Water. 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

Ethylhexyl Triazone

UV Absorber, UV Filter

Ethylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.

It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.

Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.

It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Triazone

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.

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 preservatives

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

UV Filter

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 Benzoate

Polysilicone-15

UV Filter

Polysilicone-15 is a chemical UV filter that absorbs UV-B rays. It is a photostable ingredient often used to boost SPF factor and protect products from UV-induced deterioration.

Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.

Polysilicone-15 is not water-soluble.

Learn more about Polysilicone-15

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter

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 2025.

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 Triazine

Butylene Glycol

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene 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 Glycol

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (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.

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.

Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++

Vegan Peptide Bakuchiol Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++

When to use

Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ 40 ingredients

Mary & May Vegan Peptide Bakuchiol Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++ 56 ingredients

309 Routines

98% use in am

2% use in pm

95% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

30 Routines

97% use in am

3% use in pm

87% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ 40 ingredients

3.3 /5

from 20 ratings

Light (10) Hydrating (9) Absorbs Well (9)

Rii Enzo

7 months ago

Review

I LOVE THIS SUNCREEN SM (theres so many ppl dislike anua sunscreen and i think its bcus theyre allergic to heartleaf?) I WISH THEY CAN REMOVE CETREAYEAL ALCOHOL OR WTV IT IS IDK HOW TO SPELL “ CETREYEAL” 😢 IT LOWK OILY AT FIRST WHILE APPLYING BUT U NEED TO TRUST THE PROCESS OFC AND IT DIDNT MAKE MY FACE FEEL OILY AND GREASY😋 IT HAS NO WHITE CAST AND ITS OBVI BROWN SKIN FRIENDLYY🙏🙏 HERES THE CONS: Show more

#expensive

#hydrating

#absorbs well

#strong scent

Anua

Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++

Lapaki

3 months ago

Review

I’ve had a very good experience with the Anua Silky Moisture Sunscreen. It spreads easily and melts into the skin within seconds, leaving zero white cast. The finish is nice, it feels silky smooth, very lightweight, and works really well under my makeup.

A big plus is that it doesn’t contain hyaluronic acid, making it particularly great for colder, drier months, yet it’s still moisturizing. It Show more

#hydrating

#light

#absorbs well

#light scent

Anua

Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++