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

Cat's Claw Bark Powder

Uncaria Tomentosa Bark Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Cat's Ear Extract

Hypochoeris Radicata Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Cat's Ear Flower Extract

Hypochoeris Radicata Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Catalpa Bark & Leaf Extract

Catalpa Ovata Bark/Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Catalpa Leaf Extract

Catalpa Bignonioides Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Catalpa Ovata Fruit Extract

Catalpa Ovata Fruit Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Catnip Extract

NEPETA CATARIA EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Catnip Flower Extract

Nepeta Cataria Flower Extract

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cattail Spike Extract

Typha Latifolia Spike Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Catuaba Bark Extract

ERYTHROXYLUM CATUABA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

Catuaba bark extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Catuaba Extract

ERYTHROXYLUM CATUABA EXTRACT

3.8

Catuaba extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Caulerpa Racemosa Extract

Caulerpa Racemosa Extract

4.0

A gentle seaweed extract that helps hydrate and protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Skin conditioning agent

Caviar Extract

CAVIAR EXTRACT

3.5

Caviar extract is a nutrient-rich ingredient that may help hydrate and condition skin, but its benefits are largely anecdotal and backed by limited clinical research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Skin Conditioning

Cayenne Pepper Fruit Extract

Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract

3.5

A warming plant extract that may temporarily boost circulation and skin firmness, but can cause stinging or irritation, especially for sensitive skin.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarestimulant
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Stimulant

Cayenne Pepper Powder

Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Powder

3.5

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

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarestimulant
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Solvent

CD Alcohol 19

Alcohol Denat.

3.0

A fast-drying solvent that can help with product texture and acne, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresolvent
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Antioxidant

Cecropia Obtusa Bark Extract

CECROPIA OBTUSA BARK EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cedar Bark Extract

CEDRUS LIBANI BARK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cedar Bud Extract

Cedrus Libani Bud Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cedrela Odorata Wood Extract

CEDRELA ODORATA WOOD EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and astringent properties, but research on its skincare benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cedrela Sinensis Sprout Extract

Cedrela Sinensis Sprout Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cedrela Wood Oil

CEDRELA ODORATA WOOD OIL

3.5

Cedrela Wood Oil adds a warm, woody scent to products but has limited research on skin benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cedrelopsis Grevei Bark Extract

CEDRELOPSIS GREVEI BARK EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance component

Cedrene

CEDRENE

3.5

Cedrene is a natural fragrance compound from cedarwood with mild antimicrobial potential, but its primary role in skincare is scent, not active treatment.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cedrenol

CEDRENOL

3.8

Cedrenol is a natural cedarwood-derived ingredient that adds a woody scent and may offer mild soothing benefits, but its fragrance can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cedrenone

Cedrenone

3.5

Cedrenone is a natural fragrance component that adds a warm, woody scent but offers no direct skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cedrenyl Acetate

CEDRENYL ACETATE

3.8

A woody, cedar-like fragrance ingredient that is generally safe at low concentrations but may cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cedrol

CEDROL

3.8

Cedrol is a natural fragrance ingredient from cedarwood with some preliminary soothing potential, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cedrol Methyl Ether

CEDROL METHYL ETHER

3.5

Cedrol Methyl Ether is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a warm, woody scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance ingredient

Cedryl Acetate

CEDRYL ACETATE

3.8

Cedryl Acetate is a widely used fragrance ingredient with a low irritation risk, but it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance ingredient

Cedryl Formate

CEDRYL FORMATE

3.8

Cedryl Formate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a woody, cedar-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Absorbent

Ceiba Pentandra Fiber Powder

Ceiba Pentandra Fiber Powder

3.5

A natural plant fiber that adds a silky feel and oil-absorbing power to powders and masks, but research on its cosmetic benefits is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaretexturizer
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Antioxidant

Celastrus Paniculatus Extract

Celastrus Paniculatus Leaf/Flower/Seed Extract

3.5

A traditional Ayurvedic plant extract with antioxidant potential, but limited modern skincare research to confirm specific benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Celeriac Leaf Extract

APIUM GRAVEOLENS RAPACCUM 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

Fragrance

Celeriac Leaf Oil

APIUM GRAVEOLENS RAPACCUM LEAF OIL

3.5

Celeriac leaf oil adds a natural scent and antioxidant boost to skincare, but its fragrance components may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Emollient

Celeriac Seed Oil

APIUM GRAVEOLENS RAPACEUM SEED OIL

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates and protects skin, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Celery Callus Extract

APIUM GRAVEOLENS CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

Celery callus extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Celery Leaf Oil

APIUM GRAVEOLENS LEAF OIL

3.8

Celery Leaf Oil offers antioxidant benefits and a fresh herbal scent, but its essential oil nature means it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Celery Root Extract

APIUM GRAVEOLENS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

Celery root extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its topical effects is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Celery Root/Seed Extract

APIUM GRAVEOLENS ROOT/SEED EXTRACT

3.8

Celery Root/Seed Extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its cosmetic efficacy is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Celery Stem Extract

APIUM GRAVEOLENS STEM EXTRACT

3.8

Celery Stem Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Celestolide

Celestolide

3.5

Celestolide is a synthetic musk that adds a clean, long-lasting scent to products, but its potential for skin sensitization and environmental persistence means it's best for those without fragrance sensitivities.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Humectant

Cellobiose Octanonanoate

Cellobiose Octanonanoate

4.0

A gentle, sugar-based humectant that helps hydrate skin without stickiness, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
Read ingredient review

Exfoliant

Cellulase

Cellulase

3.8

Cellulase is a gentle enzyme exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliant
Read ingredient review

Thickener

Cellulose

Cellulose

4.0

Cellulose is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that thickens formulas and can provide mild physical exfoliation without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarethickener
Read ingredient review

Film Former

Cellulose Acetate

Cellulose Acetate

3.8

A safe, plant-based film former that gives nail polishes and hair products a glossy, flexible finish without common plastic concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Film Former

Cellulose Acetate Phthalate

CELLULOSE ACETATE PHTHALATE

3.5

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, but offers no direct skin benefit and may feel stiff on application.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Film Former

Cellulose Acetate Propionate

Cellulose Acetate Propionate

4.0

A plant-derived film former that helps makeup and skincare products last longer without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
Read ingredient review

Thickener

Cellulose Gum

CELLULOSE GUM

4.2

A gentle, plant-derived thickener that gives products a smooth, non-sticky feel and helps keep formulas stable.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
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Antioxidant

Centaury Flower Extract

Centaurium Erythraea Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Centella & Chamomile Complex

CENTELLA ASIATICA/CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA FLOWER/LEAF/EXTRACT

4.3

A gentle, plant-based duo that helps calm irritation and supports skin barrier repair without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Centella Asiatica Adventitious Root Extract

CENTELLA ASIATICA ADVENTITIOUS ROOT EXTRACT

4.5

A lab-grown version of the classic soothing ingredient, offering reliable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Centella Asiatica Callus Culture Extract

CENTELLA ASIATICA CALLUS CONDITIONED MEDIA

4.3

A lab-grown version of the popular centella asiatica (cica) that delivers soothing and skin-repairing benefits with high purity and consistency.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Centella Asiatica Callus Extract

CENTELLA ASIATICA CALLUS EXTRACT

4.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from the centella plant that helps calm irritation and supports the skin's natural repair process.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Centella Asiatica Extract

PLANTAGO ASIATICA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.5

A well-researched botanical that calms redness, supports collagen, and strengthens the skin barrier with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
Read ingredient review

Soothing Agent

Centella Asiatica Leaf Cell Culture Extract

CENTELLA ASIATICA LEAF CELL CULTURE EXTRACT

4.3

A gentle, lab-grown version of the classic soothing herb Centella asiatica, offering antioxidant and calming benefits with minimal irritation risk.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
Read ingredient review