What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Homosalate 9%
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene 9%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.7%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBenzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPolymethyl Methacrylate
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentCetearyl Olivate
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitrus Aurantifolia Oil
CleansingTromethamine
BufferingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantTrisodium EDTA
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingIsohexadecane
EmollientAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingNepeta Cataria Extract
TonicRubus Idaeus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBaptisia Tinctoria Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningStellaria Media Extract
Skin ConditioningMorinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHomosalate 9%, Octocrylene 9%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.7%, Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cetearyl Olivate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Sorbitan Olivate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Tromethamine, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Trisodium EDTA, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Isohexadecane, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Nepeta Cataria Extract, Rubus Idaeus Leaf Extract, Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Stellaria Media Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Citral, Linalool
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.5%
UV AbsorberHomosalate 9%
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene 9%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate-13
Parfum
MaskingPolyisobutene
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingLavandula Angustifolia Flower Water
Skin ConditioningButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingButylene Glycol
HumectantGlucose
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentHibiscus Abelmoschus Extract
MaskingMagnesium Sulfate
Calcium Chloride
AstringentTocopherol
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeManganese Sulfate
Skin ConditioningChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningZinc Sulfate
AntimicrobialAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.5%, Homosalate 9%, Octocrylene 9%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Water, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Silica, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Trisiloxane, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, C14-22 Alcohols, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Caprylyl Methicone, Polyacrylate-13, Parfum, Polyisobutene, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Citronellol, Butylene Glycol, Glucose, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Hibiscus Abelmoschus Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Calcium Chloride, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Manganese Sulfate, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Zinc Sulfate, Ascorbyl Glucoside
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.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
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneButylene 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 GlycolCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateHomosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalateLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneOctocrylene 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 OctocrylenePotassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.
Learn more about Potassium Cetyl PhosphateWater. 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 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