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Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding usage constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Edit Your Ingredient

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Don't Miss These Details

  • Ingredients are normally listed from highest to lowest concentration.
  • Some ingredients are still effective at lower concentrations—think retinol or BHA.
  • Product packaging is important. Avoid jars & stick to airtight, opaque packaging to keep the good stuff stable.
  • Don't overlook the supporting stars—penetration enhancers & soothing ingredients can make or break a product too.

Important Note

Product packaging is important. Avoid jars & stick to airtight, opaque packaging to keep the good stuff stable.

How we rate ingredients

About the Experts

Our team of experts has analyzed ingredient research for decades. They use the most up-to-date research to rate ingredients based on the criteria below.

Ingredient Ratings

BEST

Outstanding ingredients with true benefits for skin. Proven and supported by independent studies.

GOOD

Includes non-irritating, effective ingredients. Not quite as beneficial as BEST ingredients, but often necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

AVERAGE

May have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness. Sometimes, it's just a no-frills ingredient or ingredient that doesn't have much research behind it yet.

BAD

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients. May offer some benefits to skin but overall, proven or highly likely to do more harm than good.

WORST

Proven to cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. An ingredient in this category should be avoided, especially when used in high concentrations or combined with other irritants.

UNKNOWN

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

NOT RATED

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.