Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Sea salt can be a gentle physical exfoliant and mineral source, but it may be drying or irritating for sensitive or dehydrated skin.

A gentle fermented ingredient that helps hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, fermented ingredient that may help calm and condition skin, but research is still early.

Sea silt is a gentle, mineral-rich exfoliant that can help polish skin and absorb excess oil without harshness.

A gentle, mineral-packed marine extract that helps calm and nourish the skin without clogging pores.

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help hydrate and support the skin barrier, but research is still limited.

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

Sea water provides a mineral-rich boost of hydration and can help soothe the skin, but it's not a miracle ingredient and may not suit very dry or sensitive skin types.

A gentle marine extract that may help calm irritated skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Sea Wormwood Oil offers soothing and antimicrobial benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its essential oil content.

A gentle marine extract that helps calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Seahorse extract is a traditional marine ingredient with limited modern research for cosmetic use; its benefits are largely anecdotal and sustainability concerns are significant.

Seal oil is a moisturizing marine oil with omega-3s, but its use raises ethical and sustainability concerns, and it may clog pores for some.

A gentle, lab-grown seaweed extract that may help calm irritation and defend against environmental stress, though human research is still limited.

A gentle seaweed blend that helps hydrate and calm the skin, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps soothe and protect the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, nutrient-packed seaweed blend that hydrates and soothes skin with antioxidant benefits.

A nourishing seaweed blend that hydrates, soothes, and protects skin with antioxidants, but its complex sourcing may vary in potency.

A gentle seaweed blend that hydrates and provides antioxidant protection, ideal for most skin types.

A gentle seaweed blend that helps hydrate and calm the skin, but research on this specific mix is limited.

A fermented seaweed-yeast complex that helps hydrate and soothe skin while supporting a healthy barrier.

Sebacic acid is a gentle, plant-derived ingredient that helps balance product pH and offers mild exfoliation without significant irritation.

Sec-Butyl Alcohol is a synthetic solvent that helps other ingredients mix, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic film-forming monomer found mainly in nail products; it helps create a durable, glossy coating but can be a skin sensitizer for some people.

A synthetic skin-conditioning ingredient that improves product feel and spreadability, with limited but promising safety data.

A synthetic skin conditioner that helps products feel smooth and non-greasy, with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle, water-rich fruit juice that adds light hydration and antioxidant support, but lacks strong clinical evidence for dramatic skin benefits.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

A gentle, plant-derived extract with soothing and antioxidant potential, but research is still early.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still early.

A gentle fermented plant extract with antioxidant potential, but human studies are limited.

A gentle, lab-grown plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

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

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

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still early.

Seed oils are versatile moisturizers that help soften and protect the skin, but their comedogenic potential varies widely by type.

A gentle, plant-derived cleanser that creates a mild foam and helps remove dirt without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Selenium sulfide is a well-studied antifungal ingredient that effectively controls dandruff and scalp flaking, but it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in modern skincare.

A lesser-known botanical extract that may offer soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is very limited and safety data is sparse.

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

A gentle, natural clay that helps control oil and improve product texture without drying out the skin.

A gentle clay mineral that helps absorb excess oil and improve product texture without stripping the skin.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Serica is a silk-derived ingredient that gives skin a silky, smooth feel and helps lock in moisture, but it may not suit those with silk allergies.

Serica Extract is a gentle, silk-based humectant that helps skin feel soft and hydrated without clogging pores.

Serica Powder is a natural silk-derived ingredient that gives makeup a silky feel and helps absorb excess oil without clogging pores.

Sericin is a gentle silk protein that helps skin hold onto moisture and feel smooth, but it's not a miracle anti-aging ingredient.

Sericoside is a gentle plant extract that may help calm skin and support a youthful appearance, but research is still early.

Serine is a gentle, water-binding amino acid that helps keep skin plump and supports a healthy barrier without irritation.

A gentle enzyme exfoliant that breaks down dead skin proteins without harsh scrubbing, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Serum albumin is a protein that can temporarily smooth and firm the skin, but its benefits are mostly surface-level and not well-supported by modern research.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific skincare benefits is still limited.

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

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, semi-synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without heavy greasiness.

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions while adding a light, non-greasy feel.

A gentle film-forming polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put without feeling heavy or greasy.

Sesame seed butter is a gentle, natural emollient that softens and conditions skin without clogging pores, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, water-friendly emollient that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but its PEG modification raises mild environmental and purity considerations.