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

Bletilla Striata Callus Powder

Bletilla Striata Callus Powder

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Bletilla Striata Root Powder

Bletilla Striata Root Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that can help calm skin and create a soft, smooth feel, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Bletilla Striata Root Water

BLETILLA STRIATA ROOT WATER

3.8

A gentle, hydrating orchid root water with traditional soothing properties, but limited modern research to back specific skincare claims.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Bloodroot Extract

Sanguinaria Canadensis Rhizome/Root Extract

3.5

Bloodroot extract may offer antimicrobial benefits for acne-prone skin, but it can be irritating and is not well-studied for cosmetic use.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Blue 1 Lake

CI 42090

3.5

A widely used synthetic blue dye that is generally safe in cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Blue Cohosh Root Extract

Caulophyllum thalictroides rhizome/root

3.5

Blue Cohosh Root Extract offers antioxidant benefits but has limited safety data in cosmetics and may be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Blue Cypress Oil

CALLITRIS INTRATROPICA WOOD OIL

4.0

Blue Cypress Oil is a gentle, aromatic oil that may help calm and moisturize the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Blue Flag Iris Extract

Iris Versicolor Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with soothing and antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's best used in well-formulated products.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Blue Flag Root Extract

Iris Versicolor Root Extract

3.8

Blue Flag Root Extract is a botanical ingredient that may help soothe and tighten skin, but it has limited research and a moderate irritation risk for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Blue Lotus Flower Extract

NYMPHAEA COERULEA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

Blue lotus flower extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Blue Lotus Flower Oil

NYMPHAEA COERULEA FLOWER OIL

3.8

A gentle, aromatic oil that adds a touch of luxury to skincare, but its benefits are mostly anecdotal and backed by limited research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Blue Lotus Flower Powder

NYMPHAEA STELLATA FLOWER POWDER

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder that may help calm skin, but scientific evidence is limited and it is best used as part of a broader soothing formulation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Blue Lotus Flower Water

Nymphaea Coerulea Flower Water

3.8

A gentle, aromatic water that may help calm skin and provide mild antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Blue Lotus Leaf Cell Extract

Nymphaea Coerulea Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Blue Lotus Seed Extract

NYMPHAEA CAERULEA SEED EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Blue Tansy Callus Extract

TRIGONOTIS PEDUNCULARIS CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm redness and provides antioxidant protection, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bluebeard Extract

CARYOPTERIS INCANA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bluebeard Seed Extract

Caryopteris Incana Seed Extract

3.5

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still limited—think of it as a supportive ingredient rather than a star player.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bluebell Seed Extract

Hyacinthoides Non-Scripta Seed Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's rarely used as a standalone active.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Blueberry Callus Extract

VACCINIUM VIRGATUM CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant stem cell extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Blueberry Ferment Filtrate

LACTOBACILLUS/LEUCONOSTOC/BLUEBERRY FRUIT EXTRACT FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A fermented blueberry extract that may provide antioxidant protection and gentle enzymatic exfoliation, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Blueberry Fruit Extract

Vaccinium Corymbosum Fruit Extract

4.2

Blueberry fruit extract is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Blueberry Fruit Juice

VACCINIUM VIRGATUM FRUIT JUICE

4.0

Blueberry fruit juice is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and adds a touch of natural nourishment.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Blueberry Fruit Water

Vaccinium Corymbosum (Blueberry) Fruit Water

3.8

Blueberry Fruit Water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich hydrator that adds a touch of skin-soothing benefits, but it's not a powerhouse ingredient on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Blueberry Seed Oil

VACCINIUM CORYMBOSUM SEED OIL

4.3

A lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and helps protect skin from environmental stress without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Blueberry Stem Extract

Vaccinium Virgatum Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Bobgunnia Wood Extract

Bobgunnia Madagascariensis Wood Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Boehmeria Leaf Extract

Boehmeria Nipononivea Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Boehmeria Spicata Extract

Boehmeria Spicata Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Boerhavia Repens Extract

BOERHAVIA REPENS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with soothing and antioxidant potential, best for sensitive or irritated skin, though clinical evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Boerhavia Repens Powder

BOERHAVIA REPENS POWDER

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with traditional roots, offering soothing and antioxidant benefits, though modern research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bog Bilberry Extract

VACCINIUM ULIGINOSUM BERRY EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bogbean Leaf Extract

Menyanthes Trifoliata Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bogota Phytolacca Leaf Extract

PHYTOLACCA BOGOTENSIS LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle, plant-derived extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it may not be a powerhouse ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Boldo Leaf Oil

Peumus Boldus Leaf Oil

3.5

Boldo Leaf Oil adds a fresh, herbal scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but its strong aroma and potential for irritation mean it's best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Boletus Edulis Oil

Boletus Edulis Whole Plant Oil

3.8

A novel mushroom oil that provides light moisture and antioxidant support, but research is limited and it may be hard to find.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bombax Costatum Leaf Cell Extract

BOMBAX COSTATUM LEAF CELL EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Borage Ethyl Esters

BORAGO OFFICINALIS ETHYL ESTER

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that delivers essential fatty acids to support skin barrier function and soothe dryness.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Borage Seed Ferment Filtrate

SACCHAROMYCES/BORAGO OFFICINALIS SEED OIL/GLYCERIN FERMENT FILTRATE

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps condition and soothe the skin, especially beneficial for dry or sensitive types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Borage Seed Oil Amides

BORAGE SEED OIL AMINOPROPANEDIOL AMIDES

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient derived from borage seed oil that helps strengthen the skin barrier and calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Borage Seed Oil Dimethicone Esters

BORAGE SEED OIL PEG-7 DIMETHICONE ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that blends the nourishing profile of borage oil with the elegant feel of silicone — great for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Borage Seed Oil Esters

BORAGE SEED OIL/HYDROGENATED BORAGE SEED OIL ESTERS

4.3

A gentle, nourishing emollient that strengthens the skin barrier without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Buffering agent

Boric Acid

BORIC ACID

3.5

Boric acid is a mild preservative and pH adjuster, but its use is tightly regulated due to toxicity concerns at high doses.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarepreservative
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Borneol

BORNEOL

3.8

Borneol offers a cooling, soothing feel and mild antimicrobial benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Bornyl Acetate

BORNYL ACETATE

3.5

Bornyl acetate is a natural fragrance ingredient from pine oils that adds a fresh, woody scent and may offer mild antimicrobial benefits, but it is not a primary active for skin concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bornyl Isovalerate

BORNYL ISOVALERATE

4.0

Bornyl Isovalerate is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and reduce redness, making it a promising addition to sensitive-skin formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Borojoa Patinoi Fruit Juice

Borojoa Patinoi Fruit Juice

3.8

A gentle, hydrating fruit juice with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Texture enhancer

Boron Nitride

Boron Nitride

4.5

Boron nitride is a safe, non-irritating powder that gives makeup a silky, blurring finish without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Boronia Flower Extract

Boronia Megastigma Flower Extract

3.8

A gentle, fragrant flower extract with mild antioxidant potential, best known for its pleasant scent rather than proven skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Boronia Flower Oil

Boronia Megastigma Flower Oil

3.8

A fragrant flower oil that adds a pleasant scent to products, but its skincare benefits beyond fragrance are not well-studied.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review