Ingredient Name
Natural or Synthetic?
How Safe Is It?
Can It Be Organic?
Learn more
Sage Leaf Herb
Sage was named after the latin word "salvere” which means "to be saved" as it is so revered for its ability to heal and restore. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make sage an excellent toner. It can also help to regulate sebum production while the strong antioxidants provide protection against free radicals that damage skin cells.
Saint John's Wort
A natural anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antiseptic, astringent, antimicrobial and antioxidant that improves the health of your dog's skin.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a naturally occurring compound, which can be isolated from the bark of the willow tree. It can also be synthetically produced.
It can increase skin absorption of all ingredients in a product so you'd want to make sure when it is present the other ingredients are safe and all natural. A low possibility of causign skin Irritation in some animals. It can help to unclog pores and help with dandruff.
It can increase skin absorption of all ingredients in a product so you'd want to make sure when it is present the other ingredients are safe and all natural. A low possibility of causign skin Irritation in some animals. It can help to unclog pores and help with dandruff.
Saponified Organic Oils
Vegetable oils that have been converted to soap and glycerine - the highest grade of soap available! It is safe, non-toxic, mild, and gentle!
They can also be organic!
They can also be organic!
Sea Salt
Exactly what it sounds like - salt from the sea, ocean, or salt water lake that has been dehydrated. It is generally regarded as safe.
Sclerotium gum
Used as a thickening and conditioning agent. It is generally regarded as safe. It is a polysaccharide (carbohydrate) produced by fermentation of filamentous fungus.
SD 40
Denatured alcohol is ethyl alcohol with additives (usually methanol) added that make it unsuitable for consumption. It is used in place of alcohol as the additives make it where manufacturers don't have to pay taxes on it as an alcohol.
Ethanol acts as a penetration enhancer for many chemicals.
Methanol (if that is the additive) has links to moderate non-reproductive organ system toxicity.
Also called denatured alcohol.
Ethanol acts as a penetration enhancer for many chemicals.
Methanol (if that is the additive) has links to moderate non-reproductive organ system toxicity.
Also called denatured alcohol.
Shea Butter
A vegetable oil obtained from the tree Butyrospermum parkii used for skin conditioning.
Soapbark Extract
(Quillaja saponaria wood extract)
(Quillaja saponaria wood extract)
Generally recognized as safe with some evidence of having links to skin allergies allergies.
Sodium Alpha Olefin
Generally regarded as safe but if contaminated with gamma sultone (part of the manufacturing process) and not purified, it may have links to non-reproductive organ system toxicity. How can you know if it is contaminated? You won't know from looking at the bottle. Don't buy cheap shampoo!
It also has strong links to dry and irritated skin for dogs with sensitive skin.
It also has strong links to dry and irritated skin for dogs with sensitive skin.
Sodium Alginate Also known as Sodium Calcium Alginate
Alginates are generally reported not to be irritating to the skin but can be mildly irritating to the eyes.
Sodium Anisate
Made from anise and fennel, this natural preservative is safe and while not organic itself, is approved for use in organic products.
When mixed with odium levulinate, it can be an effective anti-fungal.
When mixed with odium levulinate, it can be an effective anti-fungal.
Sodium Benzoate
There are two sources of sodium benzoate - natural from fruit and lab synthesized.
It is an effective preservative that prevents the growth of molds and bacteria.
When sodium benzoate is formulated with vitamin C or citric acid, it may form benzene. (a known carcinogen). This reaction is pH dependent and very unlikely but is noted.
It does have links to allergies and there is limited evidence that it may have links to endocrine disruption.
It is an effective preservative that prevents the growth of molds and bacteria.
When sodium benzoate is formulated with vitamin C or citric acid, it may form benzene. (a known carcinogen). This reaction is pH dependent and very unlikely but is noted.
It does have links to allergies and there is limited evidence that it may have links to endocrine disruption.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Baking soda is a salt used for deodorizing, pH adjusting, oral care, and more.
Sodium c-14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
A detergent cleansing agent that produces a lot of foam.
The name may be misleading, but sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is not a sulfate. Sulfonate is related to but not the same as sulfates. In a sulfonate the sulfur is linked direct to a carbon atom where as a sulfate is linked directly to the carbon chain via an oxygen atom.
They do however have similar qualities when it comes to propensity of being irritating to the skin.
It also has links to organ system toxicity.
Sodium carbonate
A salt that helps to break down dirt and oil from the hair and skin and helps to regulate the pH. It can also be used to soften hard water.
Sodium chloride
Generally regarded as safe, sodium chloride is salt.
Sodium citrate
Generally regarded as safe, it is used as a pH adjuster and water softener. Usually produced from fruits, through yeast fermentation, or even by solvent extraction. Sodium citrate is then produced by neutralizing citric acid with sodium hydroxide.
Sodium cocoate
Saponified coconut oil made from mixing sodium hydroxide with coconut oil. When the reaction is done, there is zero sodium hydroxide left in the final finished product.
It is safe and non-toxic! Extremely hydrating, a great moisturizer that helps to provide a protective layer, retaining moisture in the skin while allowing the skin to breathe. As a mild oil, it is very good for inflamed or irritated skin, and on dogs with skin sensitivities.
It is safe and non-toxic! Extremely hydrating, a great moisturizer that helps to provide a protective layer, retaining moisture in the skin while allowing the skin to breathe. As a mild oil, it is very good for inflamed or irritated skin, and on dogs with skin sensitivities.
Sodium coco sulfate
A synthetic detergent which may cause skin irritation. Suspected to be an environmental toxin.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
A relatively new synthetic detergent.
Generally regarded as safe.
Generally regarded as safe.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
A relatively new surfactant. Generally regarded as safe but may cause skin irritation.
Sodium Gluconate
A relatively new synthetic detergent.
Generally regarded as safe.
Generally regarded as safe.
Sodium Hydroxide
It would be exceptionally rare for sodium hydroxide to be used as a final ingredient. More likely it is used to saponify oils where it is absent in the final product and as such is safe.
If it is used outside of saponification, the safety rating would need to change to be less safe.
If it is used outside of saponification, the safety rating would need to change to be less safe.
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
A synthetic antimicrobial preservative with strong links to skin and eye irritation as well as allergies. Under certain conditions can release formaldehyde.
Sodium jojobate
Saponified jojoba oil made from mixing sodium hydroxide with coconut oil. When the reaction is done, there is zero sodium hydroxide left in the final finished product.
It is safe and non-toxic! A great cleanser and an excellent moisturizer. Jojoba also contains fatty acids that help to rejuvenate and restore dry skin.
It is safe and non-toxic! A great cleanser and an excellent moisturizer. Jojoba also contains fatty acids that help to rejuvenate and restore dry skin.
Sodium Lauroamphoacetate
A fairly new and very mild surfactant (cleanser) with rare skin allergies. It is generally regarded as safe.
Sodium Lauryl Glucoside Carboxylate
Made from starch and fatty alcohol, this new surfactant (cleanser) has so far been found to be quite safe and biodegradable.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
A synthetic cleaner that is not friendly to our planet (ecotoxic). It can be derived from petroleum base or plants. It has links to skin irritation. As a household cleaner it would cause little concern; but, when wouldn't want it on my dog's skin!
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Generally considered to be safe.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
A synthetic cleaner and known skin irritant that has links to organ system toxicity and contamination concerns by ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane which both have links to cancer.
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
A synthetic surfactant that has no known links to toxicity.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Can increase absorption of ingredients through the skin.
Has high concern of contamination from nitrosamines (which are linked to cancer).
Has high concern of contamination from nitrosamines (which are linked to cancer).
Sodium Levulinate
The salt of levulinic acid, a synthetic acid. While a fairly new ingredient, it is thought to be safe.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
While many are quick to point out it is derived from fatty acid amide of N-methyltaurine in coconut, it is MANY chemical reactions to get to where it is a surfactant / foaming agent. The Cosmetics Ingredient Review has deemed sodium methyl cocoyl taurate safe for use in cosmetic products “when formulated to be non-irritating".
Sodium Olivate
Saponified olive oil made from mixing sodium hydroxide with olive oil. When the reaction is done, there is zero sodium hydroxide left in the final finished product.
It is safe and non-toxic! Rich in vitamins, minerals, natural fatty acids, and antioxidants. Known for its ability to nourish, rejuvenate, and protect the skin.
It is safe and non-toxic! Rich in vitamins, minerals, natural fatty acids, and antioxidants. Known for its ability to nourish, rejuvenate, and protect the skin.
Sodium palmate
Saponified palm oil made from mixing sodium hydroxide with palm oil. When the reaction is done, there is zero sodium hydroxide left in the final finished product.
It is safe and non-toxic!
It is safe and non-toxic!
Sulfosuccinate Surfactant
Typically when you see this on an ingredient panel it is Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate which can have contamination from ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. There is a reason they don't want you to know what they are really using!
Sunflower Oil
Rich in Vitamins A, D, and E, sunflower oil acts as an emollient that holds moisture inside the skin cells and retains skin hydration. As a strong antioxidant, it helps to protect the collagen and elastin in the skin to improve the skin’s tone. The high amounts of Omega-6 (linoleic) fatty acid are anti-inflammatory to reduce skin inflammation and dermatitis.
Surfactant Blend Derived from Natural Ingredients (Coconut Base)
Manufacturers use this statement when they don't want to tell you the actual ingredients making it confusing for the consumer.
Stearic Acid
A naturally occurring fatty acid that is usually derived from rendered fat of farm and domestic animals.
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
A low hazard ingredient that in higher concentrations can cause eye irritation and skin irritation. Has some restrictions for use in cosmetics and manufacturing. Is not save as a "leave on" product. Must be rinsed off.
It is suspected to be an environmental toxin (ecotoxic) so it is not safe for our planet.
It is suspected to be an environmental toxin (ecotoxic) so it is not safe for our planet.