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. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Homosalate

Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter

Homosalate 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 Homosalate

Ethylhexyl Salicylate

UV Absorber, UV Filter

Ethylhexyl 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 Salicylate

Butylene Glycol

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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 Glycol

Silica

Abrasive, Absorbent

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.

Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.

Learn more about Silica

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.

Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50

When to use

Bioderma Cicabio SPF 50+ 37 ingredients

Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 28 ingredients

18 Routines

89% use in am

11% use in pm

89% use every day

65 Routines

91% use in am

9% use in pm

97% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Bioderma Cicabio SPF 50+ 37 ingredients

3.0 /5

from 1 rating

Absorbs Well (1) No Scent (1) Oily (1)

Aa Ee

10 days ago

Review

It was recommended to me due to my rosacea. It felt ok, but stings in the eyes. I can't be sure if it was this that broke me out while using it, had a couple of pimples every once in a while but felt soothing and moisturizing. It has a slightly greasy texture.

Overall ok but there's probably better for cheaper out there, stopped using it and my rosacea feels less noticeable.

#absorbs well

#oily

#no scent

Bioderma

Cicabio SPF 50+

Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 28 ingredients

2.5 /5

from 2 ratings

PallasCat_310

1 year ago

Review

Good for the body, bad for the face
Like the other review mentioned, still greasy on the face despite the name. I do have oily skin so many sunscreens have this problem. However, I found this to be a good body sunscreen, it blends out very easily and smoothly.

Paula's Choice

Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50

anemone

2 years ago

Review

very greasy despite the name
this is just a typical greasy american sunscreen. not paula’s choice’s fault that the laws here are so awful, but it’s not a very good product. only OK for the body imo.

Paula's Choice

Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50