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

Emollient

C10 Alkyl Acetate

C10-11 Alkyl Acetate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel smooth and soft without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Solvent

C10-11 Isoparaffin

C10-11 Isoparaffin

3.5

A gentle, lightweight synthetic oil that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C10-12 Alkane/Cycloalkane

C10-12 ALKANE/CYCLOALKANE

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and evaporate quickly without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Solvent

C10-12 Isoparaffin

C10-12 Isoparaffin

3.5

A lightweight, non-greasy solvent that helps products spread easily and evaporate quickly, but it's a synthetic ingredient with limited skin benefits beyond texture.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Solvent

C10-13 Isoparaffin

C10-13 Isoparaffin

3.8

A safe, lightweight synthetic oil that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Surfactant

C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside

C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside

4.5

A gentle, plant-based surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
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Surfactant

C10-16 Pareth-1

C10-16 PARETH-1

3.8

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify oils without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Surfactant

C10-16 Pareth-2

C10-16 PARETH-2

3.8

A gentle, effective surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Emollient

C10-18 Triglycerides

C10-18 Triglycerides

4.3

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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pH Adjuster

C10-40 Hydroxyalkyl Acid

C10-40 Hydroxyalkyl Acid

3.8

A mild synthetic acid that helps balance product pH and stabilize formulas, but offers no direct skin benefit on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emollient

C10-40 Isoalkyl Acid

C10-40 Isoalkyl Acid

3.5

A gentle synthetic fatty acid that helps skin feel smooth and soft without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C10-40 Isoalkyl Acid Glyceride

C10-40 Isoalkyl Acid Glyceride

4.0

A gentle synthetic emollient that helps moisturize without clogging pores, making it a good option for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C10-40 Isoalkyl Acid Triglyceride

C10-40 Isoalkyl Acid Triglyceride

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and spreadability with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C11-12 Isoparaffin

C11-12 Isoparaffin

3.5

A safe, lightweight emollient that helps products spread smoothly and evaporates quickly, leaving a non-greasy finish.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Solvent

C11-13 Isoparaffin

C11-13 Isoparaffin

3.5

A lightweight, fast-evaporating solvent that helps products glide on smoothly, but may be drying for very dry or sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Surfactant

C11-13 Pareth-10

C11-13 PARETH-10

3.5

A gentle cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil, but may cause mild irritation for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

C11-13 Pareth-6

C11-13 PARETH-6

3.8

A gentle cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin, but may cause mild irritation for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

C11-13 Pareth-9

C11-13 Pareth-9

3.8

A gentle synthetic cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin, but may cause mild irritation for very sensitive types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing agent
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Solvent

C11-14 Alkane/Cycloalkane

C11-14 Alkane/Cycloalkane

4.0

A lightweight, volatile hydrocarbon that helps dissolve makeup and spread products without leaving a greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Emollient

C11-14 Alkyl Acetate

C11-14 Alkyl Acetate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that improves product texture and spreadability with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Solvent

C11-14 Isoparaffin

C11-14 Isoparaffin

3.5

A lightweight, volatile solvent that helps products spread smoothly and evaporates quickly, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Solvent

C11-15 Alkane/Cycloalkane

C11-15 Alkane/Cycloalkane

3.8

A lightweight, volatile hydrocarbon blend that helps products glide on smoothly and evaporate quickly without leaving a greasy feel.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Emollient

C11-15 Isoalkanes

C11-15 Isoalkanes

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and evaporates quickly, leaving a silky finish.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Surfactant

C11-15 Pareth-12

C11-15 SEC-PARETH-12

3.5

A gentle synthetic cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil, but may be slightly drying for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

C11-15 Pareth-12 Stearate

C11-15 PARETH-12 STEARATE

3.5

A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Surfactant

C11-15 Pareth-15

C11-15 PARETH-15

4.0

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

C11-15 Pareth-20

C11-15 PARETH-20

4.0

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, widely used in cleansers and considered safe at typical levels.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

C11-15 Pareth-3

C11-15 Pareth-3

3.8

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly, but may cause mild irritation for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

C11-15 Pareth-3 Oleate

C11-15 PARETH-3 OLEATE

4.0

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

C11-15 Pareth-3 Stearate

C11-15 PARETH-3 STEARATE

3.5

A safe, effective emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

C11-15 Pareth-30

C11-15 PARETH-30

3.8

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause mild irritation for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

C11-15 Pareth-40

C11-15 PARETH-40

3.8

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause mild irritation for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

C11-15 Pareth-5

C11-15 Pareth-5

3.5

A synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers and lotions mix and rinse clean, but may be slightly drying for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

C11-15 Pareth-7

C11-15 Pareth-7

3.5

A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

C11-15 Pareth-9

C11-15 Pareth-9

3.8

A gentle cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin, but may cause irritation for very sensitive skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

C11-21 Pareth-10

C11-21 Pareth-10

4.0

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Surfactant

C11-21 Pareth-3

C11-21 Pareth-3

3.8

A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in rinse-off products, generally well-tolerated.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emollient

C12-13 Alkane/Cycloalkane

C12-13 ALKANE/CYCLOALKANE

4.0

A lightweight, silicone-like emollient that spreads easily and leaves a non-greasy finish, ideal for oil-free or lightweight formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

C12-13 Alkyl Lactate

C12-13 Alkyl Lactate

4.0

A lightweight synthetic emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, commonly used in moisturizers and sunscreens.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Surfactant

C12-13 Pareth-1

C12-13 PARETH-1

4.0

A gentle, effective surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing agent
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Surfactant

C12-13 Pareth-10

C12-13 PARETH-10

4.0

A gentle, effective surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Surfactant

C12-13 Pareth-10 Phosphate

C12-13 PARETH-10 PHOSPHATE

4.0

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, commonly used in mild foaming cleansers.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

C12-13 Pareth-12 Carboxylic Acid

C12-13 PARETH-12 CARBOXYLIC ACID

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses without over-drying, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing agent
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Surfactant

C12-13 Pareth-15

C12-13 PARETH-15

4.0

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing agent
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Surfactant

C12-13 Pareth-2

C12-13 PARETH-2

4.0

A gentle, effective surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

C12-13 Pareth-2 Phosphate

C12-13 PARETH-2 PHOSPHATE

4.0

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

C12-13 Pareth-23

C12-13 PARETH-23

4.0

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but may be too drying for very sensitive or compromised skin barriers.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing agent
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Surfactant

C12-13 Pareth-3

C12-13 PARETH-3

4.0

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but may not be suitable for ultra-sensitive skin in high concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

C12-13 Pareth-4

C12-13 PARETH-4

4.0

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
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Surfactant

C12-13 Pareth-5

C12-13 PARETH-5

3.8

A gentle, effective surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing agent
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Surfactant

C12-13 Pareth-6

C12-13 PARETH-6

4.0

A gentle, effective surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, making it a common choice for mild formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Surfactant

C12-13 Pareth-7

C12-13 PARETH-7

3.8

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers foam and creams feel smooth, but may be slightly drying for very sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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