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

Tripeptide-66

Tripeptide-66

4.0

Tripeptide-66 is a lab-made peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Anti-aging agent

Tripeptide-67

Tripeptide-67

4.0

Tripeptide-67 is a lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, though research is still early compared to more established peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Anti-aging agent

Tripeptide-68

Tripeptide-68

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tripeptide-69

Tripeptide-69

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tripeptide-9 Citrulline

Tripeptide-9 Citrulline

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with a good safety profile for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Plasticizer

Triphenyl Phosphate

Triphenyl Phosphate

2.5

Triphenyl phosphate is a synthetic plasticizer used in nail products, but it has raised some health concerns due to potential endocrine disruption and skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautynail careplasticizer
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Triple Botanical Complex

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed/Pueraria Lobata Root/Ganoderma Lucidum Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical trio that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Triple Botanical Extract

Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit/Houttyunia Cordata/Hemerocallis Fulva Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Triple Herb Seed Extract

ARTEMISIA DRACUNCULUS SEED/ANTHEMIS NOBILIS SEED/HYPERICUM ANDROSAEMUM SEED EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited and benefits are not guaranteed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Tripotassium Glycyrrhizate

Tripotassium Glycyrrhizate

4.3

A gentle, licorice-derived ingredient that helps calm redness and irritation without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Tripotassium Ursolyl Phosphate

Tripotassium Ursolyl Phosphate

4.0

A plant-derived compound modified for stability that may help firm skin and reduce fine lines, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Tripropylene Glycol Citrate

Tripropylene Glycol Citrate

4.0

A gentle, synthetic emollient and solvent that helps products spread smoothly and prevents nail polish from becoming brittle.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Film Former

Tripropylene Glycol Diacrylate

TRIPROPYLENE GLYCOL DIACRYLATE

1.0

This is an industrial adhesive ingredient, not a skincare active; it may cause skin irritation and is best avoided in leave-on products.

Irritation

high

Source

synthetic

beautynail-careadhesive
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Antioxidant

Tripterygium Wilfordii Callus Extract

Tripterygium Wilfordii Callus Extract

3.5

A plant-based extract with early research suggesting anti-inflammatory benefits, but limited human studies and potential for irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Triricinolein

Triricinolein

4.0

Triricinolein is a gentle, castor-oil-derived emollient that softens skin and helps lock in moisture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

pH Adjuster

Tris Buffered Saline

Water, Tromethamine, Sodium Chloride

4.0

Tris Buffered Saline is a gentle pH buffer that helps keep skincare products stable and comfortable on sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarebuffer
Read ingredient review

Stabilizer

Tris Isocyanuric Acid

Tris Isocyanuric Acid

3.5

A synthetic stabilizer that helps keep formulas consistent, but is rarely the star ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarestabilizer
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tris-BHT Mesitylene

TRIS-BHT MESITYLENE

4.0

A stable synthetic antioxidant that helps prevent oils and other ingredients from going rancid, but it's not a star active for skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

UV Filter

Tris-Biphenyl Triazine

TRIS-BIPHENYL TRIAZINE

4.5

A highly effective, photostable UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresunscreen
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Film Former

Tris-Hydroxyethyl Isocyanurate Diacrylate

TRIS-HYDROXYETHYL ISOCYANURATE DIACRYLATE

3.0

A synthetic film-former used in nail products to create strong, flexible coatings, but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautynail carefilm former
Read ingredient review

Preservative

Tris-Hydroxymethylnitromethane

Tris-Hydroxymethylnitromethane

3.8

An effective preservative booster that helps keep products fresh, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative
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Preservative

Tris(N-Hydroxyethyl) Hexahydrotriazine

TRIS(N-HYDROXYETHYL) HEXAHYDROTRIAZINE

3.5

An effective preservative that works by releasing tiny amounts of formaldehyde, making it a controversial choice for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Tris(Nonylphenyl) Phosphite

TRIS(NONYLPHENYL)PHOSPHITE

3.0

An effective synthetic antioxidant for preserving formulas, but its environmental and health profile raises caution.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Trisiloxane

TRISILOXANE

4.0

A fast-evaporating silicone that gives a smooth, silky feel without heavy residue — great for lightweight formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Trisobac

Trisobac

3.8

A gentle peptide complex that may help calm redness and strengthen the skin barrier, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Photosensitizer

Trisodium Chlorin E6

Trisodium Chlorin E6

3.0

Trisodium Chlorin E6 is a light-activated compound used in professional treatments, not a daily skincare ingredient.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareactive
Read ingredient review

Chelating Agent

Trisodium EDTA

Trisodium EDTA

4.0

A safe and effective stabilizer that helps your products stay fresh and work better by neutralizing unwanted metals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarestabilizer
Read ingredient review

Chelating Agent

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE

4.5

A gentle, biodegradable alternative to traditional chelating agents that protects your skincare formulas from metal-induced degradation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarestabilizer
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate

Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate

4.0

A gentle, sugar-based humectant that hydrates skin and may help energize skin cells for a healthier appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Trisodium Glycyrrhizate

Trisodium Glycyrrhizate

4.3

A gentle, licorice-derived salt that calms redness and irritation without the side effects of pure licorice extract.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Chelating Agent

Trisodium HEDTA

Trisodium HEDTA

3.8

A gentle chelating agent that protects your skincare formulas from metal contamination, helping them stay effective longer.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarestabilizer
Read ingredient review

Chelating Agent

Trisodium Inositol Triphosphate

TRISODIUM INOSITOL TRIPHOSPHATE

4.0

A gentle chelating agent that helps protect your products from mineral-related instability and may offer mild antioxidant benefits for skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarechelating agent
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pH Adjuster

Trisodium Phosphate

Trisodium Phosphate

3.5

Trisodium phosphate is a synthetic pH adjuster that helps keep products stable, but it can be drying or irritating in high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepH adjuster
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Antioxidant

Trisodium Resveratrol Triphosphate

Trisodium Resveratrol Triphosphate

4.0

A stabilized, water-friendly version of resveratrol that offers antioxidant protection without the stability issues of the original compound.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Trisodium Sulfosuccinate

TRISODIUM SULFOSUCCINATE

3.8

A gentle, synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses without the harshness of traditional sulfates, making it a good option for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Antioxidant

Tristaniopsis Laurina Leaf Extract

TRISTANIOPSIS LAURINA LEAF 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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Emollient

Tristearin

Tristearin

4.0

Tristearin is a gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and gives creams a smooth, luxurious feel without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Tristearyl Citrate

TRISTEARYL CITRATE

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without common irritation or clogging concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emulsifier

Tristearyl Phosphate

TRISTEARYL PHOSPHATE

3.8

A synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions, generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Soothing Agent

Triteleia Ixioides Extract

TRITELEIA IXIOIDES EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, though research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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