Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

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

A gentle, amino acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while respecting the skin barrier.

A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while respecting your skin barrier.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.

A mild, multi-tasking surfactant that cleanses without stripping and leaves skin feeling soft, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

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

A gentle, cottonseed-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

A synthetic helper that keeps cleansing formulas clear and stable, but can be drying for sensitive skin.

A mild, coconut-derived cleansing agent that effectively removes dirt and oil while helping maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, barrier-supporting ingredient that helps skin retain moisture and may calm sensitivity.

A synthetic humectant that may support skin hydration and barrier function, but research is still limited.

A gentle cleansing agent that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin barrier.

A mild surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin as harshly as stronger sulfates like SLS.

An effective synthetic cleanser that can strip the skin's natural oils; best for oily or resilient skin types and not ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin or scalp.

A widely used, low-irritation preservative that helps keep your products fresh and safe from microbes.

Sodium deoxycholate is a bile salt that can help break down oils and improve ingredient absorption, but it may be irritating for sensitive skin.

A gentle, naturally derived humectant that supports skin hydration and firmness, similar to hyaluronic acid but less studied.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that may help calm irritation and support skin barrier function.

A gentle, starch-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulas without common irritation concerns.

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

A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and creams, with a low risk of irritation.

A gentle cleansing and emulsifying ingredient that helps create stable, non-stripping formulas.

A mild, effective chelator that helps your skincare products stay fresh and work better by neutralizing harmful metal ions.

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

A gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

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

A gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that cleanses and conditions without stripping, making it ideal for sensitive or dry hair and skin.

A mild, soap-free cleanser that effectively removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, sugar-derived humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin and may offer mild soothing benefits.

A synthetic coenzyme that may support skin cell energy and antioxidant defenses, but research in cosmetics is still emerging.

A gentle silicone-based cleansing agent that creates a rich lather without stripping the skin.

A gentle silicone-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a good option for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, stabilized vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the sting of pure ascorbic acid.

A mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleansers foam and creams stay smooth, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the sting of pure L-ascorbic acid.

A strong synthetic cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil but can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and feel smooth, with a low risk of irritation.

A synthetic chelator that helps preserve formula stability and efficacy by neutralizing problematic metal ions.

A gentle, stable antioxidant that helps brighten skin and extend product shelf life without the irritation of pure vitamin C.

A gentle surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

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

A synthetic film former that helps makeup and hair products stay put without feeling heavy or sticky.

A gentle, stabilized vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and fights free radicals without the sting or instability of pure L-ascorbic acid.

An effective preservative with a long safety track record, but some consumers prefer to avoid parabens due to personal concerns.

Sodium ferrocyanide is a rare cosmetic ingredient used mainly as a color stabilizer; it is safe at low levels but offers no skincare benefit.

Sodium Ferulate is a stable, water-soluble antioxidant that helps shield skin from pollution and UV stress, often used alongside vitamins C and E for enhanced protection.

Sodium fluoride is a proven cavity-fighter in toothpaste and mouthwash, but it is not a skincare ingredient and should not be ingested in large amounts.

Sodium Fluorosilicate is a fluoride source for cavity prevention in toothpaste, but it is not a standard skincare ingredient and can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.

Sodium formate is a mild preservative booster that helps keep products fresh, but it is not a standalone broad-spectrum preservative.

A synthetic peptide that may help reduce fine lines by supporting collagen, but research is still limited and it's less studied than more common peptides.

A gentle antioxidant complex that may help calm skin and support a healthy glow, but research is still early.

Sodium Fumarate is a gentle pH adjuster and potential antioxidant, but its skincare benefits are not yet well-established in human studies.

Sodium Glucepate is a gentle chelating agent that helps keep your skincare products stable and effective by binding to metal ions.

A mild, effective chelating agent that boosts formula stability and helps other ingredients work better without irritating skin.

A gentle, naturally derived humectant that hydrates skin and supports barrier function without irritation.

Sodium glutamate is a gentle humectant that helps your skin hold onto moisture, but it's not a standout ingredient on its own.

A gentle synthetic humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product feel, but research on its long-term benefits is still limited.