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

Preservative

Thymol

THYMOL

3.8

Thymol is a natural antimicrobial from thyme oil that helps preserve products and fight acne-causing bacteria, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarepreservative
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Fragrance

Thymol Acetate

THYMOL ACETATE

3.5

Thymol Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with mild antimicrobial properties, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

UV Absorber

Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate

THYMOL TRIMETHOXYCINNAMATE

3.5

A synthetic UV filter that helps shield skin from sun damage, but research on its long-term safety and efficacy is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresunscreen
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Antioxidant

Thymus Capitatus Herb Extract

THYMUS CAPITATUS HERB EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle herbal extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a balanced skin microbiome.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antimicrobial

Thymus Capitatus Herb Oil

THYMUS CAPITATUS HERB OIL

3.8

A potent botanical oil with antimicrobial benefits, best used in low concentrations and with caution for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Thymus Linearis Leaf Extract

Thymus Linearis Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Thymus Praecox Extract

THYMUS PRAECOX EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Thymus Zygis Flower Oil

THYMUS ZYGIS FLOWER OIL

3.8

Thymus Zygis Flower Oil offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits, but its strong fragrance and potential for irritation mean it's best for those with resilient skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
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Antioxidant

Thymus Zygis Herb Extract

Thymus Zygis Herb Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Tiare Flower Extract

Gardenia tahitensis flower extract

4.0

Tiare flower extract adds a pleasant tropical scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but its skincare effects are not well-studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Tiarella Polyphylla Extract

Tiarella Polyphylla Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with early research suggesting soothing and antioxidant benefits, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Tibouchina Extract

Tibouchina Lepidota Bark/Flower/Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Tiger Lily Extract

Lilium Tigrinum Extract

3.8

Tiger lily extract is a gentle botanical ingredient that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Tiger Lily Flower Extract

CALOCHORTUS TOLMIEI FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Tiger Lily Root Extract

Lilium Tigrinum Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Emollient

Tiger Nut Root Oil

CYPERUS ESCULENTUS ROOT OIL

4.0

Tiger nut root oil is a gentle, nutrient-rich emollient that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Tiglic Acid

Tiglic Acid

3.5

Tiglic acid is a gentle exfoliating acid with antimicrobial potential, but research on its efficacy and safety in cosmetics is still limited.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Tiliacora Triandra Extract

TILIACORA TRIANDRA LEAF/VINE EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Tiliroside

Tiliroside

4.0

Tiliroside is a gentle plant antioxidant that may help calm redness and defend skin from daily pollution, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Timonacic

Timonacic

3.5

Timonacic is a synthetic antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Timor Plum Extract

Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Tin

TIN

2.0

Tin is a safe, low-risk metallic pigment used in small amounts for color in cosmetics, but it offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Bulking Agent

Tin Oxide

TIN OXIDE

3.5

Tin oxide is a safe, inert mineral that helps give cosmetics a smooth texture and opaque finish, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecosmetic ingredient
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Antioxidant

Tinospora Cordifolia Extract

TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA ROOT/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant from Ayurveda that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Tinospora Cordifolia Stem Powder

TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA STEM POWDER

3.8

A traditional Ayurvedic botanical that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but clinical skincare evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Tinospora Tuberculata Powder

TINOSPORA TUBERCULATA POWDER

3.5

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a skincare staple.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Tioxolone

Tioxolone

3.5

Tioxolone is a synthetic exfoliant with antimicrobial properties, but research on its effectiveness and safety is limited compared to more common ingredients like salicylic acid.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Surfactant

TIPA Lauryl Sulfate

TIPA-LAURYL SULFATE

3.5

A mild surfactant alternative to SLS, but may still cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
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Emulsifier

TIPA Myristate

TIPA-MYRISTATE

3.5

TIPA Myristate helps blend oil and water in creams, but may clog pores for acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

TIPA Stearate

TIPA-STEARATE

3.8

TIPA Stearate is a reliable emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions, but it may not suit those seeking entirely natural ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Film Former

TIPA-Acrylates Copolymer

TIPA-ACRYLATES/ETHYLHEXYL ACRYLATE COPOLYMER

3.8

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put longer, but may feel tight or stiff on some skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Surfactant

TIPA-C12-14 Pareth-3 Acetate

TIPA-C12-14 PARETH-3 ACETATE

3.8

A mild, semi-synthetic surfactant that helps create a rich lather while being gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Surfactant

TIPA-Laureth Sulfate

TIPA-Laureth Sulfate

3.5

A mild alternative to SLS/SLES, but still a surfactant that can be drying for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Titanium Crosspolymer

ISOPROPYL TITANIUM TRIISOSTEARATE/TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE CROSSPOLYMER

3.8

A synthetic crosspolymer that helps makeup last longer and feel smoother, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecosmetic
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Film Former

Titanium Crosspolymer Blend

ISOPROPYL TITANIUM TRIISOSTEARATE/PERFLUOROOCTYL TRIETHOXYSILANE CROSSPOLYMER

3.5

A synthetic film former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but it's not a skincare active.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecosmetic
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UV Filter

Titanium Dioxide

Titanium Dioxide

4.5

A well-studied mineral sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum UV protection with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresunscreenpigment
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Opacifying Agent

Titanium Hydroxide

Titanium Hydroxide

3.5

Titanium hydroxide is a gentle mineral opacifier that helps give makeup a smooth, opaque finish, but it's less common than titanium dioxide and offers no UV protection on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareopacifying agent
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Binder

Titanium Isostearates

Titanium Isostearates

3.5

Titanium Isostearates is a safe, synthetic binder that helps pressed powders and color cosmetics hold together without causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecosmetic
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Colorant

Titanium Nitride

Titanium Nitride

3.5

Titanium Nitride is a safe, non-irritating pigment that adds shimmer and color to makeup, but it offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

UV Filter

Titanium Salicylate

Titanium Salicylate

3.5

Titanium Salicylate is a synthetic UV filter that helps protect skin from sun damage, but its use is less common than other filters and may require more research for long-term safety.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresunscreen
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Film Former

Titanium/Silicone Crosspolymer Blend

ISOPROPYL TITANIUM TRIISOSTEARATE/TRIETHOXYSILYLETHYL POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER

3.5

A specialized silicone-based ingredient that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put and feel silky, but it's not a skincare active.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecosmetic
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tithonia Extract

Tithonia Diversifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem 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

Tithonia Flower Extract

Tithonia Diversifolia Flower Extract

3.5

A plant extract with early research suggesting antioxidant benefits, but limited human studies for skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

TMP Lauryl Dimethicone

TMP LAURYL DIMETHICONE

4.0

A gentle silicone that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tobacco Flower Extract

Nicotiana Tabacum Flower Extract

3.5

Tobacco flower extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help calm skin, but research is still early and it's not a proven powerhouse.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Tobacco Flower Oil

NICOTIANA TABACUM FLOWER OIL

3.5

Tobacco flower oil adds a unique scent to products but has limited research on skin benefits and may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Tobacco Leaf Cell Culture

NICOTIANA SYLVESTRIS LEAF CELL CULTURE

4.0

A biotech antioxidant from tobacco leaf cells that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Tobacco Leaf Extract

Nicotiana Tabacum Leaf Extract

3.5

Tobacco leaf extract is an antioxidant-rich botanical that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still emerging and it's not a mainstream ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Tobacco Leaf Oil

NICOTIANA TABACUM LEAF OIL

2.5

Tobacco leaf oil is a controversial ingredient with potential antioxidant benefits but significant safety concerns, including skin irritation and nicotine content.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tobacco Peptide Complex

Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-86

3.8

A plant-derived peptide blend that may help firm skin and soften wrinkles, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Anti-aging agent

Tobacco Plant Peptide Complex

Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76

3.5

A novel peptide complex from tobacco plants that may support collagen and skin firmness, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tococysteamide

Tococysteamide

3.8

Tococysteamide is a gentle antioxidant that may help brighten skin and defend against pollution, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tocophereth-10

TOCOPHERETH-10

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble vitamin E derivative that helps protect skin from environmental damage without the greasiness of pure vitamin E.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Tocophereth-12

TOCOPHERETH-12

4.0

A water-soluble form of vitamin E that provides antioxidant protection and helps stabilize other ingredients, but may be less potent than pure tocopherol.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Tocophereth-18

TOCOPHERETH-18

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble vitamin E derivative that helps protect skin from oxidative stress without the greasy feel of pure tocopherol.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tocophereth-5

TOCOPHERETH-5

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble vitamin E derivative that helps protect skin from environmental stress while adding light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tocophereth-50

Tocophereth-50

4.0

A gentle, water-friendly version of vitamin E that helps protect skin from environmental damage without the greasy feel of regular vitamin E.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Tocopherol

Tocopherol

4.5

Tocopherol is a well-studied antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and supports skin barrier function, making it a gentle, beneficial addition to most routines.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Tocopherol Wheat Peptide Complex

Tocopherol/Wheat Polypeptides

4.0

A gentle antioxidant blend that pairs vitamin E with wheat proteins to support skin barrier function and provide light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincareantioxidantconditioning agent
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