Banila Co Hello Sunny Essence Sun Stick SPF 50+ Versus Banila Co Hello Sunny Essence Sun Stick SPF50 + PA++++ Glow
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Octyldodecanol
EmollientPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientOctocrylene
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDextrin Palmitate
EmulsifyingDibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningSilica Silylate
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBisabolol
AntioxidantCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
MaskingAnthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningBetula Alba Juice
AstringentButylene Glycol
HumectantOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
Astringent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingUlva Lactuca Extract
Skin ConditioningEcklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningCodium Tomentosum Extract
Skin ProtectingAgarum Cribrosum Extract
Skin ConditioningEnteromorpha Compressa Extract
Skin ProtectingLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingDunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningSargassum Fulvellum Extract
Skin ConditioningSargassum Muticum Extract
Skin ProtectingPorphyra Tenera Extract
Skin ConditioningSpirulina Platensis Extract
Skin ProtectingJania Rubens Extract
Skin ConditioningGelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Skin ProtectingEuglena Gracilis Extract
Skin ConditioningMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningCodium Fragile Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Cloustoni Extract
Skin ProtectingCladosiphon Okamuranus Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningPikea Robusta Extract
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract
Skin ConditioningHaematococcus Pluvialis Extract
AntioxidantLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMacrocystis Pyrifera Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Enteromorpha Compressa
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Octocrylene, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dextrin Palmitate, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Silica Silylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Tocopherol, Water, Betula Alba Juice, Butylene Glycol, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Ulva Lactuca Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Codium Tomentosum Extract, Agarum Cribrosum Extract, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Sargassum Fulvellum Extract, Sargassum Muticum Extract, Porphyra Tenera Extract, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Jania Rubens Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Euglena Gracilis Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Codium Fragile Extract, Laminaria Cloustoni Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Plankton Extract, Pikea Robusta Extract, Hydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Macrocystis Pyrifera Protein, Hydrolyzed Enteromorpha Compressa
Octyldodecanol
EmollientPolyamide-8
EmollientButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientOctocrylene
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantDibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSilica
AbrasiveEthylhexyl Hydroxystearate
EmollientBisabolol
AntioxidantEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
MaskingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
MaskingMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientAnthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantBetula Alba Juice
AstringentButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingUlva Lactuca Extract
Skin ConditioningEcklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningCodium Tomentosum Extract
Skin ProtectingAgarum Cribrosum Extract
Skin ConditioningEnteromorpha Compressa Extract
Skin ProtectingLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingBellis Perennis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningSargassum Fulvellum Extract
Skin ConditioningSargassum Muticum Extract
Skin ProtectingPorphyra Yezoensis Extract
Skin ConditioningFucus Vesiculosus Extract
EmollientLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingSpirulina Platensis Extract
Skin ProtectingJania Rubens Extract
Skin ConditioningGelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Skin ProtectingEuglena Gracilis Extract
Skin ConditioningMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningCodium Fragile Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Cloustoni Extract
Skin ProtectingCladosiphon Okamuranus Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorella Ferment
Skin ConditioningChlorella Minutissima Extract
Skin ConditioningHizikia Fusiforme Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningPikea Robusta Extract
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract
Skin ConditioningHaematococcus Pluvialis Extract
AntioxidantLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMacrocystis Pyrifera Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Enteromorpha Compressa
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol, Polyamide-8, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, CI 77163, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Bisabolol, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Water, Tocopherol, Betula Alba Juice, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Ulva Lactuca Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Codium Tomentosum Extract, Agarum Cribrosum Extract, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Bellis Perennis Flower Extract, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Sargassum Fulvellum Extract, Sargassum Muticum Extract, Porphyra Yezoensis Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Jania Rubens Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Euglena Gracilis Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Codium Fragile Extract, Laminaria Cloustoni Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Chlorella Ferment, Chlorella Minutissima Extract, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Plankton Extract, Pikea Robusta Extract, Hydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Macrocystis Pyrifera Protein, Hydrolyzed Enteromorpha Compressa
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
We don't have a description for Agarum Cribrosum Extract yet.
This oil is created by distilling the dried flower heads of the Roman Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Betula Alba Juice is the sap from a birch tree named Betula Alba.
Sap from the Betula Alba tree can help sooth and protect the skin. Betula Alba Juice contains tannins and triterpenes. Tannins are an antioxidant that help fight against free-radical molecules. It is also an astringent and may help reduce pore size. Triterpenes have been shown to help heal wounds.
Betula Alba Juice contains manganese and several amino acids.
Learn more about Betula Alba JuiceYou 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 GlycolThis is a lightweight diester (caprylic/capric acid + butylene glycol) with emollient and skin conditioning properties.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient can help add a "cushiony" oil phase without making it heavy.
Cardiospermum halicacabum extract is more commonly known as Balloon Vine Extract.
Balloon Vine Extract helps soothe skin and is an antioxidant. It also contains many fatty acids, such as palmitic, oleic, and stearic acids. While these fatty acids help soften skin, they may not be fungal-friendly.
Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Balloon Vine has been used in traditional medicine in many Asian cultures.
Learn more about Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine ExtractCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil comes from the bitter orange, an orange native to Southeast Asia.
This orange is commonly used in cosmetics and food. It is a common ingredient for marmalade.
Citrus peels are often made up of mainly limonene, a fragrance with a citrus scent. They also contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Dulcis OilMandarin peel oil is an essential oil made by distilling the peel of mandarin oranges. It is primarily used for fragrance but has some secondary skin conditioning effects.
This ingredient is rich in limonene and is generally considered milder than some other citrus oils (like lemon or bergamot). It is not strongly phototoxic because it contains little to no furocoumarins when properly produced.
Like other essential oils, this ingredient can be a fragrance allergen.
Learn more about Citrus Nobilis Peel OilWe don't have a description for Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Codium Fragile Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Codium Tomentosum Extract yet.
Dehydroacetic Acid is fungicide and bactericide. It is used as a preservative in cosmetics. Preservatives help elongate the shelf life of a product.
Dehydroacetic Acid is not soluble in water.
We don't have a description for Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide yet.
We don't have a description for Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide yet.
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 BenzoateDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAWe don't have a description for Dunaliella Salina Extract yet.
Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe. It can help to reduce redness.
We don't have a description for Ecklonia Cava Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Enteromorpha Compressa Extract yet.
Ethylhexyl 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 SalicylateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinWe don't have a description for Euglena Gracilis Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract yet.
This extract comes from a tiny freshwater green microalga that can be found all over the world. It's special because it can produce massive amounts of Astaxanthin, a bright reddish-orange carotenoid pigment that is considered one of nature's most powerful antioxidants.
The algae starts pumping out Astaxanthin as a defense mechanism whenever it gets stressed out by things like intense sunlight or lack of nutrients.
This extract comes as a red-tinted, oily liquid and is packed with carotenoids, proteins, lipids, and minerals.
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause oxidative damage to your skin. It is also lipophilic, meaning it loves fats. This lets it concentrate in the outer layers of your skin where UV damage tends to hit first.
Research suggests it outperforms other well-known antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Beta-Carotene in terms of scavenging ability. It can also help inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (the enzymes that break down collagen) and can stimulate growth factor secretion to support collagen production in dermal fibroblasts.
Clinical studies have shown that combining oral supplementation (6 mg/day) with topical application of astaxanthin from H. pluvialis led to improvements in wrinkles, age spots, elasticity, skin texture, and moisture content.
This ingredient is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in both topical and oral applications. In cosmetics, you'll see typical concentrations range from 0.1-2%. Allergic reactions are rare and be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
It's worth noting that about 95% of Astaxanthin on the market is made synthetically from petrochemicals.
Learn more about Haematococcus Pluvialis ExtractSunflower seed oil unsaponifiables comes from the the small part of sunflower seed oil that does not convert into soap during the saponification process.
This ingredient is rich in vitamin E, fatty acids (like linoleic acid), and other lipophilic compounds, making it a great emollient. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated and soft.
Due to its rich fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil UnsaponifiablesWe don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Enteromorpha Compressa yet.
We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract yet.
Hypnea Musciformis Extract comes from the red algae called Hypnea musciformis. Hypnea Musciformis is commonly found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
The cell walls of Hypnea Musciformis is rich in carrageenan.
Hypnea Musciformis Extract contains vitamins A, C, and E. It also has calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and iron.
Learn more about Hypnea Musciformis ExtractWe don't have a description for Jania Rubens Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Laminaria Cloustoni Extract yet.
Laminaria Digitata Extract comes from the dark brown seaweed, Laminaria Digitata. It is a potent antioxidant, which also provides soothing and hydrating benefits.
Many studies show the antioxidant components of Laminaria Digitata to help with anti-inflammation.
This ingredient is rich in amino acids, proteins, sugars, and vitamins. Small amounts of minerals such as phosphorous, iron, potassium, and copper are also found the seaweed.
These components help hydrate and nourish your skin's natural barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier leads to more youthful looking skin and may help reduce the signs of aging.
Laminaria Digitata is found in the northern Atlantic Ocean.
What's the difference between algae and seaweed?
Algae is a broad term that includes seaweed. Not all algae is seaweed.
Laminaria Japonica Extract comes from a kelp more commonly known as 'sweet kelp'. It is commonly eaten in Japan, Korea, and China.
Sweet kelp is a humectant and helps hydrate your skin. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin.
Studies show Laminaria Japonica has antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging. Kelp also contains magnesium and zinc, making it great for calming inflammation and redness.
Learn more about Laminaria Japonica ExtractLavandula Angustifolia Oil is more commonly known as lavender essential oil. It is considered a fragrancing ingredient.
Lavender imparts a famous scent. While the smell is lovely, this ingredient and may sensitize skin in topical products. This is because about 85% of the oil is made up of linalool and linalyl acetate.
When exposed to air, these two compounds become strong allergens. This ingredient exhibits cytotoxicity at low concentrations; amounts of 0.25% have been shown to damage skin cells.
A study from Japan found this ingredient caused lavender sensitivity after widespread exposure.
Lavender essential oil has some antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the cons of this ingredient may outweight the pros.
More research is needed to confirm lavender essential oil's effects when used in aromatherapy.
Lavandula Angustifolia is known as the English Lavender and famous for creating purple fields in Provence, France.
Learn more about Lavandula Angustifolia OilLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil is also known as May Chang essential oil. It is mostly used as a fragrance ingredient and has a bright, sweet, and lemony scent.
The main fragrance compounds in this ingredient are citral (~70-85%) and limonene.
Citral has documented antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria (which is where the marketing claims about it being good for acne-prone skin originate), but real formulas use it at fragrance-level concentrations under 1%.
The main thing worth knowing is that citral is a known EU fragrance allergen so people with known fragrance sensitivities may want to skip it.
Unlike citrus oils, May Chang doesn't contain furocoumarins and therefore isn't phototoxic.
Learn more about Litsea Cubeba Fruit OilThis ingredient comes from a brown kelp called Macrocystis pyrifera. It is rich in antioxidants and can help hydrate skin.
Brown kelp are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and phlorotannins. Phlorotannins have been found to help with inhibiting melanin production and helping reduce the signs of aging due to their high antioxidant activity.
One study suggests phlorotannins may even have some sun protection factor due to their antioxidant activity. However, this ingredient should not replace your sunscreen.
Macrocystis pyrifera is made up of about: 60% carbohydrates, 10% protein, and 1.50% lipid content. The last 30% is kelp ash.
This kelp can be found in the southern hemisphere and north Pacific.
Learn more about Macrocystis Pyrifera ExtractWe don't have a description for Macrocystis Pyrifera Protein yet.
Octocrylene 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 OctocryleneOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Pikea Robusta Extract is an antioxidant.
We don't have a description for Plankton Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Propylheptyl Caprylate yet.
We don't have a description for Salicornia Herbacea Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Sargassum Fulvellum Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Sargassum Muticum Extract yet.
Spirulina Platensis Extract comes from the alga called Spirulina platensis. It has wound-healing, antioxidant, and soothing properties.
Antioxidants help protect the skin against free-radical molecules. These molecules may originate from UV rays or pollution. Spirulina Platensis is rich in beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant.
Spirulina Platensis also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and proteins.
Learn more about Spirulina Platensis ExtractTocopherol 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 AcetateWe don't have a description for Ulva Lactuca Extract yet.
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract comes from a kelp native to the northern Pacific Ocean. It is more commonly known as "wakame".
This kelp contains fatty acids, sodium, calcium, iodine, thiamine, and niacin. Studies show a polysaccharide known as fucoidan exhibits strong antioxidant activities. Fucoidan can be found in the cell walls of many species of brown seaweed.
Wakame prefers cold and temperate oceans. It is used in Japanese and Korean cuisine (yummy!).
Learn more about Undaria Pinnatifida ExtractWater. 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