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

Fragrance Ingredient

Cis-Octahydronaphthalenone

CIS-OCTAHYDRONAPHTHALENONE

3.5

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a woody note but has limited published safety data beyond basic fragrance industry use.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Cis-Tridecen-2-Al

CIS-TRIDECEN-2-AL

3.5

A synthetic fragrance aldehyde that adds a fresh scent but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing Agent

Cissampelos Pareira Bark Extract

CISSAMPELOS PAREIRA BARK EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for soothing skin, but modern cosmetic evidence is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Cissus Hypoglauca Fruit Extract

CISSUS HYPOGLAUCA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cistanche Stem Extract

CISTANCHE TUBULOSA STEM 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
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Emollient

Cistus Flower Wax

CISTUS LADANIFERUS FLOWER CERA

4.0

A gentle plant wax that helps lock in moisture and gives products a smooth, creamy texture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Cistus Incanus Extract

CISTUS INCANUS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cistus Leaf Extract

CISTUS LADANIFERUS LEAF EXTRACT

4.0

Cistus Leaf Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Cistus Leaf Oil

CISTUS LADANIFERUS LEAF OIL

4.0

Cistus Leaf Oil offers antioxidant and astringent benefits, but its strong fragrance can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Cistus Leaf/Stem Extract

CISTUS LADANIFERUS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research on topical use is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Cistus Leaf/Stem Water

CISTUS LADANIFERUS LEAF/STEM WATER

4.0

A gentle, aromatic botanical water that offers mild antioxidant and soothing benefits, best for those who enjoy natural, fragrant skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Cistus Leaf/Stem Water Extract

CISTUS LADANIFERUS LEAF/STEM WATER EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Cistus Oil

CISTUS LADANIFERUS TWIG OIL

3.8

Cistus oil offers antioxidant and astringent benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its fragrance compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Astringent

Cistus Resin

Cistus Species Resin

3.8

Cistus Resin is a gentle botanical astringent that may help tighten pores and calm skin, but research is limited and it's best used in low concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Cistus Resin Extract

Cistus Species Resin Extract

3.8

A botanical extract with antioxidant potential and a pleasant herbal scent, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Cistus Resin Oil

CISTUS LADANIFERUS RESIN OIL

3.8

Cistus Resin Oil offers antioxidant and astringent benefits but is primarily used for its warm, balsamic scent; it may irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Antioxidant

Cistus Rockrose Extract

Cistus Ladaniferus Twig Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Citral

CITRAL

3.5

Citral adds a fresh lemon scent but is a common allergen that can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citral Diethyl Acetal

Citral Diethyl Acetal

3.5

Citral Diethyl Acetal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that provides a fresh, citrusy scent, but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citral Dimethyl Acetal

Citral Dimethyl Acetal

3.5

Citral Dimethyl Acetal is a synthetic fragrance compound that provides a fresh lemon-like scent, but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citral Glycol Cyclic Acetal

CITRAL ETHYLENEGLYCOL CYCLIC ACETAL

3.5

A synthetic citrus scent that can cause irritation in sensitive individuals, but is generally considered safe at low concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citral Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base

Citral / Methyl Anthranilate Schiff Base

3.5

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a floral-citrus scent but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citral-Acid Isomerized

Citral-Acid Isomerized

3.5

A synthetic citrus fragrance ingredient that can add a pleasant scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Exfoliant

Citric Acid

Citric Acid

4.0

Citric acid is a gentle AHA that exfoliates, brightens, and helps balance your product's pH, but it can cause irritation at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliantpH adjuster
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Antioxidant

Citrine Extract

Citrine Extract

2.5

Citrine Extract is a trendy mineral ingredient with limited scientific backing; it may offer mild antioxidant benefits but is not a proven skincare powerhouse.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emulsifier

Citrol

Citrol

3.0

Citrol is a poorly defined ingredient name; it may refer to a citrus oil blend or an emulsifier, but lacks clear safety data and should be approached with caution.

Irritation

moderate

Source

mixed

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Antioxidant

Citron Callus Extract

CITRUS MEDICA SARCODACTYLIS CALLUS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Citron Fruit Extract

CITRUS MEDICA SARCODACTYLIS FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, fragrant citrus extract that provides antioxidant protection and a subtle skin-conditioning boost.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Citron Peel Oil

Citrus Medica Vulgaris Peel Oil

3.8

Citron Peel Oil adds a fresh citrus scent and mild astringent feel, but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its natural limonene content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
Read ingredient review

Fragrance component

Citronella Extract

CYMBOPOGON NARDUS HERB EXTRACT/ ACETONE

3.5

A botanical extract with a fresh scent and mild astringent effects, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Citronella Herb Extract

Cymbopogon Nardus Herb Extract

3.5

Citronella extract adds a fresh scent and mild antimicrobial benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Citronella Oil

Cymbopogon Nardus Herb Oil

3.8

Citronella oil adds a fresh, lemony scent to skincare but can be irritating for sensitive skin and is not a proven active for skin benefits.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Citronellal

CITRONELLAL

3.5

Citronellal is a common fragrance ingredient that gives a lemony scent, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citronellal Dimethyl Acetal

CITRONELLAL DIMETHYL ACETAL

3.5

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a lemony scent but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Citronellic Acid

CITRONELLIC ACID

3.5

Citronellic acid is a natural fragrance ingredient with mild antimicrobial properties, but it can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Citronellol

Citronellol

3.5

Citronellol adds a pleasant rose-like scent to products but can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citronellyl Acetate

CITRONELLYL ACETATE

3.5

Citronellyl Acetate is a common fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, floral-rose scent to products, but it may cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citronellyl Benzoate

Citronellyl Benzoate

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral, rosy scent but offers no skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citronellyl Butyrate

CITRONELLYL BUTYRATE

3.5

Citronellyl butyrate is a synthetic fragrance ester that adds a fruity, floral scent to products; it is generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citronellyl Crotonate

Citronellyl Crotonate

3.5

Citronellyl Crotonate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent to products, but it offers no skincare benefits and may be a concern for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citronellyl Ethyl Ether

CITRONELLYL ETHYL ETHER

3.5

A synthetic scent ingredient that adds a pleasant floral-citrus note, but offers no skincare benefit and may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Citronellyl Ethyloxalate

CITRONELLYL ETHYLOXALATE

3.5

Citronellyl Ethyloxalate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, citrusy scent but offers no skincare benefits and may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citronellyl Formate

CITRONELLYL FORMATE

3.5

Citronellyl Formate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fruity, rosy scent to products; it is generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citronellyl Isobutyrate

CITRONELLYL ISOBUTYRATE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a floral, rosy scent; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citronellyl Methylcrotonate

Citronellyl Methylcrotonate

3.5

Citronellyl Methylcrotonate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a pleasant scent but offers no skincare benefits; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citronellyl Phenylacetate

CITRONELLYL PHENYLACETATE

3.8

A synthetic fragrance ester that adds a sweet, floral-rose scent to products; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citronellyl Propionate

Citronellyl Propionate

3.5

A synthetic floral-scented ester used to add a fresh, rosy note to products; generally safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citronellyloxy Acetaldehyde

CITRONELLYLOXY ACETALDEHYDE

3.5

A synthetic fragrance compound that adds a fresh floral-citrus note but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance Ingredient

Citronitrile

CIS-3-METHYL-5-PHENYL-2-PENTENENITRILE

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarefragrance
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Humectant

Citrulline

CITRULLINE

4.0

Citrulline is a gentle, hydrating amino acid that helps maintain skin moisture and supports a healthy skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Citrus & Herb Ferment Extract

CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL/(ANGELICA GIGAS/ASTRAGALUS MEMBRANACEUS/ATRACTYLODES MACROCEPHALA/LICORICE/PAEONIA LACTIFLORA/PANAX GINSENG/REHMANNIA ROOT)/PORIA COCOS EXTRACT

3.8

A complex blend of citrus, medicinal herbs, and mushroom that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but individual ingredient concentrations are unknown.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidantsoothing
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Fragrance

Citrus Depressa Flower Water

CITRUS DEPRESSA FLOWER WATER

3.5

A gentle, aromatic floral water that offers mild toning and refreshing benefits, but lacks strong scientific backing for major skin improvements.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaretoner
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Antioxidant

Citrus Depressa Fruit Extract

CITRUS DEPRESSA FRUIT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich citrus extract that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental damage, but more human studies are needed.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Citrus Depressa Peel Extract

CITRUS DEPRESSA PEEL EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich citrus extract that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental damage.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Fragrance

Citrus Depressa Peel Oil

CITRUS DEPRESSA PEEL OIL

4.0

A fragrant citrus oil with antioxidant potential, but its high limonene content can cause irritation or sensitization in some people.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Exfoliant

Citrus Depressa Peel Powder

Citrus Depressa Peel Powder

3.8

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from a citrus fruit peel, best for those who prefer plant-based physical exfoliants with antioxidant benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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