The Evi reference

Ingredients, explained.

What the ingredients on your labels actually do, how strong the evidence is, and the free, full-text studies behind each claim. 45 ingredients, 84 studies.

45 of 45

  1. 01

    2% salicylic acid

    Also listed as Beta hydroxy acid, BHA

    Strong

    What it's claimed to do
    Unclogs pores, smooths texture, and reduces breakouts.
    What the evidence says
    Salicylic acid is oil-soluble and well established for comedonal acne and exfoliation. Daily use can irritate dry or sensitive skin.
    In Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant →

    Studies · 2

  2. 02

    415nm blue light

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Kills acne bacteria.
    What the evidence says
    Blue light does reduce C. acnes counts and inflammatory lesions in trials, but it underperforms standard acne treatments and results fade when you stop.
    In Lumen Form LED Red Light Therapy Mask →

    Studies · 2

  3. 03

    633nm red light

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Boosts collagen and smooths wrinkles.
    What the evidence says
    Photobiomodulation has real clinical literature showing improved collagen density and skin texture. Most trials use clinic-grade devices with far higher irradiance than consumer masks.
    In Lumen Form LED Red Light Therapy Mask →

    Studies · 2

  4. 04

    96% snail secretion filtrate

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Hydrates, repairs the barrier, and fades marks.
    What the evidence says
    Snail filtrate contains humectant glycosaminoglycans and bioactive proteins. Hydration is credible; scar and pigmentation evidence is much less certain.
    In COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence →

    Studies · 2

  5. 05

    Apigenin

    Also listed as Chamomile extract

    Limited

    What it's claimed to do
    Binds sleep receptors like a natural sedative.
    What the evidence says
    Receptor binding is real in the lab. Human sleep trials using chamomile are few, small and inconsistent.
    In Hush Labs Magnesium Glycinate Sleep Capsules →

    Studies · 2

  6. 06

    Ashwagandha root extract

    Also listed as Withania somnifera

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Lowers cortisol and de-puffs your face.
    What the evidence says
    Several randomised trials show reduced stress scores and modest cortisol drops over 8 weeks. Many are small and industry-funded. Rare but documented liver-injury case reports exist.
    In Steady State KSM-66 Ashwagandha Cortisol Complex →

    Studies · 2

  7. 07

    Bakuchiol

    Limited

    What it's claimed to do
    A natural retinol alternative with zero irritation.
    What the evidence says
    One small randomised trial found it comparable to retinol over 12 weeks, but sample sizes are tiny and independent replication is limited.
    In Northlight Lab Overnight Retinal 0.1% Serum →

    Studies · 2

  8. 08

    Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate

    Limited

    What it's claimed to do
    Repairs broken disulfide bonds inside damaged hair.
    What the evidence says
    The patented chemistry is plausible, and reduced breakage is consistent with conditioning treatments, but independent human studies isolating this molecule are scarce.
    In Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector →

    Studies · 1

    • Hair cosmetics: an overview ↗

      International journal of trichology · 2015 · DOI 10.4103/0974-7753.153450

      Review

      Not yet checked automatically

      This article reviews the formulations and mode of action of hair cosmetics like shampoos and conditioners to help dermatologists treat hair and scalp conditions.

  9. 09

    Brief topical cooling

    Unsupported

    What it's claimed to do
    Shrinks pores, reduces puffiness, and lifts the face.
    What the evidence says
    Cooling temporarily constricts blood vessels and may reduce superficial swelling. It cannot permanently shrink pores or lift tissue, and direct prolonged ice contact can injure skin.
    In Morning self-care Facial Ice Rolling →

    Studies · 2

  10. 10

    Broad-spectrum organic UV filters

    Strong

    What it's claimed to do
    Protects from UVA and UVB without a white cast.
    What the evidence says
    Properly tested sunscreen filters reduce UV damage. The clear silicone gel improves wearability, but protection still depends on applying enough and reapplying.
    In Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 →

    Studies · 1

  11. 11

    Bronzing pigments + cocoa extract

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Adds sun-kissed color while defending against pollution.
    What the evidence says
    Mineral pigments create immediate color. Cocoa antioxidants are plausible in laboratory models, but pollution-defense claims for the finished product are not strongly demonstrated clinically.
    In Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops →

    Studies · 2

  12. 12

    Carrageenan

    Limited

    What it's claimed to do
    Soothes the gut.
    What the evidence says
    Carrageenan extracted from this seaweed is a common food thickener; some animal data raises gut-inflammation questions, and whole-seaweed effects are not the same as isolated additive effects.
    In Atlantic Bloom Wildcrafted Sea Moss Gel →

    Studies · 2

  13. 13

    Castor oil

    Unsupported

    What it's claimed to do
    Thickens and lengthens hair.
    What the evidence says
    No human trials support growth. It coats strands so hair looks glossier and heavier, and heavy use is linked to matting in some case reports.
    In Wildroot Co. Rosemary Mint Scalp Growth Oil →

    Studies · 2

  14. 14

    Cold-water immersion

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Speeds recovery, boosts mood, and builds resilience.
    What the evidence says
    Cold-water immersion can modestly reduce perceived muscle soreness after hard exercise. The mood and immune claims are less certain, and regular post-strength plunges may blunt some muscle-building adaptations.
    In Recovery ritual Cold Plunge Routine →

    Studies · 2

  15. 15

    Cupuaçu butter

    Strong

    What it's claimed to do
    Deeply moisturizes body skin.
    What the evidence says
    Rich plant lipids reduce water loss and soften dry surface skin, though this butter is not uniquely superior to other emollients.
    In Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream →

    Studies · 2

  16. 16

    Forced nasal breathing

    Limited

    What it's claimed to do
    Stops snoring and improves sleep by keeping the mouth closed.
    What the evidence says
    Evidence is limited to small studies in selected people. Mouth breathing can be a sign of nasal obstruction or sleep apnea, and taping may add risk rather than treat the cause.
    In Sleep trend Mouth Taping at Night →

    Studies · 2

  17. 17

    Guaraná extract + caffeine

    Unsupported

    What it's claimed to do
    Stimulates microcirculation and visibly firms skin.
    What the evidence says
    Caffeine can temporarily affect local circulation and water balance, but evidence for durable firming or cellulite reduction from a cosmetic cream is weak.
    In Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream →

    Studies · 2

  18. 18

    Hyaluronic acid + occlusives

    Strong

    What it's claimed to do
    Creates a moisture wrap for softer lips overnight.
    What the evidence says
    Humectants attract water and occlusive lipids slow evaporation. Berry extracts add antioxidant marketing but are not the main reason it works.
    In Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask →

    Studies · 2

  19. 19

    Hydration + citric acid

    Unsupported

    What it's claimed to do
    Detoxes the body, wakes up digestion, and boosts metabolism.
    What the evidence says
    Drinking water supports normal hydration, while lemon adds flavor and a little vitamin C. There is no clinical evidence that warm lemon water uniquely detoxes the body or meaningfully increases fat loss. Frequent acidic sipping can soften tooth enamel.
    In Daily ritual Morning Hot Lemon Water →

    Studies · 2

  20. 20

    Hypochlorous acid

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Calms redness and reduces acne-causing microbes.
    What the evidence says
    Hypochlorous acid is a genuine antimicrobial molecule used in wound care. Early dermatology use is promising, but this facial spray has less direct clinical evidence than established acne medicines.
    In Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray →

    Studies · 2

  21. 21

    Incline aerobic walking

    Strong

    What it's claimed to do
    Burns fat and builds glutes better than ordinary walking.
    What the evidence says
    Brisk uphill walking raises heart rate and energy expenditure and supports established aerobic-health benefits. The exact 12-3-30 numbers have not been shown to be uniquely optimal and can be too demanding for beginners.
    In Treadmill routine 12-3-30 Incline Walking →

    Studies · 2

  22. 22

    Irish sea moss

    Also listed as Chondrus crispus

    Unsupported

    What it's claimed to do
    Contains 92 minerals; boosts immunity, thyroid and energy.
    What the evidence says
    The '92 minerals' figure is folklore, not chemistry. Seaweed does carry iodine, and lab studies show prebiotic and antioxidant activity — but there are effectively no human trials for the claimed benefits.
    In Atlantic Bloom Wildcrafted Sea Moss Gel →

    Studies · 2

  23. 23

    K18Peptide

    Also listed as sh-Oligopeptide-78

    Limited

    What it's claimed to do
    Reconnects keratin chains damaged by bleach and heat.
    What the evidence says
    The biomimetic theory is plausible and laboratory data are brand-backed, but independent peer-reviewed clinical comparisons of the proprietary sequence are limited.
    In K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask →

    Studies · 2

  24. 24

    L-theanine

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Relaxation without drowsiness.
    What the evidence says
    Short trials show reduced stress scores and better sleep quality at 200mg, but effects are modest and study lengths are weeks, not years.
    In Hush Labs Magnesium Glycinate Sleep Capsules →

    Studies · 2

  25. 25

    Magnesium glycinate

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Fixes insomnia and calms the nervous system.
    What the evidence says
    Meta-analyses find small improvements in sleep onset time, mostly in older adults who were low on magnesium to begin with. Quality of trials is low.
    In Hush Labs Magnesium Glycinate Sleep Capsules →

    Studies · 2

  26. 26

    Manual lymphatic drainage

    Unsupported

    What it's claimed to do
    Flushes toxins, removes bloating, and permanently sculpts the body.
    What the evidence says
    Manual lymphatic drainage has medical uses within lymphedema care. In healthy people, temporary fluid shifts can change appearance, but there is no evidence it removes fat or permanently reshapes the body.
    In Body-care treatment Lymphatic Drainage Massage →

    Studies · 2

  27. 27

    Meadowfoam seed oil

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Adds antioxidant moisture support.
    What the evidence says
    It is primarily an emollient that improves feel and reduces dryness; sunscreen filters do the protective work.
    In Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 →

    Studies · 2

  28. 28

    Mechanical exfoliation

    Unsupported

    What it's claimed to do
    Moves lymph, detoxes the body, and erases cellulite.
    What the evidence says
    A dry brush can lift loose surface cells and temporarily increase skin redness. Direct clinical evidence for lymphatic drainage, detoxification, or lasting cellulite reduction is absent.
    In Body-care ritual Dry Brushing Routine →

    Studies · 2

  29. 29

    Multi-weight hyaluronic acid

    Strong

    What it's claimed to do
    Hydrates multiple layers and visibly plumps skin.
    What the evidence says
    Hyaluronic acid is a proven humectant. Molecular size changes film behavior and penetration, but claims about reaching distinct deep layers are harder to establish.
    In The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 →

    Studies · 2

  30. 30

    Nano-hydroxyapatite

    Also listed as n-HAp

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Remineralises enamel as well as fluoride, without fluoride.
    What the evidence says
    Multiple randomised trials, many from Japan and Europe, find it non-inferior to fluoride for caries prevention in children and adults. Long-term population-level data is still thinner than fluoride's.
    In Enamel Theory Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste →

    Studies · 2

  31. 31

    Niacinamide

    Also listed as Vitamin B3

    Strong / Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Calms redness and shrinks pores.
    What the evidence says
    Good data for barrier support, oil control and pigmentation at 2–5%. 'Pore shrinking' is not a thing pores actually do; the visual change is mostly reduced oil and swelling.
    In Northlight Lab Overnight Retinal 0.1% Serum →
    What it's claimed to do
    Brightens, supports the barrier, and minimizes pores.
    What the evidence says
    Niacinamide has clinical support for barrier lipids, uneven tone, and oil regulation. It can make pores look less visible but cannot change their anatomy.
    In Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops →

    Studies · 2

  32. 32

    Panthenol

    Also listed as Pro-vitamin B5

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Supports barrier recovery.
    What the evidence says
    Panthenol is a useful humectant and soothing ingredient with supportive topical evidence.
    In The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 →

    Studies · 2

  33. 33

    Passive heat exposure

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Detoxes the body and improves cardiovascular health.
    What the evidence says
    Heat exposure causes real cardiovascular responses and may modestly improve some vascular measures. Infrared-specific trials are small, and sweating does not meaningfully replace liver and kidney detoxification.
    In Wellness studio Infrared Sauna Sessions →

    Studies · 2

  34. 34

    Peppermint oil

    Limited

    What it's claimed to do
    Boosts follicle blood flow for faster growth.
    What the evidence says
    The famous result is a mouse study. The tingle you feel is a cold-receptor trick, not proof of circulation change in humans.
    In Wildroot Co. Rosemary Mint Scalp Growth Oil →

    Studies · 1

  35. 35

    Pigment suspension + emollients

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Delivers weightless, lasting color with a soothing botanical blend.
    What the evidence says
    Film formers and pigment dispersion explain the long wear. Botanical extracts may support feel, but they are not proven treatment actives at cosmetic concentrations.
    In Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush →

    Studies · 1

  36. 36

    Progressive resistance + motor control

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Builds core strength, improves function, and creates long lean muscles.
    What the evidence says
    Pilates can improve strength, balance, flexibility, and pain-related function, especially in beginners and people with low-back pain. It does not uniquely lengthen muscles or change genetically determined body shape.
    In Club Pilates + independent studios Reformer Pilates →

    Studies · 2

  37. 37

    Retinaldehyde

    Also listed as Retinal, vitamin A aldehyde

    Strong

    What it's claimed to do
    Smooths fine lines and clears breakouts faster than retinol.
    What the evidence says
    Retinoids are among the most heavily studied topical actives. Retinaldehyde converts to retinoic acid in one step instead of two, so it acts faster than retinol at similar tolerability.
    In Northlight Lab Overnight Retinal 0.1% Serum →

    Studies · 2

  38. 38

    Rosemary oil

    Also listed as Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Regrows hair as well as minoxidil.
    What the evidence says
    One 2015 trial in men with pattern hair loss found rosemary oil matched 2% minoxidil at six months. It is a single, modest-quality study — promising, not settled.
    In Wildroot Co. Rosemary Mint Scalp Growth Oil →

    Studies · 2

  39. 39

    Shea butter + vegan waxes

    Strong

    What it's claimed to do
    Softens dry lips and seals in moisture.
    What the evidence says
    Emollient lipids smooth rough surface cells while waxes reduce water loss. The effect is protective, not permanent repair.
    In Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm →

    Studies · 1

  40. 40

    Signal peptides

    Limited

    What it's claimed to do
    Supports firmer-looking skin.
    What the evidence says
    Some peptide sequences have topical evidence, but results cannot be generalized to every proprietary blend.
    In Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops →

    Studies · 2

  41. 41

    Snail secretion filtrate

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Repairs the barrier, fades scars, heals everything.
    What the evidence says
    Contains glycosaminoglycans, glycoproteins and zinc. Small human studies show improved hydration and some wound-healing support; scar-fading claims outrun the data.
    In Seolhwa 96% Snail Mucin Repair Essence →

    Studies · 2

  42. 42

    Sodium hyaluronate

    Strong

    What it's claimed to do
    Deep hydration.
    What the evidence says
    Well-established humectant: reliably increases skin water content and smooths surface texture short-term.
    In Seolhwa 96% Snail Mucin Repair Essence →

    Studies · 2

  43. 43

    Sodium, potassium + fluid

    Limited

    What it's claimed to do
    Everyone who fasts needs electrolyte supplements for energy and safety.
    What the evidence says
    Electrolytes are essential, but most healthy people doing short fasts do not automatically need supplements. Needs rise with prolonged fasting, heavy sweating, illness, or certain medications; excess intake can also be harmful.
    In Nutrition routine Electrolyte Fasting →

    Studies · 2

  44. 44

    Time under tension

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Slow continuous resistance builds muscle and cardio fitness in one class.
    What the evidence says
    The underlying principles—resistance, proximity to fatigue, and progressive overload—can stimulate strength and hypertrophy. Lagree itself has little independent clinical research, so claims of unique superiority are unproven.
    In Lagree + Megaformer studios Lagree Fitness →

    Studies · 2

  45. 45

    Xylitol

    Promising

    What it's claimed to do
    Starves cavity bacteria.
    What the evidence says
    Reduces Streptococcus mutans counts; Cochrane reviews find the cavity-prevention benefit real but smaller than marketing implies.
    In Enamel Theory Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste →

    Studies · 1