A gentle, biodegradable film-former that helps lock in moisture and improve water resistance without feeling heavy or sticky.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Beauty ingredient research
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
A gentle, biodegradable film-former that helps lock in moisture and improve water resistance without feeling heavy or sticky.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, amino-acid-based ingredient that gently cleanses and helps calm skin without stripping moisture.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines and improve skin firmness with a low risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic peptide that may help soften fine lines and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, modified collagen that helps hydrate and smooth skin without the stickiness of plain collagen.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, protein-based ingredient that helps repair and strengthen damaged hair without weighing it down.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, protein-derived ingredient that strengthens hair and soothes skin without stripping natural oils.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, amino-acid-based ingredient that helps skin feel smooth and soft without clogging pores or causing irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A lab-made peptide that may help smooth wrinkles and firm skin, but research is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
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
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
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
A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while respecting the skin barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
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
Hair Conditioning Agent
CAPRYLOYL METHIONINE/SILK AMINO ACIDS METHYL ESTERS
A gentle, amino-acid-based conditioner that softens hair and skin without weighing them down.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
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
Anti-aging agent
CAPRYLOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-60 NORLEUCYL TYROSYL D-METHIONINE
A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
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
Emollient
CAPRYLOYLOXYPALMITOYL CAPRYLOYLOXYPALMITAMIDE MEA
A gentle, synthetic emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, oil-friendly vitamin C that brightens skin without the irritation of pure ascorbic acid.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
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
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oily and combination skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, suitable for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-based emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores or feeling heavy.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves product feel and stability without common irritation concerns.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
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
A gentle, plant-based surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
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
A mild, multifunctional ingredient that hydrates skin and helps preserve formulas without the irritation of traditional preservatives.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth skin while offering some antioxidant benefits.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Film Former
CAPRYLYL GLYCOL/GLYCERIN/POLYACRYLIC ACID COPOLYMER
A gentle film-forming polymer that improves product feel and helps ingredients stay put without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic ingredient that mimics peptides to help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, with low irritation potential.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle surfactant that helps cleansers foam without stripping the skin, often used to offset harsher ingredients.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, amino-acid-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy silicone that improves product feel and spreadability, suitable for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
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
A gentle, lightweight silicone that makes products feel silky and helps them glide on without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, plant-based surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
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
Caprylylalkonium Chloride is an effective preservative for rinse-off products, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research in topical skincare is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
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
Caramel is a safe, natural colorant that adds a warm tint to products but offers no skincare benefits.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
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
A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in your skincare products while providing mild skin conditioning.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and soothes without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
natural