Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Salicylic acid is a well-studied BHA that exfoliates inside pores, making it a go-to for acne-prone and oily skin, but it can be drying if overused.

A gentle exfoliating ingredient that combines the benefits of salicylic acid with the soothing properties of beeswax.

A gentle peptide-exfoliant hybrid that aims to smooth skin without the irritation of traditional salicylic acid.

A synthetic peptide that may help support skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but more independent research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

A synthetic peptide that may help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines, but research is still emerging.

A synthetic peptide that may help calm skin and support barrier repair, but research is still early.

A lab-made peptide that may help firm skin and soften fine lines, but human studies are limited.

A gentle, multi-tasking lipid that helps repair the skin barrier while providing mild exfoliation—great for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A gentle exfoliant that helps smooth skin and clear pores without the irritation often associated with salicylic acid.

A gentle, biotech-derived ingredient that may help calm irritation and support a balanced skin microbiome, though research is still early.

A gentle willow leaf extract that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Salmon egg extract is a gentle, nutrient-rich ingredient that helps hydrate and condition the skin, but research on its benefits is still emerging.

Salmon oil is a nourishing emollient that helps soften and soothe dry skin, but its fishy scent and moderate comedogenic risk may not suit everyone.

A salmon-derived peptide complex that may help support skin firmness and reduce signs of aging, but human research is still limited.

A salmon-derived peptide that may help support skin firmness and elasticity, but research is still emerging and results vary.

Salnacidin is a novel peptide complex that may help calm sensitive skin and reinforce the skin barrier, but independent research is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still limited.

A mineral-rich mud that can help absorb excess oil and gently exfoliate, but may be too abrasive for sensitive skin.

A plant-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research is still emerging for topical use.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits for skin is still limited.

A gentle, biotech-grown extract from a salt-marsh plant that helps hydrate and calm the skin, with early research suggesting antioxidant benefits.

A gentle, hydrating plant extract from a salt-tolerant succulent, best for soothing and moisturizing normal to dry skin.

Sand is a natural physical exfoliant that can smooth skin, but its rough texture may cause micro-tears if used too aggressively.

Sandalwood extract is a gentle, aromatic botanical that helps calm skin and provides antioxidant protection, but its benefits are best supported by traditional use rather than extensive modern clinical studies.

Sandalwood oil is a gentle, aromatic oil that may help calm skin and provide a pleasant scent, but it is primarily used for fragrance.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from sandalwood seeds that helps calm and protect the skin without the strong scent of sandalwood oil.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from Australian sandalwood nut shells, best for physical scrubs and masks.

A gentle, aromatic wood extract that helps calm irritation and fight environmental stress, but its benefits are mostly supported by traditional use and limited modern studies.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder that can also help absorb excess oil and soothe the skin.

A gentle botanical extract with traditional use for soothing skin, but modern research is limited.

Sansho Berry Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Santalol is a gentle, naturally derived fragrance and soothing ingredient from sandalwood, but its benefits are mostly aromatic rather than therapeutic.

A gentle, non-greasy oil that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, aromatic wood extract that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, but its benefits are mostly supported by traditional use and limited clinical studies.

Santalyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sandalwood-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no direct skincare benefits.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still emerging—think of it as a supportive ingredient rather than a star performer.

A gentle, plant-derived cleansing ingredient with a pleasant rose-like scent, best suited for rinse-off products.

A conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair, but may cause irritation for sensitive scalps.

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

A gentle, plant-based butter that hydrates and softens skin without feeling overly greasy.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich bark extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing benefits, best for those seeking plant-based protection against environmental stress.

Sapphire Extract adds a subtle shimmer and gentle physical exfoliation, but its skincare benefits beyond appearance are not well-studied.

A novel silicone-like emollient from sapucainha oil that provides a silky, non-greasy feel with minimal irritation risk.

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

A gentle red seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, though research is still emerging.

Sarcosine is a gentle, naturally derived amino acid that helps hydrate and condition the skin, with some research suggesting it may support collagen production.

A promising marine antioxidant from brown algae with early research suggesting anti-aging and protective benefits, but human studies are still limited.

A promising seaweed antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental damage, but human research is still limited.

A promising marine antioxidant from brown algae that may help defend skin against environmental damage, though human studies are still limited.

A promising marine antioxidant from brown seaweed that may help protect skin from UV and pollution damage, but human research is still limited.

A promising seaweed antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, but human studies are still limited.

A promising seaweed antioxidant that may help defend skin against pollution and UV damage, but human research is still limited.

A gentle seaweed extract that helps calm and hydrate the skin, with antioxidant benefits from its natural mineral content.

A gentle seaweed extract that may help hydrate and protect skin, but research is still early.

A gentle, mineral-rich seaweed extract that helps soothe and hydrate the skin, but its benefits are backed by limited human studies.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Sarsasapogenin is a plant-based compound that may help calm skin and support the skin barrier, but research is still early and it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

A gentle bamboo extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in humans.