What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantIsotridecyl Isononanoate
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientCetyl Diglyceryl Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
Emulsion StabilisingNiacinamide
SmoothingPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingViola Odorata Leaf Extract
MaskingHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingBackhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract
AstringentAcer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingJuniperus Virginiana Oil
MaskingArtemisia Vulgaris Oil
PerfumingPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPolyglyceryl-5 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
CleansingAcrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAlumina
AbrasiveAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantMethylpropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Dipropylene Glycol, Isotridecyl Isononanoate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Cetyl Diglyceryl Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Pentylene Glycol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Diisostearyl Malate, Magnesium Sulfate, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Viola Odorata Leaf Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Artemisia Vulgaris Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-5 Polyricinoleate, Stearic Acid, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Alumina, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Lauroyl Lysine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Tocopherol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDiphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantPolysilicone-11
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningChamaecyparis Obtusa Water
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantParfum
MaskingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Methyl Trimethicone, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Trisiloxane, Magnesium Sulfate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, CI 77492, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77491, Butylene Glycol, Polysilicone-11, Adenosine, CI 77499, Polyglutamic Acid, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Tocopherol, Hyaluronic Acid, Parfum, CI 77891
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Ā
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesĀ
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
Learn more about IsododecaneMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having āsulfateā in the name, it isnāt a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesnāt have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfateNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as āmineralā by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isnāt as strong as zinc oxideās, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skinās lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water