What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSilica
AbrasiveButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberDibutyl Adipate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDiisopropyl Adipate
EmollientMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantEthyl Ferulate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantBioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
AbsorbentAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBHT
AntioxidantEthyl Hexanediol
SolventWater, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Silica, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dibutyl Adipate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Pentylene Glycol, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Methicone, Diisopropyl Adipate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Ethyl Ferulate, Tocopherol, Bioflavonoids, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Tromethamine, Decyl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Xanthan Gum, BHT, Ethyl Hexanediol
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterC15-19 Alkane
SolventPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveButylene Glycol
HumectantOctyldodecyl Oleate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Stearyl Alcohol
EmollientDecyl Glucoside
CleansingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningNymphaea Caerulea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, C15-19 Alkane, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Silica, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Phenoxyethanol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Propanediol, Panthenol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Stearyl Alcohol, Decyl Glucoside, Allantoin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Disodium EDTA, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Octyldodecanol, Xanthan Gum, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Nymphaea Caerulea 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.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
Think of it as a supportive ingredient that helps your gel-creams feel silky, "cloud cream-like", and spread evenly without being greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated it (along with 22 other acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers) and concluded it's:
Due to its large molecular size, it sits on the surface of skin rather than penetrating it.
Learn more about Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerAlso known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneButylene 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 GlycolDecyl Glucoside is a plant-derived surfactant and emulsion stabilizer. It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.
Like all surfactants, it works by lowering the surface tension between water and oil. This makes it so that dirt, sebum, and makeup can be lifted off your skin and rinsed away. It also produces a dense and creamy foam.
Because it has a neutral charge, it is compatible with a wide range of ingredients and stays stable across a broad pH range/water hardiness conditions.
Patch testing has shown it to have the lowest irritation potential among common cleansing surfactants (like SLS).
Typical use levels range from 5-20% in rinse-off cleansers.
One thing worth knowing: The American Contact Dermatitis Society named the parent family, alkyl glucosides, "Allergen of the Year" in 2017. The prevalence of allergy is pretty low but be sure to patch test if you've reacted to "gentle" or sulfate-free cleansers before.
This ingredient is fungal acne safe because the fatty alcohol portion of this ingredient is not within the C11-24 chain length that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Decyl GlucosideEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M) is a hybrid and broad-spectrum UV ingredient. It is both a UV absorber and filter.
UV absorbers are an agent that absorbs UV rays. They protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy. UV filters physically reduce the amount of UV rays from reaching your skin.
Tinosorb M covers a range of 280-400 nm and is photostable. This ingredient is neither oil or water soluble.
Tinosorb M is not available in the US. However, it is available in the EU and Asia.
It's sister, Tinosorb S, is set to be approved in the US by late 2025 (fingers crossed!).
Learn more about Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl TetramethylbutylphenolOctocrylene 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 OctocrylenePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Propanediol 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 PropanediolSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum