Rating | Ingredient |
---|---|
Good |
saccharide isomerateWater-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.
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Best |
saccharides
Categories:
Skin-Replenishing
|
Average |
Saccharomyces calcium fermentExtract of yeast fermented in the presence of calcium ions. It has no known benefit for skin.
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Average |
Saccharomyces cerevisiaeSaccharomyces, from the Latin, literally means “sugar fungus,” and is the scientific name for the...
Categories:
Skin-Replenishing
|
Average |
Saccharomyces copper fermentExtract of yeast fermented in the presence of copper ions. There is no known benefit for skin,...
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Average |
Saccharomyces iron fermentExtract of yeast fermented in the presence of iron ions.
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Best |
Saccharomyces lysateSaccharomyces lysate is a probiotic yeast obtained by fermentation.
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Average |
Saccharomyces magnesium fermentExtract of yeast fermented in the presence of magnesium ions.
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Average |
Saccharomyces manganese fermentExtract of yeast fermented in the presence of manganese ions.
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Average |
Saccharomyces officinarum fermentDerived from the sugarcane plant. Glycolic acid is also derived from sugarcane, but sugarcane...
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Average |
Saccharomyces potassium fermentExtract of yeast fermented in the presence of potassium ions.
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Good |
saccharomyces selenium fermentAn ingredient created by the fermentation of the Saccharomyces yeast with the mineral selenium.
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Average |
Saccharomyces silicon fermentExtract of yeast fermented in the presence of silicon ions.
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Average |
Saccharomyces zinc fermentExtract of yeast fermented in the presence of zinc ions.
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Best |
safflower seed oilEmollient oil derived from the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) plant. |
Average |
sage extractPlant used most often to enhance the flavor of foods. Like all plant extracts, sage...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Good |
salicin
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
salicylic acidAlso called beta hydroxy acid (BHA), this multifunctional ingredient addresses many of the systemic causes of acne. |
Good |
Salix alba extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Salix nigra (willow) bark extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Salvia hispanica (chia) seed oilNon-fragrant plant oil whose seeds are a rich source of fatty acids... |
Poor |
Salvia officinalis |
Good |
Sambucus canadensis
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
Sambucus ceruleaBlue elderberry. May have antioxidant properties for skin.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Sambucus nigraWhen taken orally, this has antioxidant properties (Source: Journal of Agricultural Food...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Sambucus nigra (elderberry) fruit extract
Sambucus nigra is a dark purple to black shrub-growing berry with potent antioxidant properties.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
sandalwood oilFragrant oil that can cause skin-sensitizing reactions... |
Average |
Santalum album seed extractLatin name for sandalwood extract, which is used in cosmetics as a fragrance. It can have... |
Good |
Sapindus mukurossi peel extractA plant extract that is a natural source of saponin... |
Good |
Saponaria officinalis extract
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
saponinGroup of natural carbohydrates, found in plants, that have considerable potential... |
Good |
sarcosine
A synthetic amino acid derivative that functions as a skin conditioning...
Categories:
Hydration
|
Good |
Sargassum filipendula extract
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
sausurrea oilAlso called costus oil. Volatile oil and fragrant component used in cosmetics; it can be a skin... |
Average |
Saxifraga sarmentosa extract
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Schisandra chinensis (magnolia) fruit extractAlso known as five flavor fruit and Chinese magnolia vine, magnolia fruit is a small red berry loaded with beneficial compounds.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
sclareolideFermented from clary sage and used as a fragrant component in cosmetics. |
Best |
Sclerocarya birreaMore commonly known as marula oil, Sclerocarya birrea oil is a non-fragrant plant oil that's a rich source...
Categories:
Emollients,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
sclerotium gumA 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.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers
|
Good |
Scutellaria baicalensis root extractScutellaria baicalensis root extract comes from a flowering plant native to China. |
Poor |
SD alcohol
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
SD alcohol 40-2Denatured alcohol used as a solvent. It can be drying and sensitizing to skin when one of the main...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Best |
sea buckthornAlso known as seaberry, sea buckthorn is a good source of vitamin C as well as various B vitamins, and vitamin E.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
SeamollientTrade name for an algae extract. |
Average |
sea saltCan be effective as a topical scrub, but if left on skin it can increase skin sensitivity to UVB...
Categories:
Scrub Agents,
Sensitizing
|
Good |
seaweedGroup of sea plants (scientific name: algae) of all sizes and shapes, and having a gelatin-like... |
Best |
sea whip extractExtract from a creature that inhabits coral reefs, known for its soothing properties...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing
|
Good |
sebacic acidUsed as a pH adjuster.
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Best |
seleniumMineral considered to be a potent antioxidant...
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Average |
Serenoa serrulata extract
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
sericinScientific name for silk protein.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
serine
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Best |
Sesamum indicum
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
Sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oilSesame oil is a non-fragrant plant oil that is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats along with vitamin E and lignans.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Good |
sesquioleateUsed in cosmetics as a thickening agent and emollient.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Best |
shea butterShea butter is a plant lipid extracted from the karite tree that is used as an emollient in cosmetics. |
Average |
Siegesbeckia orientalisChinese herb (also known as St. Paul’s wort) for which there is no research showing that it has any...
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
silanetriolA silicone-derived synthetic ingredient that helps improve formulary esthetics. It may also enhance the penetration of other key ingredients.
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
silicaMineral found abundantly in sandstone, clay, and granite, as well as in parts of plants and...
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Absorbent
|
Good |
silica dimethyl silylateUsed as a slip and suspending agent.
Categories:
Silicones,
Slip Agents
|
Good |
silica silylateSilica silylate works as a binder, thickening agent, and emollient in cosmetics. |
Good |
silicateInorganic salt that has potent absorbing and thickening properties.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Absorbent
|
Good |
siliconeSubstance derived from silica (sand is a silica). The unique fluid properties of silicone give it a... |
Good |
silk
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Good |
silk powderSynthetically derived powder used as an absorbent and slip agent.
Categories:
Absorbent,
Slip Agents
|
Good |
silk proteinProtein substance (also called sericin) formed by converting silk, which is the soft, lustrous...
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Good |
siloxane |
Good |
siltA sediment obtained from various bodies of water. Silt’s absorbent nature helps it function to...
Categories:
Absorbent
|
Poor |
silverMetallic element that in cosmetics can have disinfecting properties; however, prolonged contact can...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Average |
silver chlorideAn inorganic salt that has no known function in cosmetics.
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Best |
silver tip white tea leaf extract |
Best |
Silybum marianum (milk thistle) fruit extractSilymarin marianum is a plant whose many components have pronounced antioxidant and skin-calming ability.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Best |
Silybum marianum extract
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Antioxidants
|
Best |
Silybum marianum seed oilSilybum marianum seed oil comes from the milk thistle plant. |
Good |
simethiconeMixture of dimethicone with silica; related to silicones, but used as an antifoaming agent.
Categories:
Silicones,
Slip Agents
|
Best |
Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil |
Best |
skin-replenishing ingredientsThese are skincare ingredients that help enrich skin’s surface, drenching it with revitalizing hydration and keeping it there.
Categories:
Skin-Replenishing
|
Best |
skin-restoring ingredientsSkincare ingredients that nourish skin’s surface in a way that helps transform it on many levels...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Skin-Restoring
|
Good |
skullcap extractHerbal extract from Scutellaria baicalensis that has antioxidant soothing properties... |
Good |
slip agentTerm used to describe a range of ingredients that help other ingredients spread over the skin and...
Categories:
Slip Agents
|
Good |
slippery elm barkCan be a skin-soothing ingredient.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
soapTrue “soaps” are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and are not required to list...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Sensitizing
|
Good |
soapberry extractExtract from the tree Sapindus saponaria. The berries contain a good amount of Saponins. |
Good |
soapwortPlant from which is derived an extract with detergent cleansing properties.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
sodium acetateThe sodium salt derived from acetic acid, it serves as a buffering agent when used in small amounts.
Categories:
Uncategorized
|
Good |
sodium acrylate/acryloydimethyl taurate copolymerVersatile synthetic polymer used as a suspending and thickening agent.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers
|
Good |
sodium acrylates copolymerSodium acrylates copolymer is a synthetic, acrylic-based polymer that functions in cosmetics as a texture enhancer, binder, and film-forming agent.
Categories:
Film-Forming Agents,
Texture Enhancer
|
Best |
sodium ascorbate
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Vitamins
|
Best |
sodium ascorbyl phosphateSodium ascorbyl phosphate is a stable, water-soluble form of vitamin C that functions as an antioxidant. |
Good |
sodium benzoateSalt of benzoic acid used as a preservative.
Categories:
Preservatives
|
Good |
sodium bicarbonateA 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.
Categories:
Miscellaneous,
Scrub Agents
|
Average |
sodium bisulfiteUsed in acid-type permanent waves to alter the shape of hair. It is less damaging than alkaline...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
sodium borate
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonateCan be derived from coconut. Used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent, but is potentially...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Sensitizing
|
Good |
sodium carbomerA blend of sodium (salt) and the gelling agent carbomer that functions as a stabilizer and film-forming agent.
Categories:
Film-Forming/Holding Agents
|
Poor |
sodium carbonateAbsorbent salt used in cosmetics; it can also be a skin sensitizer.
Categories:
Absorbent,
Sensitizing
|
Good |
sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucanA carbohydrate ingredient with a gel-like texture, it functions as a binding agent and texture...
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers
|
Good |
sodium cetearyl sulfateA mixture of stearyl and cetyl sulfate that funtions as a surfactant.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
sodium chlorideMore popularly known as common table salt. Used primarily as a binding agent in skincare products...
Categories:
Scrub Agents
|
Best |
sodium chondroitin sulfateDerived from natural mucopolysaccharides, it functions as a skin-softening agent and helps...
Categories:
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
sodium citrateUsed primarily to control the pH level of a product, this ingredient also has antioxidant and...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Preservatives
|
Good |
sodium cocoamphoacetateA gentle cleansing agent derived from coconut fatty acids. It functions as a cleansing agent and...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Poor |
sodium cocoateUsed as a cleansing agent primarily in soaps. It can be drying and sensitizing for skin.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Sensitizing
|
Good |
sodium cocoyl amino acidsThe salt form of amino acids hydrolyzed from coconut. Can be used as a gentle surfactant and/or skin-replenishing ingredient.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
sodium cocoyl glutamateA cleansing agent derived from coconut oil. This ingredient is also used to help soften (remove...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
sodium cocoyl glycinateSodium cocoyl glycinate is an amino acid-derived cleansing agent and skin-softening ingredient in skin care and hair care products.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Skin-Softening
|
Good |
sodium cocoyl isethionateDerived from coconut, a mild soap-free cleansing agent known for its ability to mitigate disruption to skin’s barrier; compatible with sensitive skin.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
sodium dehydroacetateAn organic salt used in low amounts as a preservative to prevent formulary spoilage.
Categories:
Preservatives
|
Good |
sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysinePlant-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.
Categories:
Emulsifiers,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
sodium gluconateThe 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.
Categories:
Skin-Softening,
Miscellaneous
|
Good |
sodium hexametaphosphateSalt with multiple functions in cosmetics. It can act as a detergent, an emulsifier, a texturizer,... |
Best |
sodium hyaluronateThe salt form of skin-replenishing ingredient hyaluronic acid. |
Best |
sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerA modified form of skin-replenishing hyaluronic acid attached to a polymer structure |
Average |
sodium hydroxideAlso known as lye, it is a highly alkaline ingredient used in small amounts in cosmetics to...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Sensitizing
|
Average |
sodium hydroxymethylglycinateAmino acid derivative used as a skin-softening agent; can also function as a preservative.
Categories:
Preservatives,
Hydration
|
Good |
sodium lactateSodium salt of lactic acid. Used primarily as a hydrating and buffering agent (to adjust a...
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Average |
sodium lactobionateWhite, crystalline powder used to synthesize other chemicals. May function as a preservative in...
Categories:
Preservatives
|
Good |
sodium laureth-13 carboxylateUsed primarily as a detergent cleansing agent.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
sodium laureth sulfateCan be derived from coconut; it is used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent. It is considered...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
sodium lauroamphoacetateA coconut-derived gentle cleansing agent and foam booster.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
sodium lauroyl lactylateUsed as an emulsifier and mild thickening agent in cosmetics. In higher concentrations, it...
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Cleansing Agents
|
Best |
sodium lauroyl oat amino acidsA skin-soothing salt created by condensing the chloride form of a fatty acid with amino acids derived from oats.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Skin-Soothing
|
Good |
sodium lauroyl sarcosinateSodium lauroyl sarcosinate is a synthetic or plant-derived surfactant (cleansing agent) that also works as an emulsifier.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emulsifiers
|
Good |
sodium lauryl glucose carboxylateA gentle cleansing agent that may be derived from coconut or made synthetically. Often used to improve the sensorial effects.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Poor |
sodium lauryl sulfateVersatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions primarily as a surfactant... |
Good |
sodium levulinateSodium levulinate is the salt of levulinic acid, a synthetic organic acid that helps condition and soften skin.
Categories:
Skin-Softening,
Preservatives
|
Average |
sodium metabisulfiteReducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in... |
Good |
sodium methyl cocoyl taurateMild surfactant derived from coconut; often used in cleansers when the desired effect is a creamy foam.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
sodium methyl taurateMild surfactant often combined with...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
sodium myreth sulfateDetergent cleansing agent similar to sodium laureth sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Poor |
sodium palmateA soap ingredient created by the salts of acids derived from palm oil. May be naturally-derived or...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
sodium palmitoyl sarcosinateSodium palmitoyl sarcosinate is the salt of palmitoyl sarcosinate, which is derived from the amino acid derivative sarcosine.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Hydration
|
Poor |
sodium palm kernelate
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Best |
sodium PCAPCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is a natural component of skin that is also a very good...
Categories:
Skin-Replenishing
|
Good |
sodium PEG-7 olive oil carboxylateA mild surfactant formed by reacting fatty acids from olive oil esters with polyethylene glycol (PEG).
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emollients
|
Good |
sodium phytateThe salt form of the corn-derived plant component phytic acid, used as a chelating agent in...
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Good |
sodium polyacrylateA synthetic polymer with multiple functions, including film-forming agent, stabilizer, absorbent,... |
Good |
sodium polyacrylate starchSodium polyacrylate starch is a mixture of a natural starch combined with a synthetic acrylate polymer. |
Average |
sodium salicylateSalt form of salicylic acid (BHA). Because it is not the acid form of salicylate (i.e., salicylic...
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Poor |
sodium silicateHighly alkaline and potentially sensitizing mineral used in cosmetics...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Good |
sodium stearoyl glutamateSodium stearoyl glutamate is a synthetic or animal-derived ingredient that is added to cosmetics to condition skin or work as an emulsifier.
Categories:
Emulsifiers,
Hydration
|
Good |
sodium stearoyl lactylateA synthetic or animal-derived ingredient...
Categories:
Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Average |
sodium sulfiteReducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in cosmetic...
Categories:
Preservatives,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
sodium tallowateSodium salt of tallow.
Categories:
Miscellaneous,
Cleansing Agents
|
Poor |
sodium thioglycolateA synthetic ingredinet that functions as a reducing agent in cosmetics, most typically hair-removal lotions...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Good |
sodium trideceth sulfate
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Average |
Solanum lycopersicum extract |
Good |
Solanum tuberosum extractExtract that is more commonly known as potato starch. Used as a thickening agent and texture enhancer in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
solventDescribes a large group of ingredients, including water, that are used to dissolve or break down...
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Good |
SonojellTrade name for petrolatum.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Emollients
|
Best |
soothing agentAny ingredient that reduces certain signs of sensitivity in skin...
Categories:
Skin-Soothing
|
Good |
sorbeth-230 tetraoleateA complex mixture consisting primarily of fatty acid oleic acid and a sugar known as sorbitol. Works as a cleansing agent, thickener, and emulsifier. |
Good |
sorbic acidPreservative derived from mountain ash berries or manufactured synthetically. Sorbic acid is used...
Categories:
Preservatives
|
Good |
sorbitan laurateSorbitan laurate is an ester that works as a cleansing agent and emulsifier.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emulsifiers
|
Good |
sorbitan oleateA synthetic or animal-derived ingredient used as an emulsifier and cleansing agent in cosmetics. Considered safe as used in cosmetics.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
sorbitan olivateSorbitan olivate is a mixture of the fatty acids from olive oil plus a sugar known as sorbitol.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Emulsifiers
|
Good |
sorbitan sesquioleate
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers
|
Good |
sorbitan stearateAn emulsifier used to thicken and stabilize cosmetics formulations.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers
|
Best |
sorbitolSorbitol is a type of sugar that can be created synthetically or derived from natural sources. |
Best |
soy extractPotent antioxidant and soothing agent for skin... |
Best |
soy isoflavones |
Best |
soy oilSoy oil is a non-fragrant plant oil with multiple uses for skin. |
Poor |
spearmint oilFragrant, volatile oil that can cause skin sensitivity. |
Best |
SPF
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Best |
sphingolipidsSphingolipids are complex lipids (fats) that function as skin-replenishing and conditioning ingredients...
Categories:
Skin-Restoring,
Skin-Replenishing
|
Best |
Spiraea ulmaria (meadowsweet) extractSpiraea 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. |
Good |
spirulina |
Best |
squalaneSqualane is a moisturizing ingredient that’s also a source of skin-replenishing fatty acids and antioxidants. |
Best |
squaleneOil derived from shark liver or from plants (usually olives). It is a natural component... |
Good |
St. John's wortContains several components that are harmful to skin in the presence of sunlight (Sources: Planta...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
star anise |
Good |
steapyrium chlorideAntistatic agent used in hair-care products.
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Good |
stearalkonium chlorideAntistatic ingredient used in hair-care products to control flyaways and aid in helping a brush or...
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Good |
stearalkonium hectoriteA powder derived from hectorite clay which is used in amounts up to 50% as a safe suspending agent in cosmetics.
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Good |
stearates |
Good |
steareth-20Derived 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.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
stearic acidFatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier... |
Good |
stearyl alcoholA type of non-irritating fatty alcohol used to moisturize skin and to help keep other ingredients intact in a formulation.
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
stearyl dimethiconeStearyl dimethicone is a synthetic skin-conditioning agent that's a siloxane polymer...
Categories:
Silicones,
Slip Agents
|
Best |
stearyl glycyrrhetinateThe 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.
Categories:
Skin-Soothing,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
stearyl methiconeSilicone polymer used as a skin-conditioning or occlusive agent. |
Good |
stearyl stearateA plant-based wax prepared with natural fatty acids combined with synthetic fatty alcohols.
Categories:
Emollients,
Texture Enhancer
|
Poor |
styrax benzoin
Categories:
Preservatives
|
Good |
styrene/acrylates copolymerSynthetic polymer.
Categories:
Film-Forming/Holding Agents
|
Good |
sucroseMonosaccharide that has hydrating properties for skin.
Categories:
Skin-Replenishing,
Hydration
|
Good |
sucrose stearateSucrose stearate is an ester of stearic acid and sugar that works as an emollient and cleansing agent. |
Average |
sugarcane extractIngredients like sugarcane extract, fruit extracts, mixed fruit extracts, and milk solids may claim...
Categories:
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
sulfatesSulfates are a group of ingredients that have many consumers worried but in truth, misinformation, not sulfates, are the actual problem...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Poor |
sulfurDisinfectant agent that can be a potent skin sensitizer...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Best |
sunflower seed oilNon-volatile plant oil used as an emollient in cosmetics.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Emollients
|
Best |
sun protection factorMost commonly seen as SPF, it is a number that is assigned to a product that identifies its ability...
Categories:
Miscellaneous
|
Best |
superoxide dismutaseEnzyme considered to be an antioxidant...
Categories:
Antioxidants
|
Good |
surfactantShortened term for surface active agent. Surfactants degrease and emulsify oils and fats and...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents
|
Good |
sweet almondMost often used in its oil form, this ingredient is expressed from almonds. Also used as an...
Categories:
Emollients,
Plant Extracts
|
Good |
sweet almond oilEmollient, non-fragrant plant oil.
Categories:
Emollients
|
Poor |
Symphytum officinale extract |
Good |
synthetic beeswaxAn artificial form of beeswax composed of a mixture of alcohol esters...
Categories:
Thickeners/Emulsifiers,
Emollients
|
Good |
synthetic fluorophlogopiteSynthetic fluorophlogopite is a synthetic mineral material used in cosmetics to add bulk and to thicken emulsions.
Categories:
Thickeners,
Texture Enhancer
|
Good |
synthetic waxA wax derived from a mixture of various oils. It functions as a binding and stabilizing agent.
Categories:
Miscellaneous,
Texture Enhancer
|
Poor |
Szechuan peppercornFrom a plant native to Szechuan Province in China. It grows on trees, and so differs from black...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
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About the Experts
Paula Begoun is the best-selling author of 20 books about skincare and makeup. She is known worldwide as The Cosmetics Cop and creator of Paula’s Choice Skincare. Paula’s expertise has led to hundreds of appearances on national and international radio, print, and television including:
The Paula's Choice Research Team is dedicated to busting beauty myths and providing expert advice that solves your skincare frustrations so you can have the best skin of your life!