Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A reliable film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer without feeling heavy.

A powerful plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and may support a more even skin tone.

Sulfur is a time-tested acne-fighting ingredient that works by killing bacteria and gently exfoliating dead skin, but it can be drying and has a distinct smell.

A gentle, protein-based ingredient that strengthens hair and forms a protective film, but may not suit protein-sensitive hair types.

A modified corn protein that may help strengthen hair and form a protective film on skin, but research is limited.

Sulfurized jojoba oil combines the moisturizing benefits of jojoba with sulfur's antimicrobial power, making it a targeted option for acne-prone skin, though it may cause irritation for some.

An unusual, chemically modified lavender-palladium complex with very limited research and potential for irritation.

This sulfurized limonene compound is rarely used in skincare and may cause irritation; it's best avoided in leave-on products.

A sulfur-infused oil derivative that helps control acne and dandruff by reducing microbes and excess oil, but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Sumac fruit wax is a natural, plant-derived wax that helps thicken and soften skincare products with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle botanical extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Sumac root extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research in skincare is still limited.

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

A trendy, antioxidant-rich mushroom extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

A gentle plant extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from sunflower flowers that helps soothe and protect skin without irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture without the sting of stronger acids.

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulas while leaving skin feeling soft and conditioned.

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

A lightweight, plant-based emollient that hydrates without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and oily skin types.

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

A gentle, plant-based butter that moisturizes without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells without harsh microbeads, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, nourishing oil that hydrates and supports the skin barrier without clogging pores.

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

A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens and smooths skin without clogging pores, suitable for most skin types.

A gentle, oil-soluble antioxidant that helps defend skin against free radicals and may support a more even tone.

A mild, sunflower-derived emulsifier that stabilizes formulas while leaving skin feeling soft and non-greasy.

A mild, plant-based emollient that softens and conditions skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps water and oil mix in your skincare products without stripping the skin.

A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps water and oil mix in your skincare without stripping the skin.

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products while leaving skin feeling soft.

A gentle, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products without irritation.

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in creams and lotions while also softening the skin.

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare products without stripping the skin.

A mild, eco-friendly emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in creams and lotions while leaving skin soft.

A gentle, plant-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare formulas while providing light skin conditioning.

A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and calm irritation.

A gentle, plant-derived wax that adds texture and moisture without clogging pores.

A gentle, natural exfoliant from sunflower seeds that also delivers skin-conditioning fatty acids and proteins.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from sunflower seeds that helps soothe and protect the skin.

Sunflower sprout extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

A gentle, fermented botanical extract that may support skin barrier function and provide antioxidant benefits, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that helps create a rich lather without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin cleansers.

A gentle, silicone-based conditioning ingredient that smooths hair and skin without heavy buildup.

A mild, sunflower-derived conditioning ingredient that helps soften hair and skin without heavy buildup.

Sunstone powder adds a natural sparkle and gentle physical exfoliation, but its sharp edges can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Superoxide Dismutase is a powerful antioxidant enzyme that helps defend skin against oxidative stress and may support a more even, youthful-looking complexion.

Surfgrass extract is a gentle marine antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, but research is still early.

Sutherlandia leaf extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and mostly traditional.

A gentle botanical root extract with antioxidant potential, but limited human research to support specific skincare benefits.

A traditional botanical root powder with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but clinical evidence in cosmetics is limited.

A mild, plant-based amino acid that helps strengthen hair and hydrate skin without irritation.

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

A gentle, natural physical exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture, but may be too abrasive for sensitive or compromised skin.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from sweet almond buds that may help calm and protect the skin, though research is still emerging.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-packed extract from almond fruit that helps protect skin from environmental stress without clogging pores.