What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polyethylene
AbrasiveHomosalate
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientOctocrylene
UV AbsorberCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingSilica Silylate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientPolypropylsilsesquioxane
Synthetic Wax
AbrasiveButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Alumina
AbrasiveEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningXylitylglucoside
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPolyethylene, Homosalate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Dibutyl Adipate, Caprylyl Methicone, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Octocrylene, Ceresin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ozokerite, Silica Silylate, Dimethicone, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Synthetic Wax, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Octyldodecanol, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Alumina, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Tocopherol, Water, Xylitylglucoside, BHT, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Titanium Dioxide
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientOctocrylene
UV AbsorberVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Silica
AbrasiveMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingBisabolol
AntioxidantLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningOxygen
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Polyethylene, Dimethicone, Octocrylene, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Silica, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ozokerite, Bisabolol, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Water, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Oxygen, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Dehydroacetic Acid
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.Β
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 preservativesΒ
You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2026.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
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 GlycolDiethylamino 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 BenzoateDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneOzokerite is a naturally occuring mineral wax. In cosmetics, ozokerite is used as a texture enhancer.
Ceresin wax is derived from this ingredient.
The melting point of ozokerite is 58-100 C.
Ozokerite is found all over the world including Scotland, the US, and India.
Learn more about OzokeritePolyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
It is also typically used within product formulations to help bind solid ingredients together and thicken oil-based ingredients. When added to balms and emulsions, it helps increase the melting point temperature.
Tocopherol 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 TocopherolThis ingredient is used in makeup and skincare to thicken formulas, reduce shine, and give skin a silky-smooth feel.
Itβs a white silicone powder that sits in fine lines and pores to blur their appearance though its effectiveness depends on the particle size.
You'll typically find this ingredient in amounts between 0.1-20%.
Learn more about Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane CrosspolymerWater. 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