What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Suncat De
Benzophenone-4
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Benzophenone-3
UV Absorber
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Ceramide Complex
Beta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Rose Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Water, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Suncat De, Benzophenone-4, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Benzophenone-3, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Ceramide Complex, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Panthenol, Rose Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Glycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Triethanolamine
BufferingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Tapioca Starch
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ceteareth-20
CleansingCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Glucoside
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Polyester-7
Skin ConditioningNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract
Antimicrobial
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide As
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Water, Isododecane, Propylene Glycol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Decyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Triethanolamine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Tapioca Starch, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Glyceryl Glucoside, Niacinamide, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Polyester-7, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Ethoxydiglycol, Hyaluronic Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-4, 1,2-Hexanediol, Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Gluconate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide NP, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Panthenol, BHT
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateHyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (basically a long sugar chain) that your skin already makes on its own. In your skin, HA lives in the extracellular matrix and acts as the body's moisture reservoir.
Topically, HA is a humectant that binds water and helps skin look more plump, smooth, and hydrated.
The only catch is that HA isn't a single thing; it actually comes in a wide range of molecular weights (~50 - 2,000+ kDA) and size matters.
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
This is why the best HA serums blend the two sizes together so you get the best of both worlds.
The majority of cosmetic HA is produced by bacterial fermentation, typically using Streptococcus or Bacillus strains. Typical use levels in skincare sit around 0.1-2%.
A clinical study using a 0.2% low-molecular weight HA gel showed improvement in facial seborrheic dermatitis with excellent tolerance.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M) is a hybrid and broad-spectrum UV ingredient. It is both a UV absorber and filter.
UV absorbers are an agent that absorbs UV rays. They protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy. UV filters physically reduce the amount of UV rays from reaching your skin.
Tinosorb M covers a range of 280-400 nm and is photostable. This ingredient is neither oil or water soluble.
Tinosorb M is not available in the US. However, it is available in the EU and Asia.
It's sister, Tinosorb S, is set to be approved in the US by late 2025 (fingers crossed!).
Learn more about Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl TetramethylbutylphenolNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
