Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Thanks to its lipophilic properties, it can penetrate deep into the pores and remove excess oil and dead skin cells. This makes salicylic acid particularly suitable for blemished skin with visible blackheads, follicular filaments, or enlarged pores. Studies suggest that salicylic acid can help reduce blemishes and improve skin texture and tone. It is also often used in chemical peels to reduce acne scars and smooth the skin's surface. BHA exfoliates the skin, which can contribute to a clear and even complexion. (1-5)

Sclerotium gum is a non-ionic polysaccharide produced microbially by the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii. It is characterized by a linear chain of glucose units.(1-2) It is used as an emulsion stabilizer, viscosity regulator and conditioning component in cosmetic formulations.(2-3)

Sesamum indicum, or sesame, is a plant that is primarily native to tropical regions. The ingredient is extracted from the seeds and consists of various fatty acids such as palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid, as well as other mostly unsaturated fatty acids.(1) It also has an antioxidant effect.(2) It is often used in cosmetic products because of the myristic acid it contains, which acts as a stabilizing emulsifier. (1) It has been classified as safe in a safety assessment for cosmetic ingredients. (3)

Silica is used in cosmetics as a defoamer, anti-caking agent, filler, binder, skin conditioning agent, lubricant, suspending agent and viscosity increasing agent. Skin care products with silica can be good for oily skin to bind excess sebum and leave the skin feeling matte, refreshed and powdery(1).

Jojoba oil is a wax ester and its chemical similarity to human sebum supports the skin's natural balance, forms a non-greasy film to retain moisture and regulates sebum production without clogging the pores(1).

Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is a water-soluble polymer that acts as a film-forming agent, emulsion stabilizer, and viscosity controller.(1) Polymers are small molecules consisting of repeating units of chemically bonded monomers. They are ubiquitous in nature; for example, the DNA of all living cells, as well as the proteins and starch in our food, are all composed of polymers. The polymers most commonly used in cosmetics have cationic charges, which give the skin a smooth and nourishing effect. Other polymers can, for example, form a film on the skin’s surface.(2)

Sodium benzoate is a generally recognized safe preservative that has a bacteriostatic and fungistatic effect in an acidic environment(1).

Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan is a water-soluble derivative of beta-glucan—a natural polysaccharide derived from microorganisms such as yeasts or fungi. In cosmetic formulations, beta-glucan has a moisturizing effect and forms a smooth film on the skin that supports its barrier function and protects the skin from moisture loss. At the same time, it can activate immune cells such as macrophages, thereby promoting skin regeneration—for example, following stress or irritation. Clinical data demonstrate that beta-glucan can soothe the skin, reduce redness, and accelerate regeneration. (1–4)