Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A novel hybrid ingredient that pairs hyaluronic acid's hydration with silver's antimicrobial and thioctic acid's antioxidant properties, but research is still limited.

A gentle, well-tolerated preservative that helps keep your products fresh and safe from microbial growth.

A gentle, water-soluble protein blend that helps hydrate and temporarily smooth the skin's surface, but it cannot replace lost collagen in the deeper layers.

A mild, plant-based soap that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

Sodium stannate is a synthetic stabilizer used mainly in hair dyes; it's effective but has moderate irritation potential and limited research on long-term safety.

Sodium stearate is a gentle, soap-based emulsifier that helps products feel solid and creamy, but it can be drying for some skin types.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and rinse cleanly without stripping the skin.

A mild, effective cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin, but may not suit very sensitive scalps.

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that helps cleanse skin and hair without stripping natural moisture.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle emulsifier that helps keep oil and water mixed in creams and lotions, with a low risk of irritation.

A mild, protein-derived surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but may not suit those with dairy sensitivities.

A gentle skin conditioner that may help support moisture retention and skin barrier function, though research is limited.

Sodium Stearoyl DNA is a novel skin conditioner that may help support skin barrier function, but research is still limited.

A gentle, skin-friendly surfactant that cleanses effectively without the harshness of traditional sulfates.

A gentle, modified hyaluronic acid that sticks to skin longer than standard HA, offering deep hydration without irritation.

A mild, collagen-derived surfactant that cleanses gently and leaves skin feeling soft, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A mild, protein-derived cleansing agent that cleans without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A mild, silk-based cleansing agent that helps clean skin and hair without causing dryness or irritation.

A mild, protein-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping and leaves skin and hair feeling soft.

A mild, protein-based cleanser and conditioner that helps maintain moisture balance without stripping the skin or hair.

A mild, protein-based surfactant that cleanses gently and leaves hair and skin feeling soft, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin.

A mild, protein-derived surfactant that cleanses gently and helps maintain skin's moisture barrier, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A mild, food-grade emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin.

A mild, sulfate-free surfactant that provides rich foam and gentle cleansing, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A mild, protein-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

A mild, eco-friendly surfactant and conditioner that cleans without stripping, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses gently while leaving skin and hair feeling soft, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry types.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures with very low irritation potential.

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but may not suit those avoiding phthalate-related compounds.

Sodium Stearyl Sulfate is a mild cleansing agent that creates foam but can be drying for sensitive skin.

A synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly, resist water, and feel lightweight on skin.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer by forming a flexible film on the skin.

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

Sodium Succinate is a gentle pH adjuster and mild humectant that helps maintain product stability and skin comfort.

A gentle, plant-derived cleansing polymer that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin barrier.

A gentle film-forming ingredient derived from gelatin that helps smooth the skin's surface and improve product feel.

Sodium sulfate is a safe, mild salt used to thicken and stabilize formulas, but it offers no direct skin benefit.

Sodium sulfite is a preservative that keeps products fresh, but it may cause irritation for sensitive skin or those with sulfite allergies.

A gentle, sunflower-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.

A mild, plant-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, biodegradable surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive formulas.

A gentle, almond-oil-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive and dry skin.

A mild, soap-like cleanser from sweet almond oil that effectively removes impurities while being gentle on sensitive skin.

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively with low irritation potential, but may not suit those with very sensitive skin or tree allergies.

An effective, animal-derived surfactant that cleans thoroughly but may be drying for sensitive or dry skin.

A mild, animal-derived surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin, but may not suit vegans or those avoiding animal ingredients.

A traditional soap ingredient that cleans effectively but can be drying for some skin types.

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Sodium Taurate is a gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.

A gentle film-forming polymer that helps products spread smoothly and leaves a comfortable, non-sticky finish.

A mild, sulfate-free cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while respecting the skin barrier.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, jasmine-derived synthetic ingredient that helps condition skin and may provide a subtle smoothing effect.

A hybrid ingredient that pairs hyaluronic acid's hydration with alpha-lipoic acid's antioxidant power, but research is still limited.

Sodium thiocyanate is a synthetic preservative booster with limited safety data; it may cause irritation for sensitive skin and is best avoided in leave-on products.

Effective for hair removal but can be irritating and has a strong odor; use with caution and follow instructions closely.