What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPEG-8 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberHomosalate
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Dimethicone
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydroxyapatite
AbrasiveCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantArtemisia Vulgaris Oil
PerfumingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingCI 77220
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantChrysanthellum Indicum Extract
Skin ConditioningFructose
HumectantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantFarnesol
PerfumingCentella Asiatica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningSaururus Chinensis Leaf/Root Extract
AntimicrobialTaraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientStephania Tetrandra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Titanium Dioxide, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-8 Dimethicone, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, CI 77492, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyapatite, CI 77288, Artemisia Vulgaris Oil, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Disteardimonium Hectorite, CI 77491, Panthenol, Bisabolol, CI 77220, Butylene Glycol, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Fructose, CI 77499, Farnesol, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Sodium Polyacrylate, Phosphatidylcholine, Ceramide NP, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Saururus Chinensis Leaf/Root Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningC9-12 Alkane
SolventDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientSilica
AbrasivePolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingDimethiconol
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPolymethyl Methacrylate
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSea Salt
AbrasiveSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantBombax Malabaricum Flower Extract
HumectantWater, Zinc Oxide, Caprylyl Methicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C9-12 Alkane, Dipropylene Glycol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Methyl Trimethicone, Dicaprylyl Ether, Titanium Dioxide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Dimethiconol, Trisiloxane, CI 77492, Dibutyl Adipate, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77491, Adenosine, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, CI 77499, Tocopherol, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sea Salt, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Bombax Malabaricum Flower Extract
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
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.
Aloe is one of the most well-known natural soothing ingredients, and for good reason.Ā Itās full of water and has a cooling, calming effect on the skin, especially when itās sunburned, itchy, or irritated.Ā Aloe also helps your skin stay hydrated and smooth by mimicking what healthy skin naturally produces.Ā On top of that, it contains vitamins and nutrients that support skin recovery.Ā
It doesnāt protect you from the sun, but it can help your skin bounce back after too much time in it.
Letās get into the details:
Aloe contains antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight off free radicals (unstable molecules from things like pollution that can damage your skin).
Itās also rich in polysaccharides, which are natural sugars that help hydrate the skin by acting like the skinās own moisturizing agents. These, along with other sugars like monosaccharides, help form a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
Aloe works as both a humectant and an emollient. That means it draws water into the skin (humectant) and helps trap it there (emollient), making it an effective natural moisturizer.
Youāll also find a mix of other skin-supporting ingredients in aloe, including folic acid, choline, calcium, amino acids, fatty acids, and even Vitamin B12.
Out of the 420+ species of aloe, Aloe barbadensis is the most widely used in skincare products thanks to its gentle yet effective properties.
There are over 420 species of aloe but Aloe Barbadensis is the most commonly used for topical products.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractAluminum 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.
This ingredient is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
This ingredient is a type of elastomer.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerDisteardimonium 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 HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid, a fatty acid from coconut. It has emollient and emulsifier properties.
As an emollient, it helps hydrate your skin. Emollients work by creating a barrier on your skin to trap moisture in, helping to keep your skin soft and smooth.
On the other hand, emulsifiers prevent ingredients (such as oil and water) from separating.
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateMagnesium 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 SulfateTitanium 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 DioxideTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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