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

Colorant

Bromocresol Green

BROMOCRESOL GREEN

2.0

Bromocresol Green is a synthetic dye used to adjust product color or indicate pH, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Preservative

Bromoethyl PCA

Bromoethyl PCA

3.0

Bromoethyl PCA is a synthetic preservative booster that helps prevent microbial growth, but its safety data is limited and it may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Bromothymol Blue

Bromothymol Blue

2.0

Bromothymol Blue is a synthetic dye used for color, not a beneficial skincare ingredient; it adds no proven skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Preservative

Bronidox

5-BROMO-5-NITRO-1,3-DIOXANE

2.0

An effective but controversial preservative that is now banned in the EU and restricted elsewhere due to potential skin irritation and nitrosamine formation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative
Read ingredient review

Preservative

Bronopol

2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol

3.5

An effective preservative but can be irritating and may release formaldehyde under certain conditions.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative
Read ingredient review

Opacifying Agent

Bronzite Powder

Bronzite Powder

3.8

Bronzite powder is a natural mineral that adds a warm, golden shimmer to cosmetics, but it's purely aesthetic with no proven skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecosmetic pigment
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Brooklime Extract

Veronica Beccabunga Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Broom Extract

Sarothamnus Scoparius Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Broom Flower Extract

Cytisus Scoparius Flower Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Broom Flower Wax

CYTISUS SCOPARIUS FLOWER WAX

4.0

A gentle plant wax that adds richness and stability to balms and creams without common irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Broom Plant Extract

CYTISUS SCOPARIUS BRANCH/FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Broomrape Extract

Orobanche Rapum Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin Brightener

Broussonetia Kazinoki Bark Extract

BROUSSONETIA KAZINOKI BARK EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle plant extract that may help even skin tone and protect against environmental damage, but research is still limited compared to more established brighteners.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Skin Brightener

Broussonetia Kazinoki Root Extract

BROUSSONETIA KAZINOKI ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle plant extract that may help even out skin tone and protect against environmental damage, but more human studies are needed to confirm its brightening effects.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Brown No. 1

CI 12480

3.5

A safe, widely used synthetic colorant for brown shades, but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Brown Seaweed Extract

Dictyopteris Polypodioides Extract

4.0

A gentle brown seaweed extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Brown Seaweed Powder

NEMACYSTUS DECIPIENS POWDER

4.0

A gentle, hydrating seaweed powder that helps skin retain moisture and may soothe irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Brucea Amarissima Gall Extract

Brucea Amarissima Gall Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Brush Cherry Fruit Extract

SYZYGIUM AUSTRALE FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Brussels Sprout Extract

Brassica Oleracea Gemmifera Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bryonolic Acid

Bryonolic Acid

3.5

Bryonolic Acid is a plant-based antioxidant with early research suggesting anti-inflammatory benefits, but it is not yet widely studied in human skin care.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Bubulum Oil

Bubulum Oil

3.5

Bubulum oil is a traditional animal-derived emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Buchu Leaf Extract

Barosma betulina leaf extract

3.8

Buchu leaf extract is a gentle botanical with traditional use for soothing skin, but scientific evidence for its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Buchu Leaf/Twig Extract

Barosma betulina leaf/twig extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Buckwheat Callus Extract

POLYGONUM FAGOPYRUM CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Buckwheat Ferment Extract

Aspergillus/Buckwheat Ferment Extract

4.0

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Absorbent

Buckwheat Flour

POLYGONUM FAGOPYRUM FLOUR

3.8

Buckwheat flour is a gentle, natural powder that absorbs excess oil and provides light physical exfoliation, but it may not suit those with buckwheat allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Buckwheat Leaf Extract

Polygonum Fagopyrum Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against daily pollution and UV stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Buckwheat Seed Extract

POLYGONUM FAGOPYRUM SEED EXTRACT

4.0

Buckwheat Seed Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Buckwheat Sprout Extract

POLYGONUM FAGOPYRUM SPROUT EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Buckwheat Stem Extract

POLYGONUM FAGOPYRUM STEM EXTRACT

3.8

Buckwheat Stem Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Buddleja Davidii Extract

BUDDLEJA DAVIDII EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps defend skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Buddleja Davidii Leaf Extract

BUDDLEJA DAVIDII LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Buddleja Davidii Meristem Cell Culture

Buddleja Davidii Meristem Cell Culture

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and calm irritation, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Buddleja Leaf Extract

Buddleja Officinalis Leaf Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bugbane Extract

Cimicifuga Acerina Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bugbane Root Extract

Actaea Heracleifolia Root Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bugleweed Callus Extract

Lycopus Maackianus Callus Culture Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bugleweed Cell Culture Extract

Ajuga Reptans Cell Culture Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bugleweed Leaf Extract

Ajuga Reptans Leaf Extract

3.8

Bugleweed Leaf Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bugleweed Meristem Cell Culture

Ajuga Reptans Meristem Cell Culture

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Bugloss Extract

Lycopsis arvensis fruit/leaf/root/stem extract

4.0

Bugloss extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its specific benefits in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bulbine Frutescens Leaf Juice

BULBINE FRUTESCENS LEAF JUICE

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps calm and hydrate the skin, with traditional use for minor skin irritations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Bull Kelp Extract

Nereocystis luetkeana extract

4.0

A mineral-rich seaweed extract that hydrates and soothes skin, generally safe for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantsoothing
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Bulnesia Sarmientoi Wood Oil

BULNESIA SARMIENTOI WOOD OIL

3.8

A fragrant essential oil with a woody, citrusy scent that may offer mild soothing benefits, but its use is primarily for fragrance and should be approached with caution on sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

UV Absorber

Bumetrizole

Bumetrizole

4.0

Bumetrizole is a synthetic UV filter that effectively absorbs UVA and UVB rays, but its use is restricted in some regions due to environmental concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresunscreen
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Bunya Nut Extract

Araucaria bidwillii seed extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Bupleurum Falcatum Callus Extract

BUPLEURUM FALCATUM CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Bupleurum Falcatum Extract

BUPLEURUM FALCATUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Soothing Agent

Burdock Leaf Extract

Arctium Lappa Leaf Extract

4.0

Burdock leaf extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm irritated skin and supports a healthy complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Burdock Root Extract

Arctium Minus Root Extract

4.0

Burdock root extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps calm irritation and support a clear-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Burdock Root Powder

Arctium Lappa Root Powder

3.8

Burdock root powder is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Burdock Root Water

Arctium Majus Root Water

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived water that helps calm irritated skin and provides light hydration without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Burdock Seed Oil

Arctium Lappa Seed Oil

4.0

Burdock seed oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps soothe and moisturize skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Burdock Seed Water

Arctium Lappa Seed Water

3.8

A mild, plant-derived water that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, but research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review