This chemical sunscreen covers the full UV range and blocks ~98% of UVB at SPF 50.
This mineral sunscreen covers the full UV range and blocks ~98% of UVB at SPF 50.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin Conditioning
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialSilica
Abrasive
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Tapioca Starch
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingDecyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Acrylates Copolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Triethanolamine
BufferingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Disodium EDTA
ChelatingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingAlumina
Abrasive
Water, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Dibutyl Adipate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Butylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Silica, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Tapioca Starch, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Saccharide Isomerate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Decyl Glucoside, Acrylates Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Triethanolamine, Hydroxyacetophenone, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 77499, Decylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Alumina
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Tocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
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.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate
