What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Dimethicone
Emollient
Diisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Homosalate
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSoluble Collagen
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
PEG-6
HumectantSilica
Abrasive
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3
Cleansing
Dextrin
AbsorbentOctocrylene
UV Absorber
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingTriethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG/PPG-9/2 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Acrylamides/Dmapa Acrylates/Methoxy PEG Methacrylate Copolymer
C30-45 Olefin
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Hydrated Silica
Abrasive
PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningPotentilla Erecta Root Extract
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Trifluoropropyldimethyl/Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Isododecane
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
C30-45 Alkyl Methicone
Emollient
Hydrogenated Palm Oil
Emollient
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Distearyldimonium Chloride
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Masking
Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Dextrin Palmitate
Emulsifying
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
PPG-17
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCharcoal Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Agar
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Elaeis Guineensis Oil
Emollient
Water, Alcohol, Dimethicone, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Glycerin, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Soluble Collagen, Tocopherol, BHT, PEG-6, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3, Dextrin, Octocrylene, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Citrate, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-9/2 Dimethyl Ether, Titanium Dioxide, Acrylamides/Dmapa Acrylates/Methoxy PEG Methacrylate Copolymer, C30-45 Olefin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Methicone, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Hydrated Silica, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Potentilla Erecta Root Extract, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Trifluoropropyldimethyl/Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Isododecane, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, C30-45 Alkyl Methicone, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Stearic Acid, Dextrin Palmitate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, PPG-17, Carbomer, Charcoal Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Agar, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Elaeis Guineensis Oil
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Isododecane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialSilica
Abrasive
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Diethylhexyl Succinate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Polysilicone-15
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
BHT
Antioxidant
Acrylates/Dimethicone Methacrylate/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer
Skin Conditioning
Stearoyl Inulin
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Isododecane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Silica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polysilicone-15, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Butylene Glycol, BHT, Acrylates/Dimethicone Methacrylate/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer, Stearoyl Inulin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Phenoxyethanol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTYou 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 GlycolC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateDiethylamino 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 MethoxycinnamateIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.
Learn more about IsododecanePhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, 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 SilicaTocopherol 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 TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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
