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

Coffee Chaff Extract

Coffea Arabica/Robusta Chaff Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Coffee Extract

Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle antioxidant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may reduce puffiness.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Coffee Husk Extract

Coffea Arabica Husk Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from coffee fruit husks that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coffee Leaf Cell Extract

Coffea Arabica Leaf Cell Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Coffee Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters

COFFEA ARABICA SEED OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

3.8

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that combines coffee seed oil with PEG for improved texture and stability.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Coffee Seedcake Extract

Coffea Arabica Seedcake Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from spent coffee grounds that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Emollient

Cognac Oil

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil

4.2

A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that hydrates and provides antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Cohune Seed Oil

Orbignya Cohune Seed Oil

4.0

A gentle, non-greasy plant oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Soothing Agent

Coix Seed Extract

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract

4.0

Coix Seed Extract is a gentle botanical that may help calm irritation and support a more even skin tone, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Emollient

Coix Seed Oil

COIX LACRYMA-JOBI MA-YUEN BRAN OIL

4.0

Coix Seed Oil is a gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for sensitive or oily skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Firming Agent

Coleus Barbatus Root Extract

Coleus Barbatus Root Extract

3.8

A plant-derived extract that may help temporarily tighten and firm skin, but research is still early and results vary.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Coleus Forskohlii Callus Extract

Coleus Forskohlii Callus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Coleus Forskohlii Flower Extract

Coleus Forskohlii Flower Extract

3.5

A gentle plant extract with promising antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract

Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract

3.8

A plant extract with promising antioxidant and circulation-supporting properties, but human skincare studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Coleus Forskohlii Root Oil

COLEUS FORSKOHLII ROOT OIL

3.5

Coleus Forskohlii Root Oil is a gentle, plant-based oil with antioxidant and soothing potential, but its skincare benefits are not yet backed by strong human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Coleus Root Extract

Coleus Vettiveroides Root Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with traditional roots, but modern skincare evidence is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Coleus Scutellarioides Extract

COLEUS SCUTELLARIOIDES LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with early evidence of soothing and antioxidant benefits, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Humectant

Collagen

Collagen

3.8

Collagen is a popular moisturizing ingredient that helps skin feel plump and hydrated, but it cannot directly replace lost collagen in the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Exfoliant

Collagenase

Clostridium Histolyticum Collagenase

3.5

A powerful enzyme exfoliant that dissolves dead skin but can be irritating; best reserved for professional or short-contact use.

Irritation

high

Source

biotech

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Skin conditioning agent

Collagenase Hexapeptide-40

R-Clostridium Histolyticum Collagenase G Hexapeptide-40

3.8

A lab-made peptide that mimics a bacterial enzyme to encourage collagen renewal, but research is still early and mostly from the ingredient supplier.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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Skin-conditioning agent

Collagenase SH-Oligopeptide-60

R-Clostridium Histolyticum Collagenase H SH-Oligopeptide-60

3.5

A novel peptide inspired by a bacterial enzyme that may help break down old collagen to encourage new collagen production, but human research is very limited.

Irritation

moderate

Source

biotech

beautyskincarepeptide
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Opacifying Agent

Colloidal Diamond/Gold

Colloidal Diamond, Colloidal Gold

2.5

Colloidal diamond and gold add sparkle and a premium feel to products, but there is no strong evidence they benefit skin beyond aesthetics.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecosmetic
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Colorant

Colloidal Gold

Colloidal Gold

3.5

Colloidal gold adds a luxurious shimmer and may offer mild antioxidant benefits, but its skincare effects are not well-proven and it comes with a high price tag.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarecolorant
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Antioxidant

Colloidal Gold & Green Tea Extract

Colloidal Gold / Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

3.8

A luxury blend that pairs the antioxidant power of green tea with the sensory appeal of colloidal gold, but the gold itself offers minimal proven skin benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Colloidal Gold & Green Tea Powder

Colloidal Gold / Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder

3.5

A luxury blend that adds antioxidant benefits from green tea and a shimmering effect from gold, but the gold itself has limited proven skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing agent

Colloidal Oatmeal

Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour

4.5

Colloidal oatmeal is a gentle, well-researched ingredient that soothes dry, itchy, or sensitive skin and helps restore the skin barrier.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Preservative

Colloidal Silver

Silver

3.2

Colloidal silver can help preserve products and reduce surface bacteria, but its long-term safety in skincare is debated and it is not a proven treatment for skin conditions.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarepreservative
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Film-Former

Colophony (Rosin)

COLOPHONIUM

2.8

Colophonium is a natural pine resin that helps products stick or form a film, but it is a well-known skin allergen and may cause irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Colorant

Colorants

CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891, CI 77007, CI 77400, CI 75470, CI 19140, CI 42090, CI 17200, CI 14700, CI 15985, CI 45380, CI 45410, CI 47005, CI 61565, CI 61570, CI 73360, CI 77019, CI 77163, CI 77288, CI 77289, CI 77480, CI 77510, CI 77742, CI 77820, CI 77947

3.5

Colorants make your products look appealing, but some synthetic dyes may cause irritation or staining for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

low

Source

mixed

beautyskincarecosmetic additive
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Conditioning Agent

Colostrum

Colostrum

3.8

Colostrum is a nutrient-rich ingredient that may help soothe and condition the skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Moisturizer

Colostrum Cream

Colostrum

3.5

Colostrum cream is a moisturizing product that may offer soothing and skin barrier support, but scientific evidence for its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaremoisturizer
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Conditioning Agent

Colostrum Extract

SINE ADIPE COLOSTRUM

3.5

Colostrum extract is a gentle, nutrient-dense ingredient that may support skin hydration and barrier comfort, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareconditioning agent
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Soothing agent

Coltsfoot Callus Extract

TUSSILAGO FARFARA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Coltsfoot Extract

TUSSILAGO FARFARA FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Coltsfoot Flower Extract

TUSSILAGO FARFARA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing agent

Coltsfoot Leaf Extract

Tussilago Farfara Leaf Extract

3.5

Coltsfoot leaf extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skin research is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Comanthosphere Leaf/Stem Extract

Comanthosphace Stellipila Leaf/Stem 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

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance

Combava Leaf Oil

CITRUS HYSTRIX LEAF OIL

3.8

Combava leaf oil adds a fresh citrus scent to products but may irritate sensitive skin; its skincare benefits are not well-proven.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Combava Peel Oil

CITRUS HYSTRIX PEEL OIL

3.8

Combava peel oil adds a fresh citrus scent to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially in high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Humectant

Combretum Flower Nectar

Combretum Farinosum Flower Nectar

3.8

A gentle, natural humectant from flower nectar that helps attract moisture to the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Soothing Agent

Comfrey Callus Extract

Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract

3.8

A lab-grown comfrey extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Comfrey Leaf Extract

Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract

3.8

Comfrey leaf extract is a traditional soothing botanical, but its use in skincare is limited by safety concerns over pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) found in the whole plant.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Comfrey Leaf Powder

Symphytum Officinale Leaf Powder

3.8

Comfrey Leaf Powder is a traditional soothing botanical, but its internal use is restricted due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids; topical use in skincare is generally considered safe at low concentrations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing agent

Comfrey Root Cell Extract

Symphytum Officinale Root Cell Extract

3.8

Comfrey root cell extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm and condition the skin, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Comfrey Root Extract

Symphytum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract

3.8

Comfrey root extract is a traditional soothing botanical, but its use in skincare is limited by safety concerns over certain compounds.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Commelina Extract

Hydrolyzed Commelina Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Commiphora Confusa Resin Oil

Commiphora Confusa Resin Oil

3.8

A fragrant resin oil with potential soothing properties, but limited research and a risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Commiphora Erythrea Glabrescens Gum Oil

COMMIPHORA ERYTHREA GLABRESCENS GUM OIL

3.8

A fragrant resin oil with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but limited research and a risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Commiphora Leaf Cell Extract

COMMIPHORA PTEROCARPA LEAF CELL EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Soothing Agent

Commiphora Schimperi Gum Extract

COMMIPHORA SCHIMPERI GUM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, natural extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Commiphora Schimperi Gum Oil

COMMIPHORA SCHIMPERI GUM OIL

3.8

A fragrant resin oil with potential soothing and antimicrobial benefits, but limited research and a risk of skin sensitivity.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing Agent

Commiphora Wildii Oil

COMMIPHORA WILDII OIL

4.0

A gentle, aromatic oil from a rare tree resin that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Film Former

Conchiolin Powder

CONCHIOLIN POWDER

3.8

A natural protein from mollusk shells that forms a lightweight film on skin, offering a temporary smoothing and tightening effect.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Soothing Agent

Condurango Bark Extract

Marsdenia Cundurango Bark Extract

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for soothing skin, but modern research is limited and benefits are not well-established.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Connarus Ruber Stem Extract

Connarus Ruber Stem Extract

3.5

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited—think of it as a supportive, not star, ingredient.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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