A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Beauty ingredient research
Browse the review database to understand what an ingredient is, what it does in a beauty formula, when it is useful, and when it deserves caution across skincare, haircare, bodycare, makeup, and more.
20769
Reviewed ingredients
524
Low-concern standouts
2884
Need usage caution
A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A strong foaming cleanser that can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, but is generally safe for normal skin types.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A gentle, effective cleanser that removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin, making it a good alternative to harsher sulfates.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, effective cleanser that creates a rich lather and is less drying than many traditional sulfates.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A strong foaming cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil but can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A strong foaming cleanser that can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, but is generally safe for normal skin types.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A strong but effective cleanser that can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, though less harsh than shorter-chain sulfates.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A gentle, sulfate-based cleanser that effectively removes impurities while being less harsh than traditional sodium lauryl sulfate.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Surfactant
SODIUM C8-16 ISOALKYLSUCCINYL LACTOGLOBULIN SULFONATE
A mild, protein-based surfactant that cleanses gently and leaves skin feeling soft, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, soy-derived surfactant that effectively cleanses without over-drying, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, synthetic cleanser that effectively removes impurities while being less likely to cause irritation than traditional sulfates.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A milder alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, effective cleanser that removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin, making it a good alternative to harsher sulfates.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A safe, non-irritating mineral powder that improves texture and slip in makeup, but offers no active skincare benefits.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A safe, non-irritating mineral pigment that adds color and shimmer to makeup without known skin concerns.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle mineral abrasive often found in toothpaste and exfoliating products, considered safe and non-irritating for most people.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A mild, plant-derived cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A mild cleansing agent from coconut oil that helps remove dirt and oil, but may be drying for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle, non-stripping cleanser that works well for sensitive or dry skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin, often used in sulfate-free formulas.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A modified hyaluronic acid that sticks better to skin for deeper, longer-lasting hydration without irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, effective cleanser that respects the skin barrier and is well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, protein-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping and leaves hair and skin feeling soft.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, biodegradable surfactant that cleanses effectively while respecting the skin barrier — ideal for sensitive or dry skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, effective cleanser that creates a rich foam without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while respecting your skin's natural barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, eco-friendly surfactant that cleanses effectively while respecting the skin barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild synthetic cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil but may cause slight dryness for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A gentle, soap-like cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that effectively cleanses while being kind to sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, effective surfactant that cleanses without over-drying, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleans effectively without stripping the skin barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, low-irritation surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, low-irritation surfactant ideal for sensitive skin and baby care.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively without over-drying, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleans effectively without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that effectively cleanses without over-drying, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Sodium carbonate is a safe pH adjuster in small amounts, but can be drying or irritating at high concentrations.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A gentle silicone emulsifier that helps products spread smoothly and rinse cleanly, but may not suit those avoiding silicones.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
An effective cleansing and conditioning ingredient, but may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin and has environmental concerns due to tallow sourcing.
Irritation
moderate
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, water-soluble derivative of beta-glucan that hydrates, soothes, and helps strengthen the skin barrier without irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, effective cleanser derived from natural sugars and fatty alcohols, ideal for sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, water-soluble derivative of chitin that helps hydrate and form a protective film on skin, making it a good option for sensitive or dry skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, multi-tasking chitosan derivative that hydrates, forms a protective film, and offers mild cleansing without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild, coconut-derived cleansing agent that effectively removes impurities while being gentle on the skin barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, water-soluble derivative of dextran that helps hydrate and form a light film on skin, often used to improve texture and moisture retention.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, semi-synthetic film-former that helps soothe and protect the skin without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, semi-synthetic humectant that helps hydrate and calm the skin, often used in sensitive-skin formulas.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, algae-derived humectant that helps hydrate and protect the skin barrier without irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
biotech
A gentle, plant-based humectant that hydrates and forms a protective film on skin, with a low risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild synthetic conditioning agent that helps hair and skin feel smooth without heavy buildup.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A semi-synthetic surfactant and conditioner from tallow that can improve feel and foam but may be too heavy or irritating for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
semi-synthetic
Sodium Castorate is a gentle, plant-derived soap ingredient that effectively cleanses but may be drying for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
natural
A gentle, soap-free surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, soap-free cleansing ingredient that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, phosphate-based surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Sodium Cetyl Sulfate is a mild surfactant that effectively cleanses without being as harsh as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, but it can still cause irritation for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic