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

Soothing Agent

Saussurea Lappa Root Powder

SAUSSUREA LAPPA ROOT POWDER

3.8

A traditional botanical root powder with soothing potential, but limited modern research and a moderate risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Anti-inflammatory

Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract

Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help balance oil production and calm skin, but research is mostly preliminary.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Emollient

Saw Palmetto Fruit Oil

Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Oil

3.8

A plant-based oil that helps soften skin and may support a balanced complexion, but can be pore-clogging for some.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Saw Palmetto Fruit Powder

Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may help calm inflammation and balance oil production, but its effects are mild and best for supporting overall skin health.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Saw Palmetto Fruit Water

Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Water

3.8

A gentle, water-based botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Saxifraga Cespirosa Extract

SAXIFRAGA CESPITOSA EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Saxifraga Extract

SAXIFRAGA ROTUNDIFOLIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Saxifraga Leaf Powder

SAXIFRAGA STOLONIFERA LEAF POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with traditional use for soothing skin, though modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Saxifraga Oppositifolia Extract

SAXIFRAGA OPPOSITIFOLIA EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Scented Cyclopropane Derivative

OCTAHYDRO-TETRAMETHYL-METHANO-CYCLOPENTACYCLOPROPABENZENE-4-METHANOL FORMATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with limited safety data; best used in low concentrations and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Schinus Molle Fruit Extract

Schinus Molle Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Schinus Molle Leaf Extract

Schinus Molle 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
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Antioxidant

Schinus Molle Seed Extract

Schinus Molle Seed 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
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Exfoliant

Schinziophyton Kernel Powder

SCHINZIOPHYTON RAUTANENII KERNEL POWDER

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from the Manketti tree kernel, ideal for physical scrubs and oil-absorbing masks.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Schisandra Berry Extract

Schizandra Sphenanthera Fruit Extract

4.0

Schisandra berry extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Schisandra Berry Powder

Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Powder

4.0

Schisandra Berry Powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps protect skin from environmental stress while supporting a calm, even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Schisandra Callus Extract

Schisandra Chinensis Callus Extract

4.0

A gentle antioxidant extract from the schisandra berry plant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a calm, even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Schisandra Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/LEUCONOSTOC/POLYSORBATE 80/SCHISANDRA CHINENSIS FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT LYSATE FILTRATE

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Schisandra Fruit Oil

Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Oil

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps soften skin and protect against environmental stress without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Schisandra Phytoplacenta Extract

Schisandra Chinensis Phytoplacenta Extract

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown extract from schisandra fruit cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Schisandra Seed Extract

Schisandra Chinensis Seed Extract

4.0

Schisandra Seed Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Schisandrin

Schisandrin

4.0

Schisandrin is a plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a calmer, more resilient complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Exfoliant

Schist Powder

SCHIST

3.5

Schist powder offers gentle physical exfoliation and oil absorption, but its particle size and shape can vary, so it may be too abrasive for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Schizandra Nigra Fruit Extract

Schizandra Nigra Fruit Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Schizophyllan

SCHIZOPHYLLAN

4.0

A mushroom-derived polysaccharide that hydrates and forms a protective film on the skin, with some research supporting its soothing and antioxidant properties.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantfilm-former
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Soothing Agent

Schizophyllum Commune Extract

SCHIZOPHYLLUM COMMUNE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle mushroom-derived ingredient that helps calm skin and support moisture, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Schizophyllum Commune Ferment

SCHIZOPHYLLUM COMMUNE MYCELIUM FERMENT FILTRATE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, hydrating mushroom ferment that may help soothe skin and support moisture retention, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Schizophyllum Commune Ferment Filtrate

SCHIZOPHYLLUM COMMUNE MYCELIUM/RICE FERMENT EXTRACT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented mushroom extract that may help calm skin and support hydration, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Schizothrix Calcicola Extract

Schizothrix Calcicola Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich algae extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Schkuhria Pinnata Extract

Schkuhria Pinnata Extract

3.8

Schkuhria Pinnata Extract is a gentle botanical with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it is not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Sciadopitys Root Extract

Sciadopitys Verticillata Root Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Sciadopitys Verticillata Extract

SCIADOPITYS VERTICILLATA BRANCH/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract from the Japanese umbrella pine that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Scirpus Extract

SCIRPUS TABERNAEMONTANI EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antimicrobial

Sclareol

SCLAREOL

4.0

Sclareol is a natural compound from clary sage that may help calm skin and fight acne-causing bacteria, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantimicrobial
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Antioxidant

Sclareolide

Sclareolide

4.0

Sclareolide is a gentle antioxidant from clary sage that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, making it a nice addition to anti-aging and soothing formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Scleranthus Annus Flower Extract

SCLERANTHUS ANNUUS FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A mild botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Thickener

Sclerotium Gum

SCLEROTIUM GUM

4.5

A gentle, natural thickener that gives products a silky feel and helps stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaretexturizer
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Antioxidant

Scoparia Dulcis Extract

SCOPARIA DULCIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Scoparone

SCOPARONE

3.8

Scoparone is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research in cosmetics is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Scordinine

Scordinine

3.5

Scordinine is a plant alkaloid with emerging research suggesting mild soothing benefits, but it is not widely studied in cosmetic formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Anti-aging agent

Scorpion Oligopeptide-1 Amide

S-Scorpion Oligopeptide-1 Amide

3.5

A novel synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-wrinkle agent

Scorpion Peptide Complex

SH-Polypeptide-2, Egyptian Scorpion Oligopeptide-1

3.5

A synthetic peptide that mimics scorpion venom to temporarily relax expression lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Scotch Pine Twig Leaf Oil

Pinus Sylvestris Twig Leaf Oil

3.8

A natural essential oil that adds a fresh pine scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing Agent

Scrophularia Root Extract

SCROPHULARIA KORAIENSIS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Scurvy Grass Extract

COCHLEARIA OFFICINALIS FLOWER/LEAF/STALK EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for soothing skin, though modern research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Scurvygrass Leaf Extract

Cochlearia Officinalis Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide mild environmental protection, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Scutellaria Root Extract

Scutellaria Galericulata Root Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress without causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Solvent

SD Alcohol 1

SD ALCOHOL 1

3.5

SD Alcohol 1 is a fast-evaporating solvent that can help products feel lightweight but may be drying and irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

high

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Solvent

SD Alcohol 23-A

SD ALCOHOL 23-A

3.5

SD Alcohol 23-A is a fast-evaporating solvent that can help products feel lightweight but may be drying or irritating for some skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Solvent

SD Alcohol 23-F

SD ALCOHOL 23-F

3.5

Effective for quick-drying and oil control, but can be drying and irritating for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Solvent

SD Alcohol 23-H

SD ALCOHOL 23-H

3.5

SD Alcohol 23-H is a fast-evaporating solvent that can help products feel lightweight but may dry or irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Solvent

SD Alcohol 27-B

SD Alcohol 27-B

3.5

SD Alcohol 27-B is a fast-evaporating solvent that can help products feel lightweight but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

high

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Solvent

SD Alcohol 31-A

SD ALCOHOL 31-A

3.5

SD Alcohol 31-A is a strong drying solvent that can help with oil control and product feel but may irritate sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

high

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Solvent

SD Alcohol 36

SD ALCOHOL 36

3.0

SD Alcohol 36 is a fast-drying solvent that can help with oil control and product penetration, but it may strip the skin barrier and cause irritation with frequent use.

Irritation

high

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Solvent

SD Alcohol 37

SD ALCOHOL 37

3.0

SD Alcohol 37 helps products dry fast and feel clean, but can be drying and irritating for sensitive or dry skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Solvent

SD Alcohol 38-B

SD Alcohol 38-B

3.5

SD Alcohol 38-B is a fast-evaporating solvent that can help products feel lightweight but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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