Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a powerful cleanser that creates rich foam but can strip the skin's natural oils and cause irritation, especially for dry or sensitive skin types.

A mild, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively without the irritation often associated with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

A gentle, plant-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a great alternative to harsher sulfates.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleans effectively without stripping the skin barrier.

A gentle, naturally-derived preservative booster that helps extend product shelf life without harsh chemicals.

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that helps mix ingredients and improve product texture, but it's not a star active for skin benefits.

Sodium Linoleate is a gentle, soap-like cleanser derived from linoleic acid that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin.

A synthetic film-forming polymer that helps skincare products feel silky and last longer on the skin.

A gentle synthetic polymer that improves product feel and wear without clogging pores or irritating skin.

A mild, plant-derived cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

An abrasive mineral salt that helps polish teeth or exfoliate skin, but may be too harsh for sensitive skin or gums.

A gentle preservative that uses silver ions to keep products fresh, but its long-term safety is still being studied.

Sodium Malate is a gentle pH adjuster and mild AHA that helps keep products stable and skin slightly exfoliated without harshness.

A mild, polymer-based surfactant that boosts foam and reduces irritation, making it a smart choice for sensitive-skin cleansers.

A mild, polymer-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin barrier.

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

A mild, plant-derived cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, plant-based alternative to synthetic chelators like EDTA that helps keep your products stable and effective.

A gentle, sugar-based humectant that helps hydrate skin without irritation, though research is still emerging.

A silicon-modified seaweed derivative that may help firm and plump skin by supporting collagen and moisture.

A gentle, non-irritating cooling ingredient that adds a pleasant chill to skincare without the strong smell or sting of menthol.

Sodium metabisulfite is an effective preservative and antioxidant, but it can be irritating and may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

A synthetic pH adjuster with limited safety data; best avoided in leave-on products due to potential irritation concerns.

Sodium Metaphosphate is a safe, effective chelating agent that helps maintain product stability and performance by binding metal ions.

Sodium Metasilicate is an effective pH adjuster but can be highly irritating, especially in leave-on products or for sensitive skin.

A mild synthetic cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin, but may cause irritation for very sensitive skin types.

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

A gentle, biodegradable surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin barrier.

A mild, coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively without over-drying, making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, biodegradable surfactant that cleans effectively without stripping the skin, making it a popular alternative to harsher sulfates.

A mild, effective cleanser that's ideal for sensitive or dry skin, offering a creamy lather without irritation.

A gentle, effective cleanser that removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin, making it a popular sulfate alternative.

A mild, creamy cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin barrier.

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

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A mild, effective cleanser that's ideal for sensitive or dry skin because it cleans without stripping.

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

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

A gentle synthetic antioxidant that helps defend skin from daily environmental damage, but research on its long-term benefits is still limited.

A synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and stabilize formulas, but may be drying for sensitive skin.

Sodium methylparaben is an effective preservative that prevents microbial growth, but its safety has been debated due to concerns about endocrine disruption.

A mild, taurine-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being gentle on the skin barrier.

A gentle synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

A gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil while respecting the skin barrier.

A gentle conditioning ingredient from milk lipids that helps soften hair and skin without heavy buildup.

Sodium molybdate is a trace mineral salt that may help support the skin's natural antioxidant defenses, but research on topical benefits is still emerging.

A well-studied fluoride compound that effectively prevents cavities when used in toothpaste.

A milder alternative to SLS that effectively cleanses but may still be drying for sensitive skin.

Sodium Myristate is an effective cleanser but can be drying for sensitive or dry skin types.

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleans effectively without over-drying, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin.

A mild, skin-friendly surfactant that cleanses effectively while respecting the skin barrier.

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

A mild, coconut-derived cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin barrier, ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that effectively cleanses while respecting the skin barrier.

A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being gentle on the skin barrier.

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

An effective but potentially drying cleanser that may irritate sensitive skin, especially in high concentrations.

A synthetic surfactant that helps products foam and rinse cleanly, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

A synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse the skin but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.