Ingredient Intelligence

Explore the science and sourcing behind the ingredients that power our formulas. 
Two ways to explore our ingredients

Skin Science

Understand how key ingredient categories work within the skin, from Vitamin C and retinoids to peptides and ceramides. 
 

Ingredient Story

Discover the origin and craftsmanship behind the individual ingredients used in our formulas.
 

Ask Us Anything 

What is your "NO" list?

We formulate facial skincare without harmful or questionable ingredients like parabens, phthalates, BHT, or synthetic fragrance. Explore the Sunday Riley No List below for full ingredient transparency:

  • Aluminum Salts
  • Benzophenone Compounds
  • Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
  • Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
  • Butoxyethanol
  • Coal Tar
  • Cyclic Silicones
  • EDTA and Derivatives
  • Ethanolamines (DEA, TEA, MEA, ETA)
  • Ethoxylated Ingredients (e.g., PEGs without 1,4-dioxane control)
  • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate)
  • Formaldehyde Releasing Agents
  • Gluten
  • GMOs
  • Homosalate
  • Hydroquinone
  • Lead and Lead Acetate
  • Mercury and Mercury Compounds
  • Methoxyethanol
  • Methyl Cellosolve
  • Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone
  • Mineral Oil
  • Nanomaterials
  • Oxybenzone
  • Palm Oil (Untraceable or Non-RSPO Certified)
  • Parabens
  • Petrolatum
  • Paraffin
  • PFAS Compounds
  • Phthalates
  • Plastic Microbeads
  • Polyacrylamide and Acrylamide
  • Retinyl Palmitate
  • Styrene
  • Synthetic Fragrance (in facial skincare)
  • Talc
  • Tallow / Lard
  • Toluene and Derivatives
  • Triclosan and Triclocarban
  • 1,4 Dioxane (restricted to 10ppm or less in rinse-off and 3ppm or less in leave-on formulas)

Are your products cruelty-free?

Yes, we are certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and by PETA. 

Fun fact: our founder and CEO has 10 pets: dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. Respect and love for animals runs deep in our company DNA.

Tell me more about ethical sourcing

We source with intention. Every ingredient we use is vetted for traceability, fair labor practices, and environmental responsibility.

Why don't you use synthetic perfume or fragrance in your facial skincare products?

We do not use synthetic fragrance in our facial skincare products, as this can be a major irritant for people with sensitive skin. We do use botanical and plant extracts which have a natural scent while providing soothing benefits to the skin, like neroli essential oil. All of our facial skincare products are "fragrance-free."

Are your products safe for use during pregnancy?

Yes, though we recommend avoiding the use of retinoids and salicylic acid during pregnancy. During pregnancy, we recommend Vitamin C for brightening, hyaluronic acid and ceramides for soothing hydration, and gentle lactic acid for clarity. When pregnant, we always recommend discussing all health and skincare choices with your doctor.

What about your sustainability practices?

Great question. We recycle and process our waste where possible, even hard-to-recycle beauty items, through our partnership with Pact. We're also Plastic Neutral, which means we pick up as much plastic from the environment as we produce, through our partnership with re(Purpose). For more information, see our Sustainability page.