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

Antioxidant

Camellia Sinensis Callus Extract

CAMELLIA SINENSIS CALLUS EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from tea plant cells that helps protect skin from environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Camellia Sinensis Juice

CAMELLIA SINENSIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM JUICE

4.3

A gentle, antioxidant-rich juice from green tea that helps protect skin from environmental stress and soothes irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Cell Extract

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from green tea leaf cells that helps protect skin from environmental stress and soothe irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Oil

CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF OIL

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from green tea leaves that helps protect skin from environmental stress without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Camphanediol

Camphanediol

3.8

Camphanediol is a synthetic humectant that helps hydrate the skin and improve product feel, with low irritation potential but limited research.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
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Fragrance

Camphene

CAMPHENE

3.5

Camphene is a natural scent compound found in many essential oils; it adds a fresh, pine-like aroma but can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher levels.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing agent

Camphor

Camphor

3.5

Camphor offers a cooling, soothing sensation and mild anti-itch benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin and should be used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Camphor Adventitious Root Extract

Cinnamomum Camphora Adventitious Root Extract

3.8

A gentle root extract from the camphor tree that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Camphor Bark Extract

Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Extract

3.5

Camphor bark extract offers a cooling, soothing effect and mild antimicrobial benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Camphor Bark Oil

Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil

3.5

A potent essential oil with cooling and antimicrobial benefits, but high irritation risk means it's best used in low concentrations or avoided by sensitive skin.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
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Preservative

Camphor Benzalkonium Methosulfate

Camphor Benzalkonium Methosulfate

3.5

An effective preservative with antimicrobial properties, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative
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Soothing Agent

Camphor Branch/Leaf Extract

Cinnamomum Camphora Branch/Leaf Extract

3.5

Camphor extract offers a cooling, soothing sensation but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Camphor Branch/Stem Oil

Cinnamomum Camphora Branch/Stem Oil

3.5

Camphor branch/stem oil offers cooling and antimicrobial benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin and should be used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
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Soothing agent

Camphor Branch/Stem Water

Cinnamomum Camphora Branch/Stem Water

3.5

A gentle, aromatic water from the camphor tree that may offer mild soothing benefits, but lacks strong clinical evidence for skincare claims.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Fragrance

Camphor Bush Oil

TARCHONANTHUS CAMPHORATUS OIL

3.5

A fragrant essential oil with limited research on skincare benefits; best used in low concentrations and with caution for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Camphor Bush Water

TARCHONANTHUS CAMPHORATUS WATER

3.5

A gentle botanical water with a camphor-like scent, best for those who enjoy natural fragrances and want a mild antimicrobial boost in their routine.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical water
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Soothing Agent

Camphor Gum Extract

Cinnamomum Camphora Gum Extract

3.5

Camphor gum extract offers a cooling, soothing sensation but can be irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Camphor Leaf Extract

CINNAMOMUM CAMPHORA LINALOOLIFERUM LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it may cause sensitivity in rare cases.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Camphor Leaf Oil

Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil

3.5

Camphor Leaf Oil offers a cooling sensation and mild antimicrobial benefits, but its strong fragrance and potential for skin irritation mean it's best used in low concentrations and with caution for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareessential oil
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Soothing Agent

Camphor Phytoplacenta Extract

Cinnamomum Camphora Phytoplacenta Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing agent

Camphor Root Extract

Cinnamomum Camphora Linalooliferum Root Extract

3.5

A plant-based extract with potential soothing benefits, but limited research and a risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Camphor Root Oil

Cinnamomum Camphora Formosana Root Oil

3.5

A fragrant root oil with traditional soothing uses, but can be irritating for sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Camphor Wood Extract

Cinnamomum Camphora Wood Extract

3.5

Camphor wood extract can provide a cooling sensation and mild antimicrobial benefits, but it may irritate sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Fragrance

Camphor Wood Oil

Cinnamomum Camphora Wood Oil

3.5

Camphor wood oil offers a cooling, soothing sensation but can be irritating for sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Camphoratus Ferment Extract

Taiwanofungus Camphoratus Ferment Extract

3.8

A mushroom ferment extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance Ingredient

Camphylcyclohexanol

CAMPHYLCYCLOHEXANOL

3.5

Camphylcyclohexanol is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a woody, pine-like aroma, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Campion Flower Extract

Silene Armeria/Colorata/Uniflora/Velutina/Vulgaris Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Campomanesia Seed Extract

Campomanesia Lineatifolia 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
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Antioxidant

Camu Camu Fruit Extract

Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract

4.3

Camu Camu Fruit Extract is a vitamin C powerhouse that helps brighten skin and fight environmental damage, but its effectiveness depends on formulation stability.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Camu Camu Fruit Juice

Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Juice

4.2

Camu Camu fruit juice is a potent natural antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and supports a brighter, more even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Camu Camu Seed Extract

Myrciaria Dubia Seed 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

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Soothing Agent

Canada Goldenrod Extract

SOLIDAGO CANADENSIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

Canada goldenrod extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Canadian Germander Extract

Teucrium Canadense Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with preliminary evidence for soothing and antioxidant benefits, but more research is needed to confirm its efficacy in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Canadian Mint Extract

Mentha canadensis branch/leaf extract

3.8

A mild botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide a refreshing sensation, but research on its specific benefits is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Cananga Flower Extract

Cananga Odorata Macrophylla Flower Extract

3.8

A fragrant botanical extract that may offer soothing benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Exfoliant

Cananga Flower Powder

Cananga Odorata Flower Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliant with a pleasant floral scent, but its benefits beyond texture and aroma are not well-studied.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Emollient

Cananga Flower Wax

Cananga Odorata Flower Wax

4.0

A gentle, naturally fragrant wax that softens skin and adds a subtle floral scent, but may not suit those sensitive to fragrance.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Cananga Leaf Cell Extract

Cananga Odorata Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Cananga Leaf Oil

Cananga Odorata Leaf Oil

3.8

Cananga leaf oil adds a pleasant floral scent to products but may cause irritation in sensitive skin, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Canarium Commune Gum Oil

Canarium Commune Gum Oil

3.8

A fragrant tree resin oil with some skin-soothing potential, but its strong scent and moderate irritation risk mean it's best for those without sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Emollient

Canarium Indicum Seed Oil

Canarium Indicum Seed Oil

4.3

A nourishing, non-greasy plant oil that hydrates and helps calm the skin, with a good safety profile for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Canarium Leaf Extract

Canarium Luzonicum Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Canarium Luzonicum Gum Extract

Canarium Luzonicum Gum Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, often used in natural and sensitive-skin formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Canarium Luzonicum Gum Nonvolatiles

CANARIUM LUZONICUM GUM NONVOLATILES

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived resin extract that may help soothe skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Canarium Luzonicum Gum Oil

Canarium Luzonicum Gum Oil

4.0

A fragrant botanical oil with mild soothing and purifying benefits, best for normal to dry skin types and those who enjoy natural scents.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Canarium Pimela Leaf Extract

Canarium Pimela Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich leaf extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a calm, even complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Thickener

Candelilla Wax

EUPHORBIA CERIFERA CERA

4.0

A vegan-friendly plant wax that helps thicken and stabilize products while providing a smooth, protective feel on skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Candelilla Wax Esters

Candelilla Wax Esters

4.3

A vegan, plant-derived wax that helps thicken and stabilize formulas while leaving a smooth, non-greasy feel on skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Candelilla Wax Extract

EUPHORBIA CERIFERA CERA EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle plant wax that helps lock in moisture and gives products a smooth, creamy texture.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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