What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingLilium Speciosum Flower Oil
MaskingOrbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Dimethicone
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Stearic Acid
CleansingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSorbitan Caprylate
EmulsifyingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBisabolol
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantArbutin
AntioxidantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSucrose Stearate
EmollientCholesterol
EmollientCholesteryl Macadamiate
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Glyceryl Linolenate
EmollientGlyceryl Arachidonate
EmollientRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningMenadione
MaskingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantThiamine Hcl
MaskingPolyacrylic Acid
Emulsion StabilisingPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Titanium Dioxide, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Phenyl Trimethicone, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Lilium Speciosum Flower Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sorbitan Caprylate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bisabolol, Sodium Citrate, Tocopherol, Arbutin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Sucrose Stearate, Cholesterol, Cholesteryl Macadamiate, Palmitic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Panthenol, Glutathione, Glyceryl Linolenate, Glyceryl Arachidonate, Retinyl Palmitate, Menadione, Biotin, Cyanocobalamin, Saccharide Isomerate, Thiamine Hcl, Polyacrylic Acid, Pyridoxine, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, CI 77491, CI 77492, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberNiacinamide
SmoothingMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV Absorber1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingGaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract
PerfumingEpilobium Fleischeri Extract
Skin ConditioningEnantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingSalvia Officinalis Oil
MaskingPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Dimethiconol
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingAlumina
AbrasiveHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentButylene Glycol
HumectantPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingPolyether-1
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Beta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
AbsorbentMentha Arvensis Powder
MaskingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Sodium Acrylate/Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Titanium Dioxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Methyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Salvia Officinalis Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Dimethiconol, Trisiloxane, Stearic Acid, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Alumina, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sodium Polyacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, T-Butyl Alcohol, Polyether-1, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Beta-Glucan, Ceramide NP, Tocopherol, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Mentha Arvensis Powder, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium Acrylate/Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer, Citric Acid, Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Oleanolic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Limonene
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Ci 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolDicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
This ingredient is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
This ingredient is a type of elastomer.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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