saccharide isomerate

Water-binding agent and emollient, particularly helpful for dry skin. Research indicates it has an affinity for soothing and strengthening skin’s barrier, while delivering long-lasting hydration.

saccharides

Saccharomyces calcium ferment

Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of calcium ions. It has no known benefit for skin.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Saccharomyces, from the Latin, literally means “sugar fungus,” and is the scientific name for the...

Saccharomyces copper ferment

Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of copper ions. There is no known benefit for skin,...

Saccharomyces iron ferment

Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of iron ions.

Saccharomyces lysate

Saccharomyces lysate is a probiotic yeast obtained by fermentation.

Saccharomyces magnesium ferment

Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of magnesium ions.

Saccharomyces manganese ferment

Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of manganese ions.

Saccharomyces officinarum ferment

Derived from the sugarcane plant. Glycolic acid is also derived from sugarcane, but sugarcane...

Saccharomyces potassium ferment

Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of potassium ions.

saccharomyces selenium ferment

An ingredient created by the fermentation of the Saccharomyces yeast with the mineral selenium.

Saccharomyces silicon ferment

Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of silicon ions.

Saccharomyces zinc ferment

Extract of yeast fermented in the presence of zinc ions.

safflower seed oil

Emollient oil derived from the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) plant.

sage extract

Plant used most often to enhance the flavor of foods. Like all plant extracts, sage...

salicin

salicylic acid

Oil-soluble exfoliating ingredient that gently helps slough off dead skin cells and unclogs pores, for softer, smoother texture and tone.

Salix alba extract

Salix nigra (willow) bark extract

Salvia hispanica (chia) seed oil

Non-fragrant plant oil whose seeds are a rich source of fatty acids...

Salvia officinalis

Sambucus canadensis

Sambucus cerulea

Blue elderberry. May have antioxidant properties for skin.

Sambucus nigra

When taken orally, this has antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food...

Sambucus nigra (elderberry) fruit extract

Sambucus nigra is a dark purple to black shrub-growing berry with potent antioxidant properties.

sandalwood oil

Fragrant oil that can cause skin-sensitizing reactions...

Santalum album seed extract

Latin name for sandalwood extract, which is used in cosmetics as a fragrance. It can have...

Sapindus mukurossi peel extract

A plant extract that is a natural source of saponin...

Saponaria officinalis extract

saponin

Group of natural carbohydrates, found in plants, that have considerable potential...

sarcosine

A synthetic amino acid derivative that functions as a skin conditioning...

Sargassum filipendula extract

sausurrea oil

Also called costus oil. Volatile oil and fragrant component used in cosmetics; it can be a skin...

Saxifraga sarmentosa extract

Schisandra chinensis (magnolia) fruit extract

Also known as five flavor fruit and Chinese magnolia vine, magnolia fruit is a small red berry loaded with beneficial compounds.

sclareolide

Fermented from clary sage and used as a fragrant component in cosmetics.

Sclerocarya birrea

More commonly known as marula oil, Sclerocarya birrea oil is a non-fragrant plant oil that's a rich source...

sclerotium gum

A plant-derived, gel-like polysaccharide (sugar-based) ingredient that’s used in cosmetics to thicken and stabilize formulas. It is considered safe as used in cosmetics, and is similar to xanthan gum.

Scutellaria baicalensis root extract

Scutellaria baicalensis root extract comes from a flowering plant native to China.

SD alcohol

SD alcohol 40-2

Denatured alcohol used as a solvent. It can be drying and sensitizing to skin when one of the main...

sea buckthorn

Also known as seaberry, sea buckthorn is a good source of vitamin C as well as various B vitamins, and vitamin E.

Seamollient

Trade name for an algae extract.

sea salt

Can be effective as a topical scrub, but if left on skin it can increase skin sensitivity to UVB...

seaweed

Group of sea plants (scientific name: algae) of all sizes and shapes, and having a gelatin-like...

sea whip extract

Extract from a creature that inhabits coral reefs, known for its soothing properties...

sebacic acid

Used as a pH adjuster.

selenium

Mineral considered to be a potent antioxidant...

Serenoa serrulata extract

sericin

Scientific name for silk protein.

serine

Sesamum indicum

Sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil

Sesame oil is a non-fragrant plant oil that is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats along with vitamin E and lignans.

sesquioleate

Used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.

shea butter

Shea butter is a plant lipid extracted from the karite tree that is used as an emollient in cosmetics.

Siegesbeckia orientalis

Chinese herb (also known as St. Paul’s wort) for which there is no research showing that it has any...

silanetriol

A silicone-derived synthetic ingredient that helps improve formulary esthetics. It may also enhance the penetration of other key ingredients.

silica

Mineral found abundantly in sandstone, clay, and granite, as well as in parts of plants and...

silica dimethyl silylate

Used as a slip and suspending agent.

silica silylate

Silica silylate works as a binder, thickening agent, and emollient in cosmetics.

silicate

Inorganic salt that has potent absorbing and thickening properties.

silicone

Substance derived from silica (sand is a silica). The unique fluid properties of silicone give it a...

silk

silk powder

Synthetically derived powder used as an absorbent and slip agent.

silk protein

Protein substance (also called sericin) formed by converting silk, which is the soft, lustrous...

siloxane

silt

A sediment obtained from various bodies of water. Silt’s absorbent nature helps it function to...

silver

Metallic element that in cosmetics can have disinfecting properties; however, prolonged contact can...

silver chloride

An inorganic salt that has no known function in cosmetics.

silver tip white tea leaf extract

Silybum marianum (milk thistle) fruit extract

Silymarin marianum is a plant whose many components have pronounced antioxidant and skin-calming ability.

Silybum marianum extract

Silybum marianum seed oil

Silybum marianum seed oil comes from the milk thistle plant.

simethicone

Mixture of dimethicone with silica; related to silicones, but used as an antifoaming agent.

Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil

skin-replenishing ingredients

These are skincare ingredients that help enrich skin’s surface, drenching it with revitalizing hydration and keeping it there.

skin-restoring ingredients

Skincare ingredients that nourish skin’s surface in a way that helps transform it on many levels...

skullcap extract

Herbal extract from Scutellaria baicalensis that has antioxidant soothing properties...

slip agent

Term used to describe a range of ingredients that help other ingredients spread over the skin and...

slippery elm bark

Can be a skin-soothing ingredient.

soap

True “soaps” are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and are not required to list...

soapberry extract

Extract from the tree Sapindus saponaria. The berries contain a good amount of Saponins.

soapwort

Plant from which is derived an extract with detergent cleansing properties.

sodium acetate

The sodium salt derived from acetic acid, it serves as a buffering agent when used in small amounts.

sodium acrylate/acryloydimethyl taurate copolymer

Versatile synthetic polymer used as a suspending and thickening agent.

sodium acrylates copolymer

Sodium acrylates copolymer is a synthetic, acrylic-based polymer that functions in cosmetics as a texture enhancer, binder, and film-forming agent.

sodium ascorbate

sodium ascorbyl phosphate

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a stable, water-soluble form of vitamin C that functions as an antioxidant.

sodium benzoate

Salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative.

sodium bicarbonate

A synthetic inorganic salt more commonly known as baking soda. It has many functions in cosmetics, including pH adjuster, buffering agent, and abrasive, such as in face or body scrubs.

sodium bisulfite

Used in acid-type permanent waves to alter the shape of hair. It is less damaging than alkaline...

sodium borate

sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate

Can be derived from coconut. Used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent, but is potentially...

sodium carbomer

A blend of sodium (salt) and the gelling agent carbomer that functions as a stabilizer and film-forming agent.

sodium carbonate

Absorbent salt used in cosmetics; it can also be a skin sensitizer.

sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan

A carbohydrate ingredient with a gel-like texture, it functions as a binding agent and texture...

sodium cetearyl sulfate

A mixture of stearyl and cetyl sulfate that funtions as a surfactant.

sodium chloride

More popularly known as common table salt. Used primarily as a binding agent in skincare products...

sodium chondroitin sulfate

Derived from natural mucopolysaccharides, it functions as a skin-softening agent and helps...

sodium citrate

Used primarily to control the pH level of a product, this ingredient also has antioxidant and preservative properties.

sodium cocoamphoacetate

A gentle cleansing agent derived from coconut fatty acids. It functions as a cleansing agent and...

sodium cocoate

Used as a cleansing agent primarily in soaps. It can be drying and sensitizing for skin.

sodium cocoyl amino acids

The salt form of amino acids hydrolyzed from coconut. Can be used as a gentle surfactant and/or skin-replenishing ingredient.

sodium cocoyl glutamate

A cleansing agent derived from coconut oil. This ingredient is also used to help soften (remove...

sodium cocoyl glycinate

Sodium cocoyl glycinate is an amino acid-derived cleansing agent and skin-softening ingredient in skin care and hair care products.

sodium cocoyl isethionate

Derived from coconut, a mild soap-free cleansing agent  known for its ability to mitigate disruption to skin’s barrier; compatible with sensitive skin.

sodium dehydroacetate

An organic salt used in low amounts as a preservative to prevent formulary spoilage.

sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine

Plant-derived ingredient that helps skin rejuvenate, while also functioning as a surfactant and emulsifier to keep the formula from separating. Its ceramide-like structure has a high affinity for skin.

sodium gluconate

The salt form of gluconic acid, a mild acid produced from the sugar glucose. It helps certain skin care ingredients bond with others in a formula.

sodium hexametaphosphate

Salt with multiple functions in cosmetics. It can act as a detergent, an emulsifier, a texturizer,...

sodium hyaluronate

The salt form of hyaluronic acid. Like its sister ingredient, it’s considered an excellent moisturizer, helping skin retain water so it looks and feels smoother. It is more bioavailable than hyaluronic acid, meaning it is more readily absorbed by skin.

sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer

A modified form of skin-replenishing hyaluronic acid attached to a polymer structure

sodium hydroxide

Also known as lye, this ingredient is highly alkaline, meaning it is on the basic side of the pH range (its pH is naturally 13). It is used in small amounts in cosmetics (such as cleansers and exfoliants) adjust their pH.

sodium hydroxymethylglycinate

Amino acid derivative used as a skin-softening agent; can also function as a preservative.

sodium lactate

The sodium salt of lactic acid. Used primarily as a hydrating and buffering agent (to adjust a product’s pH value).

sodium lactobionate

White, crystalline powder used to synthesize other chemicals. May function as a preservative in...

sodium laureth-13 carboxylate

Used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent. 

sodium laureth sulfate

Safe, gentle, widely used cleansing agent known for its lathering/foaming effects. Can be derived from coconut.

sodium lauroamphoacetate

A coconut-derived gentle cleansing agent and foam booster.

sodium lauroyl lactylate

A naturally derived ingredient that is used as an emulsifier and mild thickening agent in cosmetics. In higher concentrations, it functions as a surfactant.

sodium lauroyl oat amino acids

A skin-soothing salt created by condensing the chloride form of a fatty acid with amino acids derived from oats.

sodium lauroyl sarcosinate

Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is a synthetic or plant-derived surfactant (cleansing agent) that also works as an emulsifier.

sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate

A gentle cleansing agent that may be derived from coconut or made synthetically. Often used to improve the sensorial effects.

sodium lauryl sulfate

Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions primarily as a surfactant...

sodium levulinate

Sodium levulinate is the salt of levulinic acid, a synthetic organic acid that helps condition and soften skin.

sodium metabisulfite

Reducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in...

sodium methyl cocoyl taurate

Mild surfactant derived from coconut; often used in cleansers when the desired effect is a creamy foam.

sodium methyl taurate

Mild surfactant often combined with...

sodium myreth sulfate

Detergent cleansing agent similar to sodium laureth sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate...

sodium palmate

A soap ingredient created by the salts of acids derived from palm oil. May be naturally-derived or...

sodium palmitoyl sarcosinate

Sodium palmitoyl sarcosinate is the salt of palmitoyl sarcosinate, which is derived from the amino acid derivative sarcosine.

sodium palm kernelate

sodium PCA

PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is a natural component of skin that is also a very good...

sodium PEG-7 olive oil carboxylate

A mild surfactant formed by reacting fatty acids from olive oil esters with polyethylene glycol (PEG).

sodium phytate

The synthetic salt form of the antioxidant phytic acid. In this form, it works as a chelating agent, keeping metals from binding to water in cosmetics.

sodium polyacrylate

A versatile, synthetic polymer used as a film-forming agent, stabilizer, absorbent, thickening agent, and emollient.

sodium polyacrylate starch

Sodium polyacrylate starch is a mixture of a natural starch combined with a synthetic acrylate polymer.

sodium salicylate

Salt form of salicylic acid (BHA). Because it is not the acid form of salicylate (i.e., salicylic...

sodium silicate

Highly alkaline and potentially sensitizing mineral used in cosmetics...

sodium stearoyl glutamate

Sodium stearoyl glutamate is a synthetic or animal-derived ingredient that is added to cosmetics to condition skin or work as an emulsifier.

sodium stearoyl lactylate

A synthetic or animal-derived ingredient...

sodium sulfite

Reducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in cosmetic...

sodium tallowate

Sodium salt of tallow.

sodium thioglycolate

A synthetic ingredinet that functions as a reducing agent in cosmetics, most typically hair-removal lotions...

sodium trideceth sulfate

Solanum lycopersicum extract

Solanum tuberosum extract

Extract that is more commonly known as potato starch. Used as a thickening agent and texture enhancer in cosmetics.

solvent

Describes a large group of ingredients, including water, that are used to dissolve or break down...

Sonojell

Trade name for petrolatum.

soothing agent

Any ingredient that reduces certain signs of sensitivity in skin...

sorbeth-230 tetraoleate

A complex mixture consisting primarily of fatty acid oleic acid and a sugar known as sorbitol. Works as a cleansing agent, thickener, and emulsifier.

sorbic acid

A preservative naturally derived from mountain ash berries or manufactured synthetically. Used in many products, including several foods, cosmetics and even in contact lens solutions.

sorbitan isostearate

A very mild cleansing agent that also helps stabilize skin care formulas and keep oil- and water-based ingredients from separating.

sorbitan laurate

Sorbitan laurate is an ester that works as a cleansing agent and emulsifier.

sorbitan oleate

A synthetic or animal-derived ingredient used as an emulsifier and cleansing agent in cosmetics. Considered safe as used in cosmetics.

sorbitan olivate

Sorbitan olivate is a mixture of the fatty acids from olive oil plus a sugar known as sorbitol.

sorbitan sesquioleate

sorbitan stearate

An emulsifier used to thicken and stabilize cosmetics formulations.

sorbitol

Sorbitol is a type of sugar that can be created synthetically or derived from natural sources.

soy extract

Potent antioxidant and soothing agent for skin...

soy isoflavones

soy oil

Soy oil is a non-fragrant plant oil with multiple uses for skin.

spearmint oil

Fragrant, volatile oil that can cause skin sensitivity.

SPF

sphingolipids

Sphingolipids are complex lipids (fats) that function as skin-replenishing and conditioning ingredients...

Spiraea ulmaria (meadowsweet) extract

Spiraea ulmaria extract, commonly known as meadowsweet, is a plant whose various parts have been shown to calm factors in skin that lead to signs of irritation.

spirulina

squalane

Squalane is a moisturizing ingredient that’s also a source of skin-replenishing fatty acids and antioxidants.

squalene

Oil derived from shark liver or from plants (usually olives). It is a natural component...

St. John's wort

Contains several components that are harmful to skin in the presence of sunlight (Sources: Planta...

star anise

steapyrium chloride

Antistatic agent used in hair-care products.

stearalkonium chloride

Antistatic ingredient used in hair-care products to control flyaways and aid in helping a brush or...

stearalkonium hectorite

A powder derived from hectorite clay which is used in amounts up to 50% as a safe suspending agent in cosmetics.

stearates

steareth-20

Derived from the benign stearyl alcohol, it functions primarily as a surfactant but also adds stability to products, especially those containing active ingredients in a water-and-oil emulsion.

stearic acid

Fatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier...

stearyl alcohol

A type of non-irritating fatty alcohol used to moisturize skin and to help keep other ingredients intact in a formulation.

stearyl dimethicone

Stearyl dimethicone is a synthetic skin-conditioning agent that's a siloxane polymer...

stearyl glycyrrhetinate

The fatty acid oil-soluble form of the soothing licorice root-derived ingredient glycyrrhetinic acid. Typically used in amounts between 0.1–1%, which are considered safe.

stearyl methicone

Silicone polymer used as a skin-conditioning or occlusive agent.

stearyl stearate

A plant-based wax prepared with natural fatty acids combined with synthetic fatty alcohols.

styrax benzoin

styrene/acrylates copolymer

Synthetic polymer.

sucrose

Monosaccharide that has hydrating properties for skin.

sucrose cocoate

Versatile, gentle, coconut-derived cleansing agent, foam booster, texture enhancer, and emollient used in both rinse-off and leave-on products.

sucrose stearate

Sucrose stearate is an ester of stearic acid and sugar that works as an emollient and cleansing agent.

sugarcane extract

Ingredients like sugarcane extract, fruit extracts, mixed fruit extracts, and milk solids may claim...

sulfates

Sulfates are a group of ingredients that have many consumers worried but in truth, misinformation, not sulfates, are the actual problem...

sulfur

Disinfectant agent that can be a potent skin sensitizer...

sunflower seed oil

Non-volatile plant oil used as an emollient in cosmetics.

sun protection factor

Most commonly seen as SPF, it is a number that is assigned to a product that identifies its ability...

superoxide dismutase

Enzyme considered to be an antioxidant...

surfactant

Shortened term for surface active agent. Surfactants degrease and emulsify oils and fats and...

sweet almond

Most often used in its oil form, this ingredient is expressed from almonds. Also used as an...

sweet almond oil

Emollient, non-fragrant plant oil.

Symphytum officinale extract

synthetic beeswax

An artificial form of beeswax composed of a mixture of alcohol esters...

synthetic fluorophlogopite

Synthetic fluorophlogopite is a synthetic mineral material used in cosmetics to add bulk and to thicken emulsions.

synthetic wax

A wax derived from a mixture of various oils. It functions as a binding and stabilizing agent.

Szechuan peppercorn

From a plant native to Szechuan Province in China. It grows on trees, and so differs from black...