Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Sand is a natural physical exfoliant that can smooth skin, but its rough texture may cause micro-tears if used too aggressively.

Sandalwood extract is a gentle, aromatic botanical that helps calm skin and provides antioxidant protection, but its benefits are best supported by traditional use rather than extensive modern clinical studies.

Sandalwood oil is a gentle, aromatic oil that may help calm skin and provide a pleasant scent, but it is primarily used for fragrance.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from sandalwood seeds that helps calm and protect the skin without the strong scent of sandalwood oil.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder from Australian sandalwood nut shells, best for physical scrubs and masks.

A gentle, aromatic wood extract that helps calm irritation and fight environmental stress, but its benefits are mostly supported by traditional use and limited modern studies.

A gentle, natural exfoliating powder that can also help absorb excess oil and soothe the skin.

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

Sansho Berry Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Santalol is a gentle, naturally derived fragrance and soothing ingredient from sandalwood, but its benefits are mostly aromatic rather than therapeutic.

A gentle, non-greasy oil that hydrates and soothes skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, aromatic wood extract that helps calm skin and fight free radical damage, but its benefits are mostly supported by traditional use and limited clinical studies.

Santalyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sandalwood-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but offers no direct skincare benefits.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still emerging—think of it as a supportive ingredient rather than a star performer.

A gentle, plant-derived cleansing ingredient with a pleasant rose-like scent, best suited for rinse-off products.

A conditioning ingredient that reduces static and softens hair, but may cause irritation for sensitive scalps.

A gentle, plant-based root extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, plant-based butter that hydrates and softens skin without feeling overly greasy.

A gentle, plant-based oil that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich bark extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing benefits, best for those seeking plant-based protection against environmental stress.

Sapphire Extract adds a subtle shimmer and gentle physical exfoliation, but its skincare benefits beyond appearance are not well-studied.

A novel silicone-like emollient from sapucainha oil that provides a silky, non-greasy feel with minimal irritation risk.

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

A gentle red seaweed extract that helps hydrate and calm the skin, though research is still emerging.

Sarcosine is a gentle, naturally derived amino acid that helps hydrate and condition the skin, with some research suggesting it may support collagen production.

A promising marine antioxidant from brown algae with early research suggesting anti-aging and protective benefits, but human studies are still limited.

A promising seaweed antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental damage, but human research is still limited.

A promising marine antioxidant from brown algae that may help defend skin against environmental damage, though human studies are still limited.

A promising marine antioxidant from brown seaweed that may help protect skin from UV and pollution damage, but human research is still limited.

A promising seaweed antioxidant that may help shield skin from pollution and UV damage, but human studies are still limited.

A promising seaweed antioxidant that may help defend skin against pollution and UV damage, but human research is still limited.

A gentle seaweed extract that helps calm and hydrate the skin, with antioxidant benefits from its natural mineral content.

A gentle seaweed extract that may help hydrate and protect skin, but research is still early.

A gentle, mineral-rich seaweed extract that helps soothe and hydrate the skin, but its benefits are backed by limited human studies.

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

Sarsasapogenin is a plant-based compound that may help calm skin and support the skin barrier, but research is still early and it's not a proven powerhouse ingredient.

A gentle bamboo extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in humans.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich bamboo water that soothes skin and provides light hydration, but research is still emerging.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

A gentle bamboo leaf extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skin research is still limited.

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

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical powder from Japanese bamboo that may help soothe and protect skin, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich bamboo water that soothes and hydrates, but research on its specific benefits is still emerging.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may soothe irritation.

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

Sassafras Bark Extract may offer astringent and soothing benefits, but its use is limited by safety concerns and lack of robust research.

Sassafras extract is a traditional botanical with potential skin benefits, but its use is limited by safety concerns related to the compound safrole, which is restricted in many countries.

Sassafras Root Oil is a fragrant essential oil that is largely avoided in modern skincare due to safety concerns over its main component, safrole, which is regulated as a potential carcinogen.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented citrus extract that may help brighten and protect skin, but research is still emerging.

Satsuma Flower Oil adds a fresh citrus scent and mild astringent feel, but its fragrance components can be irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle, lightly fragrant floral water that can refresh and mildly tone the skin, but its benefits are subtle and not backed by strong research.

A fragrant citrus oil that can brighten the complexion but may cause irritation in sensitive skin due to natural limonene content.

A gentle fruit powder that offers mild exfoliation and antioxidant benefits, but its effects are not as well-studied as more common citrus extracts.

A gentle, water-based citrus extract that adds light antioxidant benefits and a subtle natural scent, but its effects are mild and not well-studied in skincare.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich peel extract that can help brighten skin and protect against environmental stress without common citrus irritation.

Satsuma Peel Oil adds a fresh citrus scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but its fragrance components can irritate sensitive skin.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, best for those seeking plant-based calming ingredients.

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

A gentle plant root extract with early evidence of soothing and antioxidant benefits, but more human studies are needed.