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

Emulsifier

Tallowoyl Ethyl Glucoside

Tallowoyl Ethyl Glucoside

4.0

A gentle, animal-derived emulsifier that stabilizes creams and lotions without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Tallowtrimonium Chloride

Tallowtrimonium Chloride

3.8

Tallowtrimonium Chloride is an effective conditioning ingredient derived from animal fats, but it may cause irritation or clog pores in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Tamala Leaf Oil

Cinnamomum Tamala Leaf Oil

3.5

A fragrant essential oil with some antimicrobial potential, but its strong aroma and potential for skin irritation limit its use in sensitive skin formulations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Tamanu Fruit Oil

CALOPHYLLUM TACAMAHACA FRUIT OIL

4.0

Tamanu fruit oil is a gentle, plant-based emollient that helps soften and soothe the skin, with some research suggesting it may support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Tamanu Oil

CALOPHYLLUM TACAMAHACA SEED OIL

4.3

A soothing, nutrient-rich oil that helps calm irritation and deeply moisturize without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaremoisturizer
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Tamanu Seed Extract

CALOPHYLLUM TACAMAHACA SEED EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm irritation and provides antioxidant protection, but more human studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Tamarind Fruit Juice

TAMARINDUS INDICA FRUIT JUICE

4.0

Tamarind fruit juice is a gentle, natural humectant that helps hydrate and lightly exfoliate skin, making it a good option for those seeking plant-based skincare ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Thickener

Tamarind Seed Gum

TAMARINDUS INDICA SEED GUM

4.0

A gentle, plant-based thickener and film former that can add a silky feel and light hydration to skincare products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarethickener
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tambourissa Bark Extract

TAMBOURISSA TRICHOPHYLLA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich bark extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tambourissa Leaf Extract

TAMBOURISSA TRICHOPHYLLA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tamurana Fruit Extract

Citrus Tamurana Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help brighten and soothe skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tamurana Orange Peel Extract

Citrus Tamurana Peel Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Botanical Extract

Tanacetum Cinerariifolium Root Extract

TANACETUM CINERARIIFOLIUM ROOT EXTRACT

2.5

A botanical root extract with insect-repelling history, but its use in skincare is limited and may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Absorbent

Tanakura Clay

Tanakura Clay

4.0

A gentle, mineral-rich clay that helps absorb excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tangelo Fruit Juice

CITRUS TANGELO FRUIT JUICE

3.5

A gentle fruit juice that offers mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Tangelo Fruit Powder

Citrus Tangelo Fruit Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from tangelo fruit that offers mild antioxidant benefits, best for those who prefer fruit-based skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Tangelo Peel Powder

Citrus Tangelo Peel Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant that also delivers antioxidants from citrus peels, but its effectiveness and stability depend heavily on how it's processed and formulated.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tangerine Extract

CITRUS TANGERINA EXTRACT

4.0

Tangerine extract offers gentle antioxidant protection and a subtle brightening effect, but its benefits are mild compared to more potent vitamin C forms.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Tangerine Fruit Water

CITRUS TANGERINA FRUIT WATER

3.8

Tangerine fruit water is a gentle, water-based botanical that adds light hydration and a subtle citrus scent, but its benefits beyond fragrance are not well-studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Tangerine Leaf Oil

Citrus Reticulata Leaf Oil

3.8

A fragrant essential oil that adds a fresh citrus scent to products, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin and offers limited proven skincare benefits.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance component

Tangerine Leaf Water

CITRUS RETICULATA LEAF WATER

3.5

A gentle, aromatic water from tangerine leaves that adds a light citrus scent and mild antioxidant benefits to skincare, but lacks strong clinical research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tangerine Peel Extract

CITRUS TANGERINA PEEL EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle antioxidant-rich extract that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental stressors, but its effects are mild compared to more potent actives.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Tangerine Peel Oil

Citrus Tangerina Peel Oil

3.8

Tangerine Peel Oil adds a bright citrus scent to products and may offer mild antioxidant benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and may increase sun sensitivity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Tangerine Peel Powder

Citrus Reticulata Peel Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural physical exfoliant with antioxidant benefits, best suited for normal to combination skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Tangerine Peel Water

Citrus Reticulata Peel Water

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water from tangerine peels that offers light antioxidant benefits and a fresh scent, but its effects are mild compared to concentrated citrus extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tangeritin

Tangeritin

4.0

A gentle antioxidant from citrus that helps protect skin from environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tannic Acid

TANNIC ACID

3.8

Tannic acid is a plant antioxidant that can help soothe and tighten skin, but it may irritate sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tansy Extract

Jacobaea vulgaris extract

3.5

Tansy extract is a plant-based ingredient with antioxidant potential, but its use in skincare is still emerging and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Astringent

Tansy Flower Extract

Tanacetum Vulgare Flower Extract

3.5

Tansy flower extract offers astringent and soothing benefits, but its use in skincare is limited by potential skin irritation and lack of robust safety data.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Tansy Flower Oil

TANACETUM VULGARE FLOWER OIL

3.0

Tansy flower oil is a fragrant botanical oil with limited modern skincare research; it may offer antimicrobial benefits but carries a moderate risk of skin irritation and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Absorbent

Tapioca Starch

TAPIOCA STARCH

4.0

Tapioca starch is a gentle, plant-based powder that helps control shine and gives a silky feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
Read ingredient review

Absorbent

Tapioca Starch Crosspolymer

Tapioca Starch Crosspolymer

4.3

A gentle, plant-based powder that soaks up excess oil and gives a smooth, non-greasy feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tapirira Guianensis Leaf Extract

Tapirira Guianensis Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Taraktogenos Kurzii Seed Oil

Taraktogenos Kurzii Seed Oil

3.8

A traditional emollient oil with a rich fatty acid profile, best for dry or rough skin but may be comedogenic for acne-prone types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Taro Leaf Extract

Colocasia Esculenta Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Taro Root Extract

Colocasia Esculenta Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, though research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tarragon Leaf Extract

Baccharis dracunculifolia herb extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tarragon Leaf/Stem Extract

Artemisia dracunculus leaf/stem extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Tarragon Root Extract

Artemisia Dracunculus Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Tartaric Acid

TARTARIC ACID

3.8

Tartaric acid is a gentle AHA exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and brighten complexion, but it can cause irritation if overused.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tartary Buckwheat Extract

POLYGONUM TATARICUM BUD/SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tartary Buckwheat Seed Extract

FAGOPYRUM TATARICUM SEED EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle antioxidant extract from Tartary buckwheat seeds that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tasmannia Lanceolata Extract

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit Extract

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from Tasmanian pepperberry that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tasmannia Lanceolata Leaf Extract

Tasmannia Lanceolata Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Tatarinow's Aster Root Extract

Aster Tataricus Root/Rhizome Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Taurine

TAURINE

4.0

Taurine is a gentle antioxidant and hydrator that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports moisture balance.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Taxamairin A

Taxamairin A

3.5

Taxamairin A is a plant-derived antioxidant with early research suggesting it may help protect skin from environmental stress, but it is not yet widely studied in cosmetics.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Taxamairin C

Taxamairin C

3.5

Taxamairin C is a rare plant antioxidant from yew trees with promising lab data, but human skin studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Taxiresinol

TAXIRESINOL

3.8

Taxiresinol is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Taxus Meristem Cell Culture Filtrate

TAXUS CUSPIDATA MERISTEM CELL CULTURE CONDITIONED MEDIA

3.8

A plant stem cell ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Tayuya Root Extract

Cayaponia Tayuya Root Extract

3.8

Tayuya Root Extract is a gentle botanical with traditional anti-inflammatory uses, but modern skincare evidence is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Cell-communicating ingredient

Tazarotene

TAZAROTENE

4.0

Tazarotene is a potent prescription retinoid that effectively treats acne and reduces fine lines, but it requires careful use due to high irritation potential.

Irritation

high

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareactive
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

TBHQ

TERT-BUTYLHYDROQUINONE

3.5

TBHQ is a synthetic preservative that keeps oils fresh, but its safety is debated at higher concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

TBHQ Dimethyl Ether

TERT-BUTYLHYDROQUINONE DIMETHYLETHER

3.5

A synthetic antioxidant that helps keep your products fresh, but it's not a star ingredient for your skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

TBHQ Methyl Ether

2-TERT-BUTYLHYDROQUINONE METHYL ETHER

3.5

A synthetic antioxidant that helps keep oils and fats from going rancid, but it's not a star active for skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review