What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPropanediol
SolventDicaprylyl Carbonate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
AbrasivePrunus Persica Flower Extract
MoisturisingButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingIsododecane
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide Oxide
AntimicrobialHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Stearic Acid
CleansingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Tocopherol
AntioxidantArginine
Masking3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Behenyl Alcohol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Titanium Dioxide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica Flower Extract, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Pentylene Glycol, Silica, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Tromethamine, Isododecane, Aluminum Hydroxide Oxide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Butylene Glycol, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Tocopherol, Arginine, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Glutathione, Behenyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, CI 77491, CI 77492
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantTromethamine
BufferingDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Stearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientKaolin
AbrasiveAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPolyglycerin-6
HumectantSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantBetaine
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Water
MaskingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientLauryl Alcohol
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantWater, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Niacinamide, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, CI 77891, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, CI 77007, Tromethamine, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Silica, Carbomer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Kaolin, Allantoin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Adenosine, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyglycerin-6, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Betaine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, T-Butyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Lauryl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate
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
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineThis 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 TriazineButyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.
According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerDibutyl Adipate is a lightweight, oil-soluble ester that acts as an emollient and solvent. It helps products spread more easily and leaves a soft, silky, dry-touch finish without being greasy.
You'll likely see this ingredient in sunscreens because it does a nice job dissolving UV filters and keeping them evenly distributed.
This ingredient has been found to be safe as used in cosmetics, wasn't a skin or eye irritant in clinical patch testing, and wasn't phototoxic.
In a clinical comedogenicity test, this ingredient tested negative so it isn't likely to clog pores.
Typical use levels are about 5-8% for sunscreens + nail products, but can range from 0.005%-8% depending on the product.
Learn more about Dibutyl AdipateDiethylamino 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 BenzoateEthylhexyl 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 TriazoneNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is a plant-derived emulsifier whose only job is to keep the oily and watery parts of a formula blended so it doesn't separate into layers.
It's compatible with a wide-range of active ingredients and especially good at making emulsions survive heat/freeze cycles.
Typical use concentrations range from 2-3% and it works across a pH of 4.5-8.5.
This ingredient has been found safe to use in cosmetics and has a low irritation profile.
Because it's build on stearic acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. Stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that falls within the range (C11-24) that Malassezia can feed on.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose DistearatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolSilica, 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 SilicaTocopherol 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 TocopherolTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWe don't have a description for Vp/Eicosene Copolymer yet.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water