What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone
Emollient
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientHomosalate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
Masking
Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil
Masking
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Sea Water
HumectantLavandula Angustifolia Flower Water
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Capryloyl Glycine
CleansingSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingXylitol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sarcosine
Skin Conditioning
Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningEpilobium Fleischeri Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
Antimicrobial
Tremella Fuciformis Extract
Humectant
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientVanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Nephelium Lappaceum Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLitchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGarcinia Mangostana Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientGardenia Taitensis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOxygen
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polyethylene, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ozokerite, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bisabolol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Water, Butylene Glycol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sea Water, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Capryloyl Glycine, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Hexylene Glycol, Xylitol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sarcosine, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Nephelium Lappaceum Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Oxygen, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPolyethylene
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Silica
Abrasive
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingBisabolol
Antioxidant
Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Oxygen
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Butylene 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
Bisabolol is a gentle skin conditioner, antioxidant, and soothing ingredient.
It's primary claim to fame is soothing and research shows topically applied bisabolol can quiet the chemical messengers that cause your skin to become inflamed, helping to sooth any irritation.
A clinical study found that applying 0.5% bisabolol daily for 8 weeks produced an average 9% decrease in skin pigmentation. Researchers found it can also suppress the process that leads to excess melanin production in skin.
In vitro studies found that bisabolol combined with propylene glycol significantly increased skin permeability by increasing lipid fluidity in the stratum corneum.
You'll likely see use concentrations quite low, usually 0.1-0.2%.
Overall, this is a well-tolerated ingredient that works well in formulas designed for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.
Learn more about BisabololButylene 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 GlycolCetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Dehydroacetic Acid is fungicide and bactericide. It is used as a preservative in cosmetics. Preservatives help elongate the shelf life of a product.
Dehydroacetic Acid is not soluble in water.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Diethylamino 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 EthylhexylglycerinOxygen is a highly reactive chemical element. It is used by all living organisms for cellular respiration.
More studies are needed to show the role of oxygen in cosmetics and the skin.
Ozokerite 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 TocopherolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateThis 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
