Rating | Ingredient |
---|---|
Good |
4-T-butylcyclohexanol
A synthetic fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient and soothing agent...
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Soothing
|
Good |
acacia senegal gumUsed in various capacities to enhance the smooth feel or adhesion of a skin care formula; also functions as a thickening agent, emulsifier, or stabiliser. May also deliver skin-soothing properties. |
Best |
acetyl glucosamineAmino acid sugar and primary constituent of mucopolysaccharides and hyaluronic acid. |
Poor |
Achillea millefolium
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
BHA (beta hydroxy acid)BHA, or beta hydroxy acid, is more commonly known as salicylic acid. |
Best |
bisabololCan be extracted from chamomile or derived synthetically. It is an anti-irritant.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
black tea |
Best |
Boerhavia diffusa root extractExtract from a flowering plant. Animal studies have shown that this plant has strong... |
Best |
borage seed extractExtract of the plant Borago officinalis, it can have skni-soothing properties...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
borage seed oilNon-fragrant plant oil that contains gamma linolenic acid and other essential fatty acids for skin. |
Best |
Borago officinalis extract |
Best |
Borago officinalis seed oil |
Average |
Boswellia serrata extractAn extract from the gum resin of a tree and also a source of Indian frankincense, this plant extract has both positive and negative qualities for skin. |
Best |
burdock rootPlant extract whose active constituents are skin soothing and antioxidant… |
Good |
calcium gluconateCalcium is an essential mineral for the body. A small amount of research shows calcium gluconate...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing
|
Best |
adenosineYeast-derived ingredient that functions as a good soothing and skin-restoring agent.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
adenosine triphosphateAn organic compound from adenosine, which is formed by the hydrolysis of yeast nucleic acids. All...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Skin-Restoring
|
Good |
Aesculus hippocastanum
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
allantoinBy-product of uric acid extracted from urea and considered an effective skin-soothing and skin-conditioning agent.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing
|
Good |
Aloe barbadensis
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
aloe barbadensis leaf juice extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
aloe extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
aloe juice
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
aloe veraThere is no real evidence that aloe vera (Aloe barbadenis) helps the skin in any significant way....
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
alpha bisabolol
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Althaea rosea |
Best |
Althea officinalisLatin name for the marshmallow plant.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
aminobutyric acidAmino acid that has water-binding properties and may provide soothing benefits for skin. It...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing
|
Good |
andiroba oilExtracted from the Brazilian mahogany tree; it has soothing properties (Source:...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Anthemis nobilis flower extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
Arachis hypogaea extractExtract of the plant commonly known as the peanut. It can have emollient and skin soothing... |
Best |
Arctium lappa |
Best |
Arctium majus |
Best |
ATP
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
Avena sativa kernel extractAnother name for oat extract. This plant-derived ingredient is well-known for both its antioxidant and skin-soothing properties.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
azelaic acidA type of acid known as a dicarboxylic acid derived from grains that offers numerous benefits when applied to skin. |
Average |
azuleneChamomile extract used primarily as a coloring agent in cosmetics. It can have antioxidant and... |
Best |
barberryPlant whose primary component, berberine, is an alkaloid that can have soothing properties and...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing
|
Best |
beta-glucanPolysaccharide sugar derived from yeast or oats. It has some antioxidant properties and is a skin-soothing agent.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
beta hydroxy acid |
Best |
beta-sitosterolBeta-sitosterol is a fatty acid-type ingredient derived from plants, and is similar to cholesterol... |
Good |
calendula extractExtract derived from the plant commonly known as pot marigold, there is little research showing... |
Best |
Calluna vulgaris flower extractAlso known as heather extract, this plant has skin-soothing properties...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
canola oilPlant lipid that has skin restoring and soothing properties… |
Best |
Centaurea cyanus
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Centella asiaticaExtract of herb that may be listed on labels as asiatic acid, hydrocotyl, or gotu kola. It has...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Good |
dogwoodThere is a small amount of research showing that dogwood has antioxidant and soothing... |
Best |
epigallocatechin gallateOne of the constituents of green tea believed to be responsible for its many health... |
Best |
Epilobium angustifolium extractExtract derived from a plant commonly known as fireweed or willow herb...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing
|
Best |
ergothioneineA substance derived from animal tissue or various types of mushrooms that has potent antioxidant...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
evening primrose oilCan have significant soothing and emollient benefits for skin. |
Good |
Evodia rutaecarpa extractA species of Asian tree whose fragrant fruit functions as a good soothing agent in...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
chitosanDerived from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of shrimp, lobster, and crabs. It...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
chrysanthemum extractCan have soothing benefit for skin.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
coenzyme Q10Also known as ubiquinone, it is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble substance present in skin....
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
colloidal oatmeal
Categories:
Skin-Soothing
|
Good |
coneflowerAnother name for echinacea; has soothing properties.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
cornflowerCan have soothing properties for skin…
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Cornus extract |
Best |
cranberry seed extractExtract of the cranberry fruit. Natural components known as proanthocyanidins are responsible for... |
Best |
curcuminAntioxidant spice that can be effective in soothing skin…
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
decarboxy carnosine HCL
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Skin-Restoring
|
Best |
dipotassium glycyrrhizate
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
dipotassium glycyrrhizinate
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
feverfew extractA plant that can be very soothing but also potentially sensitizing to the skin... |
Best |
Filipendula rubra
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
fireweed extractExtract from the Epilobium angustifolium plant; also known as willow herb.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Fu ling |
Best |
Fucus vesiculosus extractFucus vesiculosus extract, also known as bladderwrack, is a type of brown algae (seaweed) that is edible. |
Best |
genisteinPlant component (most often from soy) that is a rich source of antioxidants, though it can also be... |
Best |
Gentiana lutea (Gentian) root extractPart of the gentian plant, constituents of which are soothing to skin... |
Good |
ginger extractExtract from a plant in the Zingiberacae family that has research showing it has soothing... |
Best |
Ginkgo biloba leaf extractPotent antioxidant and soothing ingredient. |
Best |
glabridinMain ingredient in licorice extract. It has soothing properties. There is research showing...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
glucosamine HCLA form of glucosamine, an amino sugar that can be considered a skin-restorative...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
Ju hua
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
jujube fruit extractAsian plant extract that has soothing properties and may also provide other benefits... |
Poor |
juniper berryCan have sothing properties for skin… |
Poor |
Juniperus communis |
Poor |
kava-kava extractExtract of the Piper methysticum plant that has soothing properties, but can... |
Poor |
kawa extract |
Average |
Kigelia africana extractExtract of African plant commonly known as the sausage tree. The African lore about this extract is... |
Best |
L-ascorbic acidForm of vitamin C that is a potent antioxidant and skin-soothing agent... |
Good |
Laminaria ochroleuca extractThe Latin name for a species of kelp, also known as brown seaweed. Applied topically, it helps...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Lamium album flower extractA species of the nettle plant that is used topically as as a soothing ingredient... |
Good |
lappa extract |
Best |
Leontopodium alpinum (edelweiss) extractEdelweiss is a plant extract whose constituents are capable of providing antioxidant and skin-soothing benefit for skin. |
Best |
glycyrrhetic acidExtract from licorice that has skin-soothing properties…
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
green teaSignificant amounts of research have established that tea, including black, green, and white tea... |
Best |
gromwell |
Best |
honeyHoney is a substance produced by bees from the nectar of flowering plants. |
Best |
honey extract |
Best |
honeysuckle flower extractPlant extract that functions as a soothing agent. It is a very good source of flavonoids...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
horse chestnut extractMay have soothing properties for skin...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
hydrolyzed soy protein |
Best |
Ilex paraguariensis
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
licorice extractPlant extract that has skin-soothing properties. In addition, licorice root may be effective in... |
Best |
licorice root
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
linoleic acidUnsaturated fatty acid used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. There is some... |
Best |
Lithospermum erythrorhizonAlso known as gromwell, the root of this plant is believed to have antioxidant and... |
Best |
Lonicera caprifolium flower extractA plant extract that functions as a skin-soothing agent. It is a very good source of flavonoids and saponins, constituents that occur in many plants and convey antioxidant benefit.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Lonicera japonicaHoneysuckle extract. A plant with soothing properties for skin.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Lonicera japonica flower extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
lotus seed extractExtract that can have soothing and antioxidant properties... |
Best |
peptidesPeptides are portions of short or long-chain amino acids, and amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Skin...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Skin-Restoring
|
Average |
Perilla ocymoidesAlso known as beefsteak plant. Like many plants, the leaves contain flavones which help the plant... |
Best |
Persicaria hydropiperAlso known as water pepper. All parts of this plant extract have been shown in vitro to be not only... |
Good |
petrolatumVaseline is pure petrolatum, and petrolatum is a rich emollient and FDA-approved skin protectant.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Emollients
|
Best |
Phyllanthus emblica fruit extractExtract that has antioxidant and soothing properties… |
Best |
phytosterolsPhytosterols are naturally occurring, cholesterol-like molecules found in all plant foods. |
Best |
Picea abies extractLatin name for Norway spruce. Research has shown its bark...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
mallowCan be used as a texture enhancer in cosmetics and may have soothing... |
Good |
Malva sylvestris extractExtract from the blue mallow flower, it may have some soothing properties for... |
Good |
marigold |
Best |
marshmallowA flowering plant native to Africa that has soothing effects... |
Best |
mate extract |
Best |
Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oilLimnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil is a non-fragrant, edible plant oil originally developed as an agricultural crop in the 1950s. |
Best |
meadowsweet extractExtract that can have skin-soothing properties...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Morinda citrifolia |
Average |
nettle extractExtract that may have soothing properties...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
niacinamideNiacinamide (aka vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid) may visibly improve skin concerns like large pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines, dullness, and signs of ageing. |
Good |
noni juiceAlso known as morinda or Morinda citrifolia, comes from a small evergreen tree. The juice from this... |
Best |
oat beta-glucan
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
oat bran extractOat bran extract is a portion of the oat plant that contains antioxidant and soothing properties... |
Best |
oat kernel extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
oatmealCan have skin-soothing properties…
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Oenothera biennis oil |
Best |
oleanolic acidA skin-soothing ingredient, especially when used in synthetic rather than natural form...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Good |
P. elisabethaeThe “P.” is short for the genus Pseudopterogorgia.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Average |
pansy extractExtract for which there is a small amount of research showing it has skin soothing and... |
Best |
Passiflora edulis seed oilNon-fragrant plant oil from the passion fruit plant, and a rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants... |
Best |
Poria cocos extractAlso known as Hoelen and Fu ling. Extract derived from a mushroom, which has antioxidant and... |
Best |
Portulaca oleracea extractExtract that may have soothing properties...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
propolisBrownish, resinous material that is collected by bees and used to construct the hive. It has...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Average |
Prunella vulgaris |
Best |
Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Good |
SonojellTrade name for petrolatum.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Emollients
|
Best |
soothing agentAny ingredient that reduces certain signs of sensitivity in skin...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing
|
Best |
soy extractPotent antioxidant and soothing agent for skin... |
Best |
soy isoflavones |
Best |
soy oilSoy oil is a non-fragrant plant oil with multiple uses for skin. |
Best |
Spiraea ulmaria (meadowsweet) extractSpiraea ulmaria extract, commonly known as meadowsweet, is a plant whose various parts have been shown to calm factors in skin that lead to signs of irritation. |
Best |
stearyl glycyrrhetinateThe fatty acid oil-soluble form of the soothing licorice root-derived ingredient glycyrrhetinic acid. Typically used in amounts between 0.1–1%, which are considered safe.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
Symphytum officinale extract |
Good |
tamanu oilFrom a tree native to Polynesia. It is reputed to have wondrous skin-restoring properties, as well… |
Good |
red cloverCan have antioxidant and soothing properties... |
Best |
resveratrolPotent polyphenolic antioxidant that is abundant in red grapes and, therefore, in red wine... |
Average |
Ruscus aculeatus
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
salicin
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
salicylic acidAlso called beta hydroxy acid (BHA), this exfoliant, skin-soothing ingredient tackles many of the causes of acne and improves the appearance of clogged pores. |
Good |
Salix alba extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Salix nigra (willow) bark extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Sapindus mukurossi peel extractA plant extract that is a natural source of saponin... |
Good |
saponinGroup of natural carbohydrates, found in plants, that have considerable potential... |
Good |
Scutellaria baicalensis root extractScutellaria baicalensis root extract comes from a flowering plant native to China. |
Best |
sea whip extractExtract from a creature that inhabits coral reefs, known for its soothing properties...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing
|
Average |
Serenoa serrulata extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
silver tip white tea leaf extract |
Good |
skullcap extractHerbal extract from Scutellaria baicalensis that has antioxidant soothing properties... |
Good |
slippery elm barkCan be a skin-soothing ingredient.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
soapberry extractExtract from the tree Sapindus saponaria. The berries contain a good amount of Saponins. |
Best |
sodium ascorbyl phosphateSodium ascorbyl phosphate is a stable, water-soluble form of vitamin C that functions as an antioxidant. |
Average |
Tanacetum parthenium |
Good |
tea tree oilAlso known as Melaleuca, from the name of its native Australian plant source, Melaleuca alternifolia. |
Best |
tetrahydrobisdemethoxycurcuminAntioxidant and skin-soothing plant extract. |
Best |
tetrahydrodemethoxycurcumin |
Best |
tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethaneA synthetic antioxidant that provides the beneficial effects of the natural antioxidant curcumin. Known collectively as curcuminoids, these compounds exert a skin-soothing benefit.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
tetrahydrodiferuloylmethaneAntioxidant and skin-soothing plant extract.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
tetrahydromethoxycurcuminAntioxidant and skin-soothing plant extract.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Good |
Trifolium pratense |
Best |
turmericTurmeric is a spice made from the dried, ground root of the Curcuma longa plant. |
Best |
ubiquinoneit is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble substance.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Good |
Ulmus fulva bark extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Ulva lactuca extractExtract from the plant known as sea lettuce, it has some soothing and antioxidant... |
Average |
Uncaria tomentosa extractAlso known as cat’s claw, there is some research showing it to be an effective soothing...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Skin-Soothing
|
Best |
Undaria pinnatifida (algae) extractUndaria pinnatifida, also known as brown algae, is a type of seaweed that’s also edible. |
Average |
Urtica dioica
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extractLatin term for cranberry. |
Good |
Vanilla planifolia fruit extractVanilla planifolia fruit extract is a natural ingredient used in skin care primarily for its antioxidant benefits. |
Average |
Viola tricolor extract |
Average |
white nettleContains components that can have both soothing and sensitizing properties... |
Good |
white willow
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
wild ginger |
Good |
willow barkContains salicin, a substance that when taken orally is converted by the digestive process to...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
willow herb
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
poor |
witch hazelCommonly used plant extract that can have antioxidant properties... |
Poor |
Xi xin |
Poor |
yarrow extractExtract for which there is little research showing it to have any benefit for skin. What studies do... |
Best |
yerba mate extractPlant ingredient used in the preparation of the most popular tea-like beverage in South America. It has... |
Average |
yucca extractPlant extract that can have soothing benefits... |
Best |
zincThere is growing evidence that zinc can be a significant soothing agent and antioxidant. It also can...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
zinc oxideZinc oxide is an inert earth mineral used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating, and sunscreen ingredient in cosmetics. |
Average |
Zingiber officinale roscoe |
Poor |
Zingiber zerumbet |
Poor |
Zingiberaceae |
Good |
Zizyphus jujuba fruit extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
glycyrrhetinic acidOne of the components of licorice root extract...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Skin-Soothing
|
Best |
physalis angulata extractThis plant extract has a potent calming effect on skin. |
Best |
adenosine phosphateAlso known as AMP, adenosine phosphate is a skin-soothing and restoring ingredient that's similar to adenosine triphosphate.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring,
Skin-Soothing
|
Best |
sodium lauroyl oat amino acidsA skin-soothing salt created by condensing the chloride form of a fatty acid with amino acids derived from oats.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Skin-Soothing
|
Best |
potassium azeloyl diglycinateA water soluble derivative of azelaic acid, potassium azeloyl diglycinate is believed to convey many of the same benefits as pure azelaic acid.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
Euterpe oleracea (acai) sterolsEuterpe oleracea (acai) sterols are the sterol portion derived from the acai plant. |
Best |
purslane
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
cannabidiolCannabidiol is one of the components of the Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica plants.
Categories:
Skin-Restoring,
Skin-Soothing
|
Best |
Vaccinium vitis-idaea (lingonberry) fruit extractVaccinium vitis-idaea (also known as lingonberry) is a wild-growing Scandinavian-native berry that’s similar in nutrient profile and size with its plant “cousin”, blueberry. |
Best |
Lupinus albus (white lupine) seed oilLupinus albus (white lupine) seed oil is a non-fragrant plant oil whose unsaturated fatty acid content consists primarily of oleic and erucic acids. |
Best |
Chrysanthellum indicum (golden chamomile) extractChrysanthellum indicum is a form of chamomile that, like other forms, has soothing properties when applied to skin. |
Best |
manuka honeyManuka honey is a type of honey found in many skin care products.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
capryloyl salicylic acidCapryloyl salicylic acid is a derivative (ester) of salicylic acid developed by L’Oreal.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Exfoliant
|
Best |
Rubus chamaemorus (cloudberry) fruit extractRubus chamaemorus (also known as cloudberry) is a plant grown primarily in Scandinavian countries whose golden-red berries are rich sources of anthocyanins, beta-carotene, and vitamin E. |
Best |
Epilobium fleischeri (willowherb) extractEpilobium fleischeri, also known as Alpine willowherb, is a plant extract has documented skin-calming and antioxidant benefits
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
hydrolysed rhodophycea (red algae) extractHydrolysed rhodophycea is a type of red algae that, like most other types used in skin care products, helps improve skin’s hydration. |
About the Experts
Paula Begoun is the best-selling author of 20 books about skincare and makeup. She is known worldwide as The Cosmetics Cop and creator of Paula’s Choice Skincare. Paula’s expertise has led to hundreds of appearances on national and international radio, print, and television including:
The Paula's Choice Research Team is dedicated to busting beauty myths and providing expert advice that solves your skincare frustrations so you can have the best skin of your life!