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

Astringent

Cinchona Calisaya Extract

Cinchona Calisaya Extract

3.5

A traditional botanical extract with astringent properties, but limited modern research and potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antimicrobial

Cineole

CINEOLE

3.8

Cineole can offer a cooling, refreshing feel and some antimicrobial benefits, but it may irritate sensitive skin, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareantimicrobial
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cinnamal

Cinnamal

3.0

Cinnamal is a common fragrance allergen that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cinnamal Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base

CINNAMALDEHYDE/METHYL ANTHRANILATE SCHIFF BASE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a sweet, floral-spicy scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cinnamaldehyde Dimethyl Acetal

CINNAMALDEHYDE DIMETHYL ACETAL

3.5

A synthetic cinnamon-scented fragrance ingredient that can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cinnamic Acid

Cinnamic Acid

3.8

Cinnamic acid is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress, but it's not a standout active compared to more researched options.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antistatic Agent

Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride

CINNAMIDOPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE

3.8

A gentle conditioning ingredient that helps smooth hair and reduce static, with a mild cinnamon-derived scent.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyhaircareconditioning agent
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cinnamon Wood Oil

Cinnamomum Culilawan Wood Oil

3.5

Cinnamon Wood Oil adds a warm, spicy scent and may offer antimicrobial benefits, but it is a known skin irritant and allergen, so it's best used in low concentrations and avoided by sensitive skin.

Irritation

high

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cinnamonitrile

CINNAMONITRILE

3.5

Cinnamonitrile is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a cinnamon-like scent, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cinnamosma Fragrans Leaf Oil

CINNAMOSMA FRAGRANS LEAF OIL

3.5

A fragrant essential oil with limited research; best for those who enjoy natural scents but may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Chelating Agent

Cinnamoyl Hydroxamic Acid

Cinnamoyl Hydroxamic Acid

4.0

A gentle alternative to EDTA that helps your products stay fresh and stable without harsh preservatives.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepreservative booster
Read ingredient review

Skin conditioning agent

Cinnamoyl Tryptamine

Cinnamoyl Tryptamine

3.5

Cinnamoyl Tryptamine is a synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce wrinkles, but research is still early and it's less common than better-studied peptides.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cinnamyl Acetate

CINNAMYL ACETATE

3.8

Cinnamyl acetate adds a warm, spicy scent to products but can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cinnamyl Alcohol

CINNAMYL ALCOHOL

3.5

Cinnamyl alcohol adds a warm, floral scent to products but is a common allergen that can cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cinnamyl Benzoate

Cinnamyl Benzoate

3.5

Cinnamyl Benzoate is a common synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a warm, sweet scent but may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance ingredient

Cinnamyl Butyrate

CINNAMYL BUTYRATE

3.5

Cinnamyl Butyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, balsamic scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cinnamyl Cinnamate

Cinnamyl Cinnamate

3.5

Cinnamyl Cinnamate adds a warm, spicy scent and offers mild UV protection, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cinnamyl Formate

Cinnamyl Formate

3.5

Cinnamyl Formate adds a sweet, balsamic scent to products but can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cinnamyl Isobutyrate

CINNAMYL ISOBUTYRATE

3.5

Cinnamyl isobutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, balsamic scent to products, but it may cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cinnamyl Isovalerate

Cinnamyl Isovalerate

3.5

Cinnamyl Isovalerate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, balsamic scent but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cinnamyl Phenylacetate

CINNAMYL PHENYLACETATE

3.5

Cinnamyl Phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, floral scent to products, but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cinnamyl Propionate

CINNAMYL PROPIONATE

3.5

Cinnamyl Propionate adds a warm, spicy scent to products but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

UV Filter

Cinoxate

Cinoxate

3.5

Cinoxate is a UVB filter that protects skin from sunburn, but it is less common today due to newer, more photostable alternatives.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincaresunscreen
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cipadessa Baccifera Extract

Cipadessa Baccifera Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Circaea Cordata Extract

Circaea Cordata Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cirsium Extract

Cirsium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cirsium Rhinoceros Extract

Cirsium Rhinoceros Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm irritated skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
Read ingredient review

Antioxidant

Cirsium Setidens Leaf Extract

Cirsium Setidens Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-2-Pentenol

CIS-2-PENTENOL

3.5

A synthetic scent molecule that adds a fresh green note but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-2-Phenylpropenyl Acetate

CIS-2-PHENYLPROPENYL ACETATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-3-Heptenyl Acetate

CIS-3-HEPTENYL ACETATE

3.5

Cis-3-Heptenyl Acetate is a synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, green note to products, but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cis-3-Hexenal

CIS-3-HEXENAL

3.5

Cis-3-Hexenal is a green, leafy scent ingredient that can add freshness to products but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals at higher levels.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-3-Hexenyl 2-Methylbutyrate

CIS-3-HEXENYL 2-METHYLBUTYRATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, green scent but offers no skincare benefits and may be unnecessary for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate

CIS-3-HEXENYL ACETATE

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived fragrance ingredient that provides a fresh green scent with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-3-Hexenyl Anthranilate

CIS-3-HEXENYL ANTHRANILATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits; generally safe at low concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cis-3-Hexenyl Benzoate

CIS-3-HEXENYL BENZOATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a green, leafy scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some people.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate

CIS-3-HEXENYL BUTYRATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a fresh, green scent to products; generally safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-3-Hexenyl Cis-Hexenoate

CIS-3-HEXENYL CIS-HEXENOATE

4.0

A natural green-scented ester that adds a fresh, leafy fragrance to products; generally safe and non-irritating at cosmetic levels.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-3-Hexenyl Formate

CIS-3-HEXENYL FORMATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh green scent but offers no direct skincare benefit and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cis-3-Hexenyl Hexanoate

CIS-3-HEXENYL HEXANOATE

3.5

A synthetic green-note fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-3-Hexenyl Isobutyrate

CIS-3-HEXENYL ISOBUTYRATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh green scent; generally safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-3-Hexenyl Isovalerate

CIS-3-HEXENYL ISOVALERATE

3.8

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, green scent; generally safe but may cause sensitivity in those with fragrance allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-3-Hexenyl Lactate

CIS-3-HEXENYL LACTATE

3.8

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that provides a fresh, leafy scent and mild skin conditioning, but offers no significant skincare benefits on its own.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-3-Hexenyl Methyl Carbonate

CIS-3-HEXENYL METHYL CARBONATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, green scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-3-Hexenyl Phenylacetate

CIS-3-HEXENYL PHENYLACETATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that provides a pleasant green-floral scent; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-3-Hexenyl Propionate

CIS-3-HEXENYL PROPIONATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, green scent; generally considered safe at low concentrations but may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate

CIS-3-HEXENYL SALICYLATE

3.8

A synthetic scent ingredient that makes products smell fresh and green, but offers no skin benefit and may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-3-Hexenyl Tiglate

CIS-3-HEXENYL TIGLATE

3.8

A natural fragrance component that provides a fresh green scent; generally safe but may cause sensitivity in those allergic to fragrance ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cis-3-Hexenyl Valerate

CIS-3-HEXENYL VALERATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh green scent; generally safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefit.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance ingredient

Cis-3-Hexenyloxyacetaldehyde

CIS-3-HEXENYLOXYACETALDEHYDE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, green scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

CIS-3,5-Hexenyl Salicylate

CIS-3-HEXENYL SALICYLATE

3.5

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh green note but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some people.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-4-Heptenal

CIS-4-HEPTENAL

3.5

Cis-4-Heptenal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, green scent to products; it is generally safe at low levels but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-6-Nonanal

CIS-6-NONANAL

3.5

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh, green scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-6-Nonenal

CIS-6-NON-6-ENAL

3.5

Cis-6-Nonenal is a synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh, watery melon note to products, but it offers no skincare benefits beyond scent.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-6-Nonenyl Acetate

CIS-6-NONENYL ACETATE

3.5

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a fresh, green note to products but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cis-Dihydrocarvone

CIS-DIHYDROCARVONE

3.5

Cis-Dihydrocarvone is a natural minty scent ingredient that gives products a fresh aroma, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-Dihydropseudoionyl Acetate

CIS-DIHYDROPSEUDOIONYL ACETATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds scent but offers no skincare benefits; safe at low levels but may cause sensitivity in some people.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cis-Isoocimenol

CIS-ISOOCIMENOL

3.5

Cis-Isoocimenol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance

Cis-Non-2-Enal

CIS-NON-2-ENAL

3.5

Cis-Non-2-Enal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, green note to products but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review