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Element Scout provides unbiased, expert information on ingredients used in skincare and cosmetic products. We give you the facts to make informed choices about which products are best for you and your beauty routine.

Our vision is to make beauty product and ingredient knowledge accessible to customers on demand. This goes hand-in-hand with our mission to give beauty consumers power over their chosen products and how they spend their money.

Our team researches various elements because we’re committed to transparency in the beauty industry. 

No matter if you’re just researching, deciding between products, buying for personal use, or buying as a business, Element Scout can help you make the right choice.

We know that the multitude of beauty options can, at times, leave buyers feeling confused. Needless to say that complicated ingredient names don’t help ease that confusion.

We’re here to answer any and all questions related to cosmetic elements!

Should I go for jojoba or argan oil for my hair care? How will my skin feel if I use denatured alcohol? What is benzyl alcohol, and is it safe? Am I at risk of a sensitivity breakout with ammonium lauryl sulfate? Should I believe the sales pitch on glycolic acid? 

All these questions have good answers, and we’ll give them to you!

The Element Scout catalog covers what you’ll find in many products. We detail their benefits and some cautions, if applicable. Our instructional articles give clear, reliable information on how to use elements and which products to consider. 

Our in-depth reviews make it easy to choose between the multitude of products and ingredients on the market.

Browse our website with confidence and stay up-to-date on the science behind beauty and cosmetics.

Retinol: The Health and Rejuvenation Benefits of Retinol Cosmetic Products

Introduction: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the field of skincare and anti-aging products. Among these products, retinol has emerged as a powerful ingredient that offers...

    Aloe Vera: The Health and Rejuvenation Benefits in Cosmetic Products

    Introduction Aloe vera, a succulent plant renowned for its medicinal properties, has been used for centuries in various cultures for its healing abilities. In recent times, the cosmetic industry has...

      Green Tea Extract: health and rejuvenation benefits

      Introduction In recent years, the beauty industry has witnessed a significant shift towards natural and organic ingredients. One such ingredient that has gained immense popularity is green tea extract. Renowned...

        Palm Oil, helps to moisturize the skin and keep it soft and supple

        Palm oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palms. It is commonly used in a variety of industries, including food, personal care, and cosmetics. In recent...

          Humectant and Cosmetics: Why Are They Used?

          It may sound like an alien species from Planet Humecta, but humectant is more common than you know.  It has been a staple ingredient in beauty products and cosmetics for...

            The Protective Skin Benefits of Titanium Oxide

            If you’ve got a skincare or cosmetic kit that contains sunscreen and makeup powders, then you’ve probably used titanium oxide without knowing it. This versatile and protective element can help...

              Propylene Glycol: A Multi-Use Cosmetic Ingredient

              What is propylene glycol (PG)? You may have spotted this multifunctional element in various medications, cosmetics, skin, and hair products, among others. Generally speaking, it’s sought after for its hydrating...

                Elastin: A Power Ingredient For Firmer Skin

                Looking to get firmer, wrinkle-free skin? Then elastin is a vital element that you’ll want to know more about. This protein lives in the dermis and maintains both the elasticity...

                  AHA/BHA: The Difference For Skincare

                  Alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids (AHA BHA) are both chemical exfoliants that remove dead skin cells from the skin.  Both are effective for deep exfoliation; an essential part...

                    Dimethicone: A Popular Silicone-Based Beauty Ingredient

                    Dimethicone has been a subject of much scrutiny from popular beauty platforms and cosmetics critics. Some people swear by it, and others avoid it like the plague.  Are you caught...

                      Methylparaben: An Effective Cosmetic Antibacterial & Preservative

                      Methylparaben may not be your first thought when thinking about beauty and skincare elements. Instead, the oils we all know and love, for example, argan or jojoba, and humectants, like...

                        Glycolic Acid: Purpose In Your Cosmetic Products

                        Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring acid that you may see listed in a range of beauty products. But, the kind that is often used in these products is not...

                          Silicone: Yay Or Nay For Hair & Skin?

                          Silicones are everywhere. They’re in your creams, lotions, conditions, shampoos, and lip balms. But, what are they exactly? And what role do they play in the health of your skin...

                            Zinc Oxide: Skin Protector & Beauty Pigment

                            Zinc Oxide (ZnO) is a simple compound of zinc and oxygen. Often found as a white powder, it has several beauty uses and benefits. You can also find it in...

                              Denatured Alcohol In Beauty: Definition, Types & Use

                              Denatured alcohol (DA) is made of ethanol, a simple form of alcohol used in many household and cosmetic products.  Although DA sometimes includes harmful additives, you’re unlikely to find these...

                                Sodium Hyaluronate For Effective Skin Moisturizing

                                Want to find out more about sodium hyaluronate? Well, you’ve come to the right place!  This article will take a look at the basic things you need to know about...

                                  A Quick Guide To Cyclopentasiloxane In Beauty Products

                                  When checking the ingredients list of your favorite beauty products, Cyclopentasiloxane might make an appearance.    It hardly sounds natural, so what exactly are you using it for? Why is it...

                                    Phenyl Trimethicone: What Is It & How Can You Use It For Skin & Hair?

                                    Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone used by skincare brands as an occlusive and conditioning agent. It contributes to a product’s silky texture and feel on the skin.  If you struggle...

                                      Benzyl Alcohol: A Common Skin Care Ingredient, But What Is It?

                                      Benzyl alcohol is a common botanical aromatic liquid that occurs in nature. You might be surprised to hear that it can be derived from several plants, including apricots, basil, cherries,...

                                        ​​Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

                                        Ammonium lauryl Sulfate, ALS for short, is a popular surfactant found in beauty products that have cleansing properties. You might be surprised to hear that ALS often appears on the...

                                          Mineral Oil: A Surprising Addition To Skincare Products

                                          Mineral oil is a well-used ingredient that you might find listed on the back of your skin and hair care products. You might even have heard about it from your...

                                            Jojoba Oil: One Of The Most Loved Skincare Oils

                                            Jojoba oil is widely celebrated as a beauty ingredient to nourish and protect your hair, skin, and lips. It’s a natural oil that has a variety of reputable cosmetic uses. ...

                                              Argan Oil: Benefits For Hair, Face, and Body

                                              Argan oil is not called ‘liquid gold’ for no reason. It is the rarest oil in the world, and it comes from the nuts found in argan trees, native to...

                                                What Is Hyaluronic Acid? A Complete Guide

                                                One of the most popular products in skin care industry is hyaluronic acid known for its ability to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and maintain a healthy level of skin...