What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberOctyldodecanol
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPanthenol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-15
UV FilterSedum Sarmentosum Extract
HumectantCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingMethylpropanediol
SolventPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polyether-1
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Glycerin
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantWater, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dibutyl Adipate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Octyldodecanol, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Methicone, Polysilicone-15, Sedum Sarmentosum Extract, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Methylpropanediol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polyether-1, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Allantoin, Glyceryl Glucoside, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Water
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientDibutyl Adipate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Dimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientPropanediol
SolventEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPolymethyl Methacrylate
Ceramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningEctoin
Skin ConditioningArginine/Lysine Polypeptide
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningGlycoproteins
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningGossypium Herbaceum Callus Culture
Skin ConditioningCistus Monspeliensis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Lansium Domesticum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantDecyl Glucoside
CleansingDimethiconol
EmollientPoloxamer 407
EmulsifyingAcrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Phytate
Butylene Glycol
HumectantAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSucrose Distearate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPhosphoric Acid
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingCholesterol
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Dibutyl Adipate, Glycerin, Silica, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dicaprylyl Ether, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide EOP, Allantoin, Ectoin, Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, Oligopeptide-2, Glycoproteins, Beta-Glucan, Gossypium Herbaceum Callus Culture, Cistus Monspeliensis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Lansium Domesticum Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Decyl Glucoside, Dimethiconol, Poloxamer 407, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Maltodextrin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Phytate, Butylene Glycol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Dipropylene Glycol, Sucrose Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Phosphoric Acid, Citric Acid, Cholesterol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinThis ingredient is better known as bemotrizinol or Tinosorb S and is one of the best broad-spectrum UV filters in modern sunscreen.
It works by absorbing UV light across a whole range (280-400 nm) with peaks around 310 nm (UVB) and 340-345 nm (UVA). This means it covers UVB plus the deeper UVA wavelengths that drive photoaging and pigmentation.
Another pro?
It's exceptionally photostable, barely degrades in sunlight, and acts as a "bodyguard" for less stable filters.
That's why you'll see it paired with avobenzone or octinoxate; this team up ensures they keep working through sun exposure.
Safety reviews have been reassuring across the board. This ingredient shows low absorption through the skin, rarely irritates, and lab studies found it doesn't act like a hormone in the body (a concern that's been raised about some older sunscreen filters).
On maximum concentrations:
In 2026, the US F.D.A finally added it as an OTC sunscreen ingredient at concentrations up to 6% for adults / children 6 months and older
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineButylene 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 GlycolDibutyl Adipate is a lightweight, oil-soluble ester that acts as an emollient and solvent. It helps products spread more easily and leaves a soft, silky, dry-touch finish without being greasy.
You'll likely see this ingredient in sunscreens because it does a nice job dissolving UV filters and keeping them evenly distributed.
This ingredient has been found to be safe as used in cosmetics, wasn't a skin or eye irritant in clinical patch testing, and wasn't phototoxic.
In a clinical comedogenicity test, this ingredient tested negative so it isn't likely to clog pores.
Typical use levels are about 5-8% for sunscreens + nail products, but can range from 0.005%-8% depending on the product.
Learn more about Dibutyl AdipateDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateEthylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlyceryl Glucoside is made from glycerol and glucose.
It is a humectant. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture to it from the air.
Some foods that contain glyceryl glucoside include sake, miso, and wines.
Learn more about Glyceryl GlucosideGlyceryl Stearate is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (typically sourced from plant oils like palm or coconut). It's an emulsifier, emollient, and mild occlusive.
Emulsifiers help ingredients like oil and water stay mixed so your formula stays nicely blended and uniform in texture.
This ingredient is typically used in concentrations between 1-10%. Studies have found it to be non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, and non-photoallergenic.
A close cousin of this ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate SE ("self-emulsifying"). This just has a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate added so it can emulsify without a co-emulsifier.
Since this ingredient is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast can potentially metabolize within the C11-C24 range.
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPotassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.
Learn more about Potassium Cetyl PhosphatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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