What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion Stabilising
Polysilicone-15
UV Filter
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Cotoneaster Extract
Tridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Palmitate, Silica, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ozokerite, Isononyl Isononanoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Synthetic Wax, Octocrylene, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Microcrystalline Wax, Polysilicone-15, Ascorbic Acid, Zinc Oxide, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, CI 77891, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Cotoneaster Extract, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Dimethicone, CI 42090, CI 77492
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Isoceteth-10
EmulsifyingTrisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Aroma
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Swertia Chirata Extract
HumectantCI 47000
Cosmetic ColorantParaffinum Liquidum
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Isoceteth-10, Trisiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Bisabolol, Aroma, Saccharide Isomerate, Maltodextrin, Swertia Chirata Extract, CI 47000, Paraffinum Liquidum, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateOctocrylene 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 OctocryleneSilica, 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 Silica
