What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polyethylene
AbrasiveCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingPassiflora Edulis Seed Oil
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCamellia Sinensis Flower Extract
PerfumingLavandula Angustifolia Flower Water
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingWater
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSea Water
HumectantLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningDioscorea Villosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
HumectantOriganum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCupressus Sempervirens Leaf Extract
PerfumingSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningBetula Alba Bark Extract
MaskingGolden Extract
Sea Water Extract
Skin ConditioningEpilobium Fleischeri Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
MaskingSilene Firma Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentGarcinia Mangostana Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningFlower Extract
Bisabolol
AntioxidantLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantXylitylglucoside
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingXylitol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPotassium Sulfate
Oxygen
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantLimonene
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingDimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polyethylene, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ozokerite, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Water, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sea Water, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Dioscorea Villosa Root Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Golden Extract, Sea Water Extract, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Silene Firma Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Fruit Extract, Flower Extract, Bisabolol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Capryloyl Glycine, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Hexylene Glycol, Xylitol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sulfate, Oxygen, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Limonene, Citral, Linalool
Synthetic Wax
AbrasiveDibutyl Adipate
EmollientButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientOctocrylene
UV AbsorberMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGossypium Herbaceum Extract
Skin ConditioningSophora Flavescens Root Extract
AntioxidantRheum Palmatum Root/Stalk Extract
AstringentScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPhellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientBisabolol
AntioxidantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingOctyldodecanol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingSynthetic Wax, Dibutyl Adipate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Octocrylene, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Silica, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ozokerite, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Rheum Palmatum Root/Stalk Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Bisabolol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Titanium Dioxide, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Octyldodecanol, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Tocopherol, Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Parfum
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 TriazineBisabolol 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl 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.
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 BenzoateEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateOzokerite 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 OzokeriteTocopherol 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