What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantNiacinamide
SmoothingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTribehenin
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSilica Silylate
EmollientCentella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthellum Indicum Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningHibiscus Mutabilis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnolia Sieboldii Extract
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSilica
Abrasive1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMedicago Sativa Extract
TonicSodium Benzoate
MaskingMoonstone Extract
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, CI 77163, Niacinamide, Titanium Dioxide, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Tribehenin, Magnesium Sulfate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Silica Silylate, Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Hibiscus Mutabilis Flower Extract, Magnolia Sieboldii Extract, Alumina, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ceramide NP, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Medicago Sativa Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Moonstone Extract, Glucose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Butylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Trehalose
HumectantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPropylene Carbonate
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAcrylates/Behenyl Methacrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Cyclotetrasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Trehalose, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/Behenyl Methacrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Silica, Aluminum Hydroxide, Centella Asiatica Extract, Allantoin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Disodium EDTA, Cyclotetrasiloxane, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTADisteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteEthylhexyl 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 (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.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having āsulfateā in the name, it isnāt a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesnāt have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfatePeg-10 Dimethicone is silicone with conditioner and emulsifier properties. It mostly acts as an emollient in skincare and and humectant in haircare.
According to the manufacturer, acidic formulations decrease the stability of this ingredient. It works best in neutral or near neutral formulations.
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.
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 SilicaTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as āmineralā by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isnāt as strong as zinc oxideās, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water