinic acid is a gentle plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rosmarinyl Glucoside

Rosmarinyl Glucoside

4.0

Rosmarinyl Glucoside is a gentle antioxidant derived from rosemary that helps defend skin against free radicals without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Round-Leaf Sundew Extract

Drosera Rotundifolia Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Round-Leaf Sundew Powder

Drosera Rotundifolia Powder

3.5

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rowan Berry Extract

SORBUS AUCUPARIA FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-packed fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rowan Bud Extract

Pyrus Sorbus Bud Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits for skin is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rowan Fruit and Leaf Extract

SORBUS AUCUPARIA FRUIT/LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

Rowan fruit and leaf extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help protect skin from environmental stress while providing mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Rowan Seed Oil

SORBUS AUCUPARIA SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, nutrient-rich oil that softens skin and supports barrier function, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Royal Fern Leaf Extract

Osmunda regalis leaf extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Royal Jelly

ROYAL JELLY

3.8

Royal jelly is a natural humectant that helps hydrate and soothe skin, but its benefits are modest and not backed by strong clinical evidence.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Royal Jelly Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/ROYAL JELLY FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help soothe and condition the skin, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Royal Jelly Water

Water, Royal Jelly

3.8

Royal Jelly Water is a gentle, hydrating ingredient with potential soothing benefits, but its effects are not as well-studied as other humectants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rubia Cordifolia Root Powder

Rubia Cordifolia Root Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it may stain lighter fabrics or skin temporarily.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rubia Cordifolia Stem Extract

RUBIA CORDIFOLIA STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but clinical evidence in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rubus Chingii Fruit Extract

RUBUS CHINGII FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rubusoside

RUBUSOSIDE

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Abrasive

Ruby Extract

CORUNDUM (ALUMINUM OXIDE)

3.5

Ruby extract adds a touch of luxury to scrubs with gentle physical exfoliation, but its benefits are mostly aesthetic and not backed by strong research.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Abrasive

Ruby Powder

CORUNDUM (ALUMINUM OXIDE)

3.5

Ruby powder adds a gentle physical exfoliation and a subtle glow, but its benefits are mostly aesthetic and it may be too harsh for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rudbeckia Hirta Seed Extract

RUDBECKIA HIRTA SEED EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rue Extract

Ruta Graveolens Leaf/Root/Stem Extract

3.5

Rue extract offers antioxidant potential but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals; use with caution.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Rue Herb Oil

Ruta Graveolens Herb Oil

2.8

Rue Herb Oil is a fragrant essential oil with limited skincare benefits and significant safety concerns, including phototoxicity and skin irritation, making it a risky choice for most everyday routines.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Rue Leaf/Stem Extract

RUTA GRAVEOLENS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

Rue extract may offer astringent and soothing benefits, but its use is limited by potential skin irritation and lack of robust safety data.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Rumex Extract

Rumex Pseudonatronatus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it's not a skincare powerhouse.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Runner Bean Seed Extract

Phaseolus coccineus seed extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Anti-inflammatory

Ruscogenin

Ruscogenin

4.0

A gentle plant extract that helps calm redness and support microcirculation, often used in eye and anti-aging products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareanti-inflammatory
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Russelia Equisetiformis Extract

RUSSELIA EQUISETIFORMIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits for skin is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review