Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

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

A reliable film-former that helps products stay put, but it's a synthetic polymer with no skin benefits beyond texture and wear.

A synthetic conditioning polymer that helps smooth hair and reduce static, but offers no long-term repair.

Subtilisin is a gentle enzyme exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin if left on too long.

A gentle emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions while providing light skin conditioning.

A gentle, multi-tasking acid that exfoliates, calms redness, and helps control acne-causing bacteria without the sting of stronger acids.

Succinic anhydride is a synthetic pH adjuster that helps keep products stable, but it can be irritating in high concentrations.

A gentle, hybrid peptide-vitamin C ingredient that may support brightness and collagen, but research is still early.

A modified collagen that helps plump and hydrate skin with low irritation potential, but evidence is mostly from ingredient supplier studies.

A gentle, pearl-derived protein that forms a breathable film on skin to help lock in moisture and temporarily smooth fine lines.

A gentle film-forming protein that may help smooth skin and reduce water loss, but research is limited.

A gentle, protein-based conditioning ingredient that adds softness and manageability to hair without heavy buildup.

Sucralose is a non-nutritive sweetener used mainly to improve the taste of lip products; it has no proven skincare benefits and is not a primary active ingredient.

Sucrose is a gentle, natural humectant and physical exfoliant that helps hydrate and smooth skin without irritation.

A sugar-based film-former that helps makeup and skincare last longer without feeling heavy or sticky.

A gentle, sugar-derived emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions with low irritation potential.

Sucrose Benzoate is a gentle film-former that helps products stay put without feeling sticky or heavy.

A sugar-derived film former that helps products stay put and resist water, but may feel slightly tacky on some skin types.

A mild, sugar-based emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy formulas without stripping the skin.

A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in formulas while offering mild skin conditioning.

A mild, sugar-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without common irritation.

A gentle, sugar-based emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, sugar-derived emollient that helps soften skin and stabilize formulas without clogging pores.

A gentle, sugar-derived emollient that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, biotech-derived emollient that helps soften and condition skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

Sucrose Myristate is a mild, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in skincare products while leaving a soft, non-greasy feel.

Sucrose octaacetate is a bitter-tasting sugar derivative used to denature alcohol and discourage accidental ingestion, with a strong safety record in cosmetics.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient derived from sugar and erucic acid that helps soften and smooth skin without clogging pores.

A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that creates smooth, stable creams without common irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without common irritation.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and helps other ingredients spread smoothly.

A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that stabilizes formulas and leaves skin feeling smooth without clogging pores.

A mild, sugar-based emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in formulas without stripping the skin.

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight creams and lotions without common irritation.

A mild, sugar-based emulsifier that stabilizes formulas without stripping the skin.

A mild, sugar-derived emulsifier that creates stable, creamy textures without common irritation.

A mild, biodegradable surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

A mild, sugar-based emulsifier that stabilizes formulas without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulas while also softening the skin.

A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in creams while leaving skin feeling soft.

A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier that creates smooth, stable creams without common irritation.

A gentle, sugar-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams and lotions, giving them a smooth, non-greasy feel.

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that stabilizes creams and lotions without common irritation.

A gentle, sugar-derived emollient that softens skin and helps blend water and oil in formulas without clogging pores.

A mild, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in creams without stripping the skin.

Sudachi Fruit Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich citrus extract that may help brighten skin and protect against environmental stressors, but research is still emerging.

Sugar kelp extract is a gentle, hydrating seaweed ingredient that helps skin retain moisture and may calm irritation.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from sugar pine wood that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still limited.

A safe, effective thickener that gives gels and creams a smooth, non-sticky feel.

A gentle plant-derived exfoliant that helps smooth skin and improve radiance without harsh irritation.

A gentle, naturally-derived exfoliant and hydrator that helps smooth skin texture without harshness.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that helps calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

A mushroom ferment that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

A marine-derived extract with potential antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it's mostly found in high-end formulations.

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that cleans without stripping, but may feel heavy on oily skin types.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively without the harshness of traditional sulfates.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kinder to sensitive skin than traditional sulfates.

A mild, water-soluble cleanser derived from peanut oil, but not suitable for anyone with peanut allergies.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put longer, especially in sunscreens and long-wear makeup.

A modified keratin protein that bonds to hair to temporarily fill damage and improve strength and shine.