What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Propanediol
Solvent
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantC20-22 Alcohols
Emulsion Stabilising
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Carnosine
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingHydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
Masking
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantBHT
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingO-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propanediol, Dibutyl Adipate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, CI 77891, C20-22 Alcohols, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carnosine, Tocopherol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, 1,2-Hexanediol, CI 77492, Xanthan Gum, CI 77491, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Parfum, CI 77499, BHT, Sodium Hydroxide, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV Absorber
Diisopropyl Adipate
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Ceteareth-20
CleansingEthylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Dimethicone
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Polyester-7
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion Stabilising
Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
Emulsifying
Lecithin
Emollient
Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningSqualene
Emollient
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Cleansing
Caffeyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate
Skin ConditioningGlucose
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Phytic Acid
Rhamnose
HumectantTocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Glucuronic Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingLysolecithin
EmulsifyingNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Propanediol
Solvent
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Diisopropyl Adipate, Silica, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ceteareth-20, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Pentylene Glycol, Polyester-7, Aminomethyl Propanol, Beta-Carotene, Beta-Sitosterol, Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Lecithin, Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract, Squalene, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Caffeyl Glucoside, Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate, Glucose, Glycerin, Phytic Acid, Rhamnose, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Glucuronic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Lysolecithin, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Polysorbate 60, Propanediol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
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.
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
This ingredient is better known as bemotrizinol or Tinosorb S and is one of the best broad-spectrum UV filters in modern sunscreen.
It works by absorbing UV light across a whole range (280-400 nm) with peaks around 310 nm (UVB) and 340-345 nm (UVA). This means it covers UVB plus the deeper UVA wavelengths that drive photoaging and pigmentation.
Another pro?
It's exceptionally photostable, barely degrades in sunlight, and acts as a "bodyguard" for less stable filters.
That's why you'll see it paired with avobenzone or octinoxate; this team up ensures they keep working through sun exposure.
Safety reviews have been reassuring across the board. This ingredient shows low absorption through the skin, rarely irritates, and lab studies found it doesn't act like a hormone in the body (a concern that's been raised about some older sunscreen filters).
On maximum concentrations:
In 2026, the US F.D.A finally added it as an OTC sunscreen ingredient at concentrations up to 6% for adults / children 6 months and older
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDicaprylyl 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.
Ethylhexyl Triazone (aka Octyl Triazone) is an oil-soluble organic UVB filter. It has peak absorption around 314 nm, right in the middle of the UVB range.
This ingredient is described as one of the most effective UVB filters available and small concentrations are enough to deliver a high SPF thanks to its strong UV absorbing power.
Formulators love it for its stability; its ability to filter UV stays practically unchanged even under intense radiation and it can also help boost the photostability of less stable filters like avobenzone.
It's also a great pick for water resistant products because it's insoluble in water and has a good affinity for keratin.
Because it's a big, heavy molecule, the European Scientific Committee has found to to have very low dermal penetration and negative results for allergenicity.
In vitro testing also showed a low absorption rate and clean results on irritation.
Typical use levels are 1-5% with 5% being the maximum in the EU, Japan, and other markets that allow it. However, this ingredient is not approved yet in the US or Canada.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazonePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolTocopherol 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 TocopherolWater. 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
