Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle botanical powder with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

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

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

Smilo Grass Extract is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.

Smithsonite is a mineral source of zinc carbonate, offering potential soothing and oil-absorbing benefits, but research on its cosmetic use is very limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from the smoke tree that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though human skin research is still emerging.

A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, though research is still emerging.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and astringent benefits, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

A lab-made peptide that mimics snail proteins, showing early promise for skin firmness and wrinkle reduction, but human studies are still limited.

A fermented snail secretion ingredient that hydrates and may help smooth skin texture, but individual results vary and allergic reactions are possible.

Snail secretion filtrate is a hydrating, soothing ingredient that may help support skin barrier function and calm irritation, but it's not a miracle cure and can be expensive.

A gentle, hydrating plant juice that adds light moisture and soothing benefits to skincare, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich lichen extract that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from snow lotus that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still early.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

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

A gentle, plant-based ferment that cleanses without stripping and offers antioxidant benefits, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, naturally derived ferment that cleanses without stripping and may help calm the skin.

A gentle, plant-derived cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin, making it a great alternative to harsh sulfates.

A gentle, plant-based oil that cleanses without stripping and softens skin, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based cleanser that creates a mild lather without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A mild botanical extract that can help cleanse skin without stripping it, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived cleanser that offers a natural alternative to harsh synthetic surfactants, suitable for sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, plant-based oil that moisturizes and conditions skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive or oily skin types.

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

A mild, plant-based cleanser that foams gently and is less stripping than many synthetic surfactants, making it a good option for sensitive skin.

A mild, plant-based cleanser that creates gentle foam without stripping the skin, but may not be as effective as synthetic surfactants for heavy makeup or oil removal.

A mild, plant-based cleanser that foams naturally and is generally well-tolerated, but may be drying for some skin types.

A gentle, plant-based cleanser that creates a mild foam without harsh detergents, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

Sodalite powder adds a natural blue hue and a silky feel to cosmetics, but its skincare benefits are not well-studied.

Sodium itself is rarely used alone in skincare; it appears as part of salts like sodium chloride or sodium hyaluronate, where it helps with texture, preservation, or delivery.

A synthetic skin-conditioning ingredient with limited research and potential for irritation; best avoided by sensitive skin.

Sodium acetate is a gentle pH adjuster and mild humectant that helps keep your skincare stable and comfortable, but it offers no dramatic skin benefits on its own.

A gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support collagen, but human studies are limited.

A synthetic peptide-like ingredient that may help support collagen and improve skin firmness, but research is still emerging.

A next-gen hyaluronic acid that sticks to skin longer for deeper, lasting hydration without irritation.

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives skincare products a silky, lightweight feel without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives gels and creams a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put, but offers no active skin benefits.

A safe, synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and stay put without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives gels and creams a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A safe, widely used synthetic thickener that gives products a silky, non-greasy feel without clogging pores.

A reliable synthetic thickener that gives skincare products a silky, non-sticky feel without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A safe, synthetic thickener that improves product texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A safe synthetic thickener that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight on skin.

A reliable synthetic thickener that gives water-based products a smooth, non-sticky feel without clogging pores.

A safe, synthetic thickener that gives products a silky, non-greasy feel without clogging pores.

A gentle seaweed-derived thickener that helps create a smooth, spreadable texture, but research on its unique benefits is still limited.

A gentle, dual-action ingredient that hydrates and soothes skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or irritated skin types.

Sodium aluminate is a synthetic pH adjuster that can be irritating at high concentrations, but is generally safe in trace amounts in rinse-off products.

An effective antiperspirant ingredient that reduces sweat but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

This mineral salt helps control product pH but has very limited research on its long-term skin effects, so it's best used in small amounts.

A safe, mineral-based colorant used in makeup to provide opacity and tint, with a low risk of irritation.

A mineral colorant that adds opacity and tint to makeup, generally considered safe but with limited research on long-term skin absorption.

A mineral pigment complex that adds color or opacity to makeup, but with very limited published safety data.