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

Exfoliant

Carrot Root Powder

Daucus Carota Sativa Root Powder

4.0

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder rich in beta-carotene that can help brighten and smooth skin without harsh microbeads.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antioxidant

Carrot Root Protoplasts

DAUCUS CAROTA SATIVA ROOT PROTOPLASTS

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and support a more even tone, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Humectant

Carrot Root Water

Daucus Carota Sativa Root Water

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich water from carrots that hydrates and soothes skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Carrot Seed Extract

Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Extract

4.0

Carrot seed extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that helps protect skin from environmental stress while offering mild soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Carrot Seed Oil

Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil

4.0

Carrot Seed Oil is a gentle antioxidant-rich oil that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Carrot Water

Daucus Carota Sativa Water

3.8

Carrot water is a gentle, antioxidant-rich hydrosol that can soothe and lightly condition skin, but it is not a substitute for concentrated carrot seed oil or beta-carotene serums.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Antioxidant

Carthusian Pink Extract

DIANTHUS CARTHUSIANORUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antimicrobial

Carvacrol

CARVACROL

3.8

Carvacrol is a potent plant-derived antimicrobial that can help fight acne-causing bacteria, but it may irritate sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantimicrobial
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Antioxidant

Carveol

CARVEOL

3.5

Carveol is a natural antioxidant found in mint oils, but its use in skincare is limited by its strong scent and potential to cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Carvone

CARVONE

3.5

Carvone adds a minty scent to products but can be a skin sensitizer for some people, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Carya Ovata Bark Extract

Carya Ovata Bark Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil

CARYODENDRON ORINOCENSE SEED OIL

4.3

A fast-absorbing, non-greasy plant oil rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that helps soften and protect the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Fragrance

Caryophyllene Alcohol

CARYOPHYLLENE ALCOHOL

3.8

Caryophyllene alcohol is a natural plant compound that adds a subtle woody scent and may offer mild soothing benefits, but it's mainly used as a fragrance ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing agent

Caryophyllene Oxide

CARYOPHYLLENE OXIDE

3.8

A gentle botanical compound that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Antioxidant

Caryopteris Incana Callus Extract

CARYOPTERIS INCANA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract with early research suggesting skin-soothing benefits, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cascara Bark Extract

RHAMNUS PURSHIANA BARK EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Casearia Sylvestris Leaf Extract

Casearia Sylvestris Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research in cosmetics is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Film Former

Casein

CASEIN

3.5

Casein is a gentle milk protein that helps form a protective film on skin, but it may not suit those with dairy allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Exfoliant

Cashew Apple Fiber

Anacardium Occidentale Peduncle Fiber

3.8

Cashew apple fiber is a gentle, natural exfoliant that helps slough off dead skin cells without harsh microbeads, but research on its benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Emollient

Cashew Seed Oil

Anacardium Occidentale Seed Oil

4.0

Cashew seed oil is a gentle, nourishing oil that softens skin without clogging pores, but it's less studied than other plant oils.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Cassava Leaf Extract

MANIHOT UTILISSIMA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Absorbent

Cassava Root Fiber

Manihot Utilissima Root Fiber

3.8

A gentle, plant-based fiber that helps absorb excess oil and adds texture to products without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaretexturizer
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Antioxidant

Cassia Artemisioides Extract

CASSIA ARTEMISIOIDES LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Cassia Auriculata Leaf Powder

Cassia Auriculata Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and mostly traditional.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Astringent

Cassia Bark Water

Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Water

3.5

Cassia bark water may offer mild astringent and antimicrobial benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin and is best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareastringent
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Fragrance

Cassia Flower Oil

Acacia Farnesiana Flower Oil

3.8

A fragrant flower oil that adds a warm, floral scent to products but has limited research on skin benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Thickener

Cassia Gum

Cassia Gum

4.0

A gentle, plant-based thickener that helps create a smooth, spreadable texture in skincare products without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarethickener
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Hair Conditioner

Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

4.3

A gentle, plant-based conditioning ingredient that makes hair smoother and easier to manage, ideal for sensitive scalps.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyhaircareconditioning agent
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Soothing agent

Cassia Italica Leaf Extract

Cassia Italica Leaf Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited compared to more studied plant extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Exfoliant

Cassia Italica Leaf Powder

Cassia Italica Leaf Powder

3.8

A gentle, plant-based powder that lightly exfoliates and soothes skin, best suited for rinse-off masks and scrubs.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Antimicrobial

Cassia Leaf Extract

Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Extract

3.5

Cassia leaf extract can help fight acne-causing bacteria, but it may irritate sensitive skin due to its natural fragrance compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Cassia Leaf Oil

Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil

3.2

Cassia leaf oil is a strong, fragrant essential oil with antimicrobial potential, but it is a common skin irritant and allergen, so it is best avoided in leave-on products for sensitive skin.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Cassia Leaf/Stem Powder

Cassia Nomame Leaf/Stem Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and mostly based on traditional use.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Cassia Seed Extract

Cassia Angustifolia Seed Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm irritation and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Humectant

Cassia Seed Polysaccharide

Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide

4.0

A gentle, plant-based polysaccharide that helps hydrate and form a protective film on the skin, making it a good option for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantfilm former
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Exfoliant

Cassia Seed Powder

Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder that helps remove dead skin cells and absorb excess oil, but research on its specific benefits is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Soothing agent

Cassia Senna Leaf Extract

Cassia Senna Leaf 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

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Cassia Wood Extract

Cinnamomum Cassia Wood Extract

3.5

Cassia wood extract adds a warm cinnamon scent and some antioxidant benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Cassumunar Ginger Root Extract

Zingiber Cassumunar Root Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract from Thai ginger that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Cassumunar Ginger Root Oil

Zingiber Cassumunar Root Oil

4.0

Cassumunar Ginger Root Oil is a gentle, aromatic oil with soothing and antioxidant potential, best suited for calming irritated or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Cassumunar Ginger Root Powder

Zingiber Cassumunar Root Powder

3.8

A gentle botanical powder from Thai ginger that may help calm redness and even skin tone, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Cassytha Filiformis Powder

CASSYTHA FILIFORMIS POWDER

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Castanopsis Cuspidata Bark Extract

Castanopsis Cuspidata Bark Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Castanopsis Cuspidata Stem Extract

Castanopsis Cuspidata Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Castor Isostearate Succinate

CASTOR ISOSTEARATE SUCCINATE

4.0

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth while forming a light protective layer to lock in moisture.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Castor Oil

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil

4.0

A rich, nourishing oil that locks in moisture and soothes dry skin, but may clog pores for some.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaremoisturizer
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Emollient

Castor Oil Benzoate

Castor Oil Benzoate

4.0

A gentle, modified castor oil ester that softens skin and helps products spread smoothly without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Film Former

Castor Oil Dimer Copolymer

Bis-Isostearoyl Castor Oil/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer

4.0

A gentle film-forming polymer that improves wear and texture without common irritation risks.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircare
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Surfactant

Castor Oil Phosphate

Castor Oil Phosphate

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaresurfactant
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Emulsifier

Castor Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

Castor Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters

4.3

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in creams and lotions while leaving skin feeling soft.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Film Former

Castor Oil/IPDI Copolymer

CASTOR OIL/IPDI COPOLYMER

3.8

A semi-synthetic film-former that helps makeup and skincare stay put longer, but may feel heavy on some skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Emulsifier

Castor Seed Oil Amides/Ester

CASTOR SEED OIL AMINOPROPANEDIOL AMIDES/ESTERS

4.0

A gentle, modified castor oil ingredient that helps blend water and oil in formulas while conditioning the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emollient

Castor/Olive Oil Esters

Castor/Olive Oil Esters

4.2

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Fragrance

Castoreum Oil

Castoreum Oil

3.0

Castoreum oil is a rare, animal-derived fragrance ingredient with a distinctive leathery scent, but it's seldom used in modern skincare due to ethical and allergen concerns.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Emollient

Castoryl Maleate

Castoryl Maleate

4.0

A gentle, castor-oil-derived ingredient that helps products feel smooth and stay put without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Casuarina Leaf Extract

CASUARINA STRICTA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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