Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace mineral found in nature and occasionally added to cosmetic formulas. It's selected for potential antioxidant support and formula stability, though evidence for meaningful topical skin benefits remains limited.
Like this ingredient?

Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
Selenium is a trace mineral that may support antioxidant defense.
Category
Antioxidant
Type
Mineral

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

May aid in neutralizing free radicals and supporting a product's antioxidant system, though evidence for visible skin changes from topical use is limited.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Found in antioxidant-focused serums and moisturizers, often paired with vitamins C or E.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Generally used at low levels but may cause irritation in some users. Some selenium compounds, such as selenium sulfide, are restricted to specific uses and concentrations, mainly in rinse-off anti-dandruff products. Discontinue if irritation occurs.

Is Selenium a Good Ingredient?

Fair, because the antioxidant potential is plausible, but human data for topical skincare are limited, so results may be modest. Certain forms can also irritate or be unsuitable at higher levels, so the benefit depends heavily on form and concentration.

Related Ingredients