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

Corn Fruit Extract

ZEA MAYS FRUIT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from corn fruit that helps soothe and protect the skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Corn Germ Extract

ZEA MAYS GERM EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps shield skin from daily environmental damage without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Film Former

Corn Gluten Protein

ZEA MAYS GLUTEN PROTEIN

4.0

A gentle plant protein that coats hair and skin to improve moisture retention and strength without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehaircare
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Emollient

Corn Glycerides

CORN GLYCERIDES

4.0

Corn Glycerides are a gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Exfoliant

Corn Kernel Meal

ZEA MAYS KERNEL MEAL

3.8

A natural, gentle physical exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells without harsh microbeads, but may feel too gritty for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareexfoliant
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Emulsifier

Corn Oil Glycereth-8 Esters

CORN OIL GLYCERETH-8 ESTERS

4.0

A mild, corn-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, non-greasy lotions and creams with good skin feel.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emulsifier

Corn Oil PEG-6 Esters

CORN OIL PEG-6 ESTERS

4.0

A gentle emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, making cleansers and creams feel smooth without heavy residue.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemulsifier
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Emollient

Corn Oil PEG-8 Esters

CORN OIL PEG-8 ESTERS

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water while softening skin — generally well-tolerated but processed with PEG, which some prefer to avoid.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincareemollient
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Emollient

Corn Oil Unsaponifiables

ZEA MAYS OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that supports the skin barrier and helps lock in moisture without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Absorbent

Corn Seed Flour

ZEA MAYS SEED FLOUR

3.8

A gentle, natural absorbent powder that helps control oil and provide a silky texture, but offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareabsorbent
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Soothing Agent

Corn Stalk Extract

ZEA MAYS (CORN) STALK EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Thickener

Corn Starch Acrylate Copolymer

CORN STARCH/ACRYLAMIDE/SODIUM ACRYLATE COPOLYMER

4.0

A gentle, effective thickener that gives products a silky, non-sticky feel while helping to stabilize emulsions.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincaretexturizer
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Soothing Agent

Cornflower Extract

CENTAUREA CYANUS FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

Cornflower extract is a gentle, soothing botanical that helps calm redness and provides antioxidant protection, making it a great choice for sensitive or irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Cornflower Floral Water

Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water

4.0

A mild, soothing floral water that can help calm irritated or sensitive skin, but its benefits are subtle and not a substitute for targeted treatments.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing
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Soothing Agent

Cornmint Extract

Mentha Arvensis Herb Extract

3.8

Cornmint extract offers a gentle cooling sensation and mild soothing benefits, but its fragrance can be a concern for sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Cornmint Leaf Extract

Mentha Arvensis Branch/Leaf Extract

4.0

A refreshing botanical extract that can soothe skin but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals due to its natural menthol content.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance

Cornmint Leaf Oil

Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil

3.8

Cornmint leaf oil adds a cooling sensation and minty scent but can be irritating for sensitive skin at high concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Cornmint Leaf/Stem Oil

Mentha Arvensis Leaf/Stem Oil

3.8

Cornmint oil adds a cooling, minty feel to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin if used too strong.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Fragrance

Cornmint Oil

MENTHA ARVENSIS PIPERASCENS HERB OIL

3.5

Cornmint oil adds a cooling tingle and fresh scent to products, but its high menthol content can irritate sensitive or damaged skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarefragrance
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Soothing Agent

Cornmint Powder

Mentha Arvensis Powder

3.5

Cornmint powder adds a cooling feel and light minty scent to products, but its high menthol content can irritate sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Fragrance component

Cornmint Water

MENTHA ARVENSIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM WATER

3.8

A gentle, minty botanical water that adds a refreshing feel and light scent to products, but offers limited proven skincare benefits beyond sensory appeal.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical water
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Antioxidant

Cornus Officinalis Flower Extract

CORNUS OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Corsican Violet Seed Extract

VIOLA CORSICA SEED EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cortusa Matthioli Extract

Cortusa Matthioli Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.5

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-documented in modern skincare.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing agent

Corydalis Ambigua Extract

Corydalis Ambigua Bark/Root Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Corydalis Root Extract

Corydalis Turtschaninovii Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich root extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Cosmos Bipinnatus Phytoplacenta Extract

Cosmos Bipinnatus Phytoplacenta Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract from cosmos flowers that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cosmos Sulphureus Extract

Cosmos Sulphureus Flower/Leaf/Stem 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

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Antioxidant

Costa Rican Dragon Fruit Extract

Hylocereus Costaricensis Fruit Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and provide light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Costa Rican Dragon Fruit Juice

HYLOCEREUS COSTARICENSIS FRUIT JUICE

3.8

A gentle, water-like fruit juice that adds hydration and a touch of antioxidants to skincare formulas, but its benefits are mild compared to more concentrated actives.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Costa Rican Dragon Fruit Peel Extract

Hylocereus Costaricensis Peel Extract

4.0

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Costmary Leaf Extract

Chrysanthemum Balsamita Leaf Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Soothing Agent

Costus Root Extract

Costus Speciosus Rhizome/Root Extract

3.8

Costus Root Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Cota Tinctoria Extract

COTA TINCTORIA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical
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Antioxidant

Cotton Bud Extract

Gossypium Herbaceum Bud Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cotton Callus Culture Extract

Gossypium Herbaceum Callus Culture

3.8

A lab-grown cotton cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

beautyskincareantioxidant
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Antioxidant

Cotton Callus Extract

Gossypium Herbaceum Callus Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cotton Callus Powder

Gossypium Herbaceum Callus Powder

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Cotton Extract

Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Extract

4.0

Cotton extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps soothe irritation and provides antioxidant protection, making it a great choice for sensitive or reactive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing agent

Cotton Flower Extract

Gossypium Herbaceum Flower Extract

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Soothing Agent

Cotton Flower Water

Gossypium Herbaceum Flower Water

3.8

A mild, floral water that may help calm sensitive skin, but scientific evidence is limited and benefits are mostly anecdotal.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Humectant

Cotton Fruit Water

Gossypium Herbaceum Fruit Water

3.8

Cotton Fruit Water is a mild, hydrating botanical water that soothes and refreshes skin, but its benefits are largely anecdotal and not backed by strong clinical research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Antioxidant

Cotton Leaf Cell Extract

Gossypium Arboreum Leaf Cell Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Cotton Leaf Extract

Gossypium Herbaceum Leaf Extract

3.8

Cotton leaf extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help soothe and protect skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Absorbent

Cotton Powder

Gossypium Herbaceum Powder

3.5

Cotton powder is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps absorb oil and improve the feel of powders and masks, but it offers no active skincare benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaretexturizer
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Soothing agent

Cotton Root Extract

Gossypium Herbaceum Root Extract

3.5

Cotton root extract is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cotton Seedcake Extract

GOSSYPIUM HERBACEUM SEEDCAKE EXTRACT

3.5

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Cotton Thistle Extract

ONOPORDUM ACANTHIUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

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

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Cottonseed Glyceride

COTTONSEED GLYCERIDE

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that helps moisturize and soften skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Couch Grass Root Extract

AGROPYRON REPENS ROOT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincaresoothing agent
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Skin conditioning agent

Coumaramido Ferulamidobutane

Coumaramido Ferulamidobutane

3.8

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help improve skin firmness and reduce wrinkle depth, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincareanti-aging
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Fragrance Ingredient

Coumarin

COUMARIN

3.5

Coumarin adds a sweet, vanilla-like scent to products but can be a skin sensitizer for some people, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Anti-aging agent

Coumaroyl Dipeptide-3

Coumaroyl Dipeptide-3

3.8

A synthetic peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

beautyskincarepeptide
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