This hybrid sunscreen covers the full UV range and blocks ~98% of UVB at SPF 50.
This chemical sunscreen covers most of the UV range, lighter on the deep UVA that drives aging.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
No benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor
UV Absorber
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Calcium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Copernicia Cerifera Wax
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Disodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Isopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
Magnesium Sulfate
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningTriacontanyl Pvp
HumectantXanthan Gum
Emulsifying4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Zinc Oxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, BHT, Calcium Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Decyl Glucoside, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Oleate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Magnesium Sulfate, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Water, Triacontanyl Pvp, Xanthan Gum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Phenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!).
It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome.
On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive.
Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10).
You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU.
Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages.
Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon.
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol
