What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 10%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 10%
UV Absorber
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Diethylhexyl Carbonate
EmollientDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientPolyester-8
Skin Conditioning
Lauryl Lactate
EmollientPolyamide-3
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Alaria Esculenta Extract
Skin ProtectingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Raphanus Sativus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Coffea Arabica Seed Oil
Masking
Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Myroxylon Pereirae Oil
Masking
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Masking
Santalum Album Oil
Masking
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 10%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octyldodecanol, Dibutyl Adipate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Polyester-8, Lauryl Lactate, Polyamide-3, Persea Gratissima Oil, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Squalane, Glycerin, Raphanus Sativus Seed Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Coffea Arabica Seed Oil, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Myroxylon Pereirae Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Santalum Album Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Citric Acid
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 15%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 10%
UV Absorber
Alaria Esculenta Extract
Skin ProtectingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Citrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientCitrus Tangerina Peel Extract
AstringentCocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Diisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientElaeis Guineensis Oil
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Isodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientLauryl Lactate
EmollientLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Polyamide-3
Polyester-8
Skin Conditioning
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Raphanus Sativus Seed Oil
Emollient
Sd Alcohol 40-B
Astringent
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 15%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Citrus Tangerina Peel Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Parfum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Lauryl Lactate, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Polyamide-3, Polyester-8, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Raphanus Sativus Seed Oil, Sd Alcohol 40-B, Tocopherol, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alaria Esculenta Extract is derived from a brown seaweed called badderlocks.
Alaria Esculenta Extract has antioxidant and hydrating properties.
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. It has emollient and skin conditioning properties that help soften skin and reinforce the lipid barrier.
The fatty acid profile of argan oil is roughly 45-55% oleic acid, 28-36% linoleic acid, 10-15% palmitic acid, and 5-7% stearic acid. It also contains vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and polyphenols like ferulic acid.
Two clinical studies in postmenopausal women found that applying argan oil for 60 days significantly improved skin elasticity and moisturization (reduced transepidermal water loss and increased epidermal water content).
Since it is high in oleic and linoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Both of these fall in the C11-C24 range that Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilAlso 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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneThis ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidWe don't have a description for Diisopropyl Sebacate yet.
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 SalicylateHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilHomosalate 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 HomosalateLauryl Lactate, AKA koplactate, is an ester of lauryl alcohol and lactic acid. It is considered a mild AHA derivative.
This ingredient has emollient, skin conditioning, and very gentle exfoliating properties. According to a manufacturer, it can act as a penetration enhancer for active ingredients.
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant. This oil is non-fragrant and is an emollient. As an emollient, meadowfoam seed oil helps soften and hydrate the skin.
Meadowfoam seed oil is stable and has a long shelf life due to its chemical structure. It has the highest concentration of stable fatty-acids among plant oils, preventing it from degrading once exposed to oxygen.
Due to the fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Meadowfoam is native to California and Oregon.
Learn more about Limnanthes Alba Seed OilOctocrylene 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 OctocryleneOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateWe don't have a description for Polyamide-3 yet.
This ingredient is also known as Polycrylene. It is a UV photostabilizer and often used in sunscreens as an alternative to octocrylene.
Polycrylene is used to stabilize other UV filters, especially avobenzone, which is known to degrade rapidly without stabilizers. It also absorbs UVB light, but is only about 1/3 as effective as octocrylene.
At its maximum recommended strength of 4%, this ingredient is not likely to make a significant contribution to SPF factor. Polycrylene has a large molecular weight so it's unlikely to penetrate skin.
Although rare, this ingredient can cause contact dermatitis.
Due to regulatory loopholes, you'll be able to find this chemical UV filter in "100% mineral" sunscreens.
Learn more about Polyester-8Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.
The components of grape seeds have many skin benefits. Research has found it to be antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It also contains many potent antioxidants such as Vitamin E , Vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Proanthocyanidin has been shown to help even out skin tone.
Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. Grape seed extract may help reduce the signs of aging.
The antimicrobial properties of grape seed may help treat acne. However, more research is needed to support this claim.
Grape seed has also been found to help absorb UV rays. Grape seed extract should not replace your sunscreen.
The fatty acids of grape seed oil give it emollient properties. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by creating a film. This film traps moisture within, keeping your skin hydrated.
Learn more about Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
