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 well-suited for blemish-prone skin with visible blackheads, follicular filaments, or enlarged pores. Studies suggest that salicylic acid may help reduce skin 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 nonionic 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 modifier, and conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations.(2-3)

Sesamum indicum, or sesame, is a plant native primarily to tropical regions. The active 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 fatty acids, most of which are unsaturated.(1) It also has antioxidant properties.(2) In cosmetic products, it is also often used because of the myristic acid it contains, as this acts as a stabilizing emulsifier.(1) It has been classified as safe as part of a safety assessment for cosmetic ingredients.(3)

Silicon dioxide is used in cosmetics as an anti-foaming agent, anti-caking agent, filler, binder, skin-conditioning agent, lubricant, suspending agent, and viscosity-increasing agent. Skin care products containing silica may be well-suited for oily skin, as they help absorb excess sebum and leave the skin feeling matte, refreshed, and powdery.(1)

Jojoba oil is a wax ester; due to its chemical similarity to human sebum, it 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-former, 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 feel. Other polymers can, for example, form a film on the skin’s surface.(2)

Sodium benzoate is a preservative generally recognized as safe that has bacteriostatic and fungistatic effects 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, after stress or irritation. Clinical data show that beta-glucan can soothe the skin, reduce redness, and accelerate regeneration. (1–4)