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

Surfactant

Capryloyl Glycine

Capryloyl Glycine

4.3

A mild, amino-acid-based ingredient that gently cleanses and helps calm skin without stripping moisture.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Capryloyl Heptapeptide-12

Capryloyl Heptapeptide-12

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Capryloyl Heptapeptide-33

Capryloyl Heptapeptide-33

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften fine lines and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Capryloyl Hydrolyzed Collagen

CAPRYLOYL HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN

4.0

A gentle, modified collagen that helps hydrate and smooth skin without the stickiness of plain collagen.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Hair conditioning agent

Capryloyl Hydrolyzed Keratin

CAPRYLOYL HYDROLYZED KERATIN

4.0

A gentle, protein-based ingredient that helps repair and strengthen damaged hair without weighing it down.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyhaircareconditioning agent
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Hair Conditioner

Capryloyl Keratin Amino Acids

CAPRYLOYL KERATIN AMINO ACIDS

4.0

A mild, protein-derived ingredient that strengthens hair and soothes skin without stripping natural oils.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioner

Capryloyl Lysine

N-CAPRYLOYL LYSINE

4.3

A mild, amino-acid-based ingredient that helps skin feel smooth and soft without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Capryloyl Pea Amino Acids

CAPRYLOYL PEA AMINO ACIDS

4.3

A mild, eco-friendly cleanser derived from pea amino acids that effectively removes dirt and oil without disrupting your skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Capryloyl Pentapeptide-26

CAPRYLOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-26

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but results vary and more independent research is needed.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Capryloyl Quinoa Amino Acids

CAPRYLOYL QUINOA AMINO ACIDS

4.2

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansing
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Capryloyl Sarcosine

Capryloyl Sarcosine

4.3

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while respecting the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Capryloyl SH-Nonapeptide-6

CAPRYLOYL SH-NONAPEPTIDE-6

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help soften the look of expression lines and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Capryloyl Silk Amino Acids

CAPRYLOYL SILK AMINO ACIDS

4.0

A mild, silk-derived cleansing agent that cleans without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleansingconditioning
Read ingredient review

Anti-aging agent

Capryloyl Tetrapeptide-60 Complex

CAPRYLOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-60 NORLEUCYL TYROSYL D-METHIONINE

4.0

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Capryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide

CAPRYLOYL/CAPROYL METHYL GLUCAMIDE

4.5

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Caprylyl 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate

Caprylyl 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate

4.3

A gentle, oil-friendly vitamin C that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the sting of traditional L-ascorbic acid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Caprylyl Butyrate

Caprylyl Butyrate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily and combination skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Caprylyl Caprylate

Caprylyl Caprylate

4.5

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Caprylyl Eicosenoate

Caprylyl Eicosenoate

4.0

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Caprylyl Gallate

Caprylyl Gallate

3.8

Caprylyl Gallate is a synthetic antioxidant that helps stabilize formulas and protect skin from environmental stress, but it is less studied than natural antioxidants like vitamin C or E.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Caprylyl Glucoside

Caprylyl Glucoside

4.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleanser
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Caprylyl Glyceryl Ether

Caprylyl Glyceryl Ether

4.0

A gentle, multifunctional ingredient that softens skin and helps boost the effectiveness of preservatives, making it a popular choice for sensitive-skin formulas.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Caprylyl Glycol

Caprylyl Glycol

4.5

A mild, multifunctional ingredient that hydrates skin and helps preserve formulas without the irritation of traditional preservatives.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehumectantpreservative booster
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Caprylyl Glycol Linseedate

Caprylyl Glycol Linseedate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth skin while offering some antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Caprylyl Hydroxybutyramide

Caprylyl Hydroxybutyramide

4.0

A gentle synthetic ingredient that mimics peptides to help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Caprylyl Laurate

Caprylyl Laurate

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioner

Caprylyl Methicone

Caprylyl Methicone

4.3

A gentle, non-greasy silicone that improves product feel and spreadability, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresilicone
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning Agent

Caprylyl Pyrrolidone

Caprylyl Pyrrolidone

4.0

Caprylyl Pyrrolidone is a gentle synthetic ingredient that helps other active ingredients absorb better while leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Caprylyl Trimethicone

Caprylyl Trimethicone

4.3

A gentle, lightweight silicone that makes products feel silky and helps them glide on without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside

Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside

4.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleansing agent
Read ingredient review

Surfactant

Caprylyl/Capryl Xylosides

CAPRYLYL/CAPRYL XYLOSIDES

4.5

A gentle, plant-based surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecleansing
Read ingredient review

Preservative

Caprylylalkonium Chloride

Caprylylalkonium Chloride

3.5

Caprylylalkonium Chloride is an effective preservative for rinse-off products, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative
Read ingredient review

Stimulant

Capsaicin

Capsaicin

3.5

Capsaicin can temporarily stimulate circulation and create a warming sensation, but it is highly irritating and not suitable for sensitive skin or regular use in most skincare routines.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarestimulant
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Capsaicinyl Glucosides

Capsaicinyl Glucosides

3.5

A gentler, glucoside-bound version of chili pepper's active compound, used to promote a warm, tingling sensation and support microcirculation in skincare.

Irritation

moderate

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Capsaicinyl Hexapeptide-24 Amide

Capsaicinyl Succinoyl Hexapeptide-24 Amide

3.5

A synthetic peptide that creates a temporary warming sensation, often used to give a subtle plumping effect, but evidence for long-term benefits is limited.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin-conditioning agent

Capsaicinyl Succinoyl Tripeptide-1

Capsaicinyl Succinoyl Tripeptide-1

3.5

A synthetic peptide that creates a temporary tingling or warming sensation, often used in lip plumpers and firming products for a quick visual effect.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Capsaicinyl Succinoyl Tripeptide-35

Capsaicinyl Succinoyl Tripeptide-35

3.5

A synthetic peptide that creates a temporary tingling or warming sensation, often used in lip plumpers for a short-lived fuller look.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Soothing agent

Capsaicinyl Succinoyl Tripeptide-7

Capsaicinyl Succinoyl Tripeptide-7

3.8

A gentle peptide that creates a subtle warming sensation to help products feel more effective, but research on its long-term benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning Agent

Capsicum Annuum Resin

CAPSICUM ANNUUM RESIN

3.0

Capsicum Annuum Resin creates a temporary warming sensation and mild skin plumping, but its high irritation potential makes it unsuitable for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarestimulant
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning

Capsicum Chinense Fruit Extract

Capsicum Chinense Fruit Extract

3.2

A warming, circulation-boosting extract from habanero pepper that may temporarily plump skin but carries a high risk of stinging and irritation.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarestimulant
Read ingredient review

Skin Conditioning Agent

Capsicum Fruit Resin

CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS RESIN

3.0

A potent, warming plant resin that can temporarily boost circulation but carries a high risk of stinging and irritation, especially for sensitive skin.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarestimulant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Capsicum Leaf Extract

Capsicum Annuum 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

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Caragana Root Extract

Caragana Sinica Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Caragana Sinica Flower Extract

CARAGANA SINICA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Carambola Leaf Extract

Averrhoa Carambola 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
Read ingredient review

Colorant

Caramel

CARAMEL

4.0

Caramel is a safe, natural colorant that adds a warm tint to products but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
Read ingredient review

Emulsifier

Carapa Guaianensis Oil PEG-8 Esters

CARAPA GUAIANENSIS OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, water-friendly emulsifier derived from andiroba oil that helps blend oils and water in cleansers and creams without stripping the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emollient

Carapa Procera Seed Oil

CARAPA PROCERA SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and soothes without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
Read ingredient review