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 ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberIsododecane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPhenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientMethyl Hydrogenated Rosinate
PerfumingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingMagnesium Sulfate
Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingBoron Nitride
AbsorbentCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingHexyl Laurate
EmollientAlumina
AbrasiveSodium Benzoate
MaskingHydrogen Dimethicone
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPropylene Carbonate
SolventPropylene Glycol
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveTin Oxide
AbrasiveCrataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningViola Tricolor Extract
EmollientParfum
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantLactobionic Acid
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingMalic Acid
BufferingTartaric Acid
BufferingLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingWater, CI 77891, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methyl Trimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Alcohol Denat., Phenyl Trimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Isododecane, Niacinamide, Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Methyl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Tromethamine, Magnesium Sulfate, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Boron Nitride, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hexyl Laurate, Alumina, Sodium Benzoate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Potassium Sorbate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77491, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Adenosine, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Propylene Carbonate, Propylene Glycol, Silica, Tin Oxide, Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Viola Tricolor Extract, Parfum, CI 77492, Lactobionic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Citral
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 AdenosineAluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideCi 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 CitronellolCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil is oil from the peel of an orange fruit.
Limonene and linalool make up the majority of oils from citrus peels. Limonene has a "citrus" fragrance. Citrus peels also contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Citrus peel is also a rich source of flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants and help protect your skin against damage. Flavonoids are a group of compounds naturally found in vegetables and fruits.
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 Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel OilCyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxaneDicaprylyl 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.
Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteGlycerin 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 GlycerinLimonene 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 LinaloolMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfateNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideOlea Europaea Fruit Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of the Olive. In other words - olive oil.
The primary contents of olive oil are glycerides of the fatty acids linoleic, oleic and palmitic.
Olive oil also contains antioxidants such as Vitamin E. Antioxidants may help reduce signs of aging by fighting unstable free-radical molecules. It also contains Vitamins A (retinol), D, and K.
The squalene in olive oil makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by trapping moisture in. This makes olive oil a great skin moisturizer.
Studies show olive oil to have antibacterial and antifungal properties in low concentrations. Another study found olive oil irritated sensitive oily skin. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Due to the fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Olea Europaea Fruit OilPhenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeTocopherol (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 TocopherolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 WaterZinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. It also has skin protectant and skin soothing properties.
Zinc oxide is one of the most effective broad-spectrum UV filters. It protects against UVB, UVAII, and UVAI. In comparison to its counterpart titanium dioxide, zinc oxide provides uniform and extended UVA protection.
Another great benefit? This ingredient is highly photostable so it won't degrade easily under sunlight.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters are widely believed to primarily reflect UV light.
However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Zinc oxide has great skin soothing properties so you'll likely find this in sunscreens formulated for sensitive skin or babies/children. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
Regulatory agencies consider zinc oxide to be non-toxic and safe. It has also been shown to not penetrate the skin.
Unfortunately, this ingredient does leave a visible white cast. This is why mineral sunscreens are often less cosmetically elegant than chemical or hybrid ones.
In cosmetics, zinc oxide can be found in both non-nano and nano-sized forms. The nano version is used to reduce white cast and improve the texture of sunscreen formulas.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-zinc oxide's impact on marine ecosystems and whether it can be absorbed into skin.
Regarding marine ecosystems and coral reefs, there is no conclusive evidence that any form of zinc oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm. 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.
There has also been some stir about whether micronized or nano zinc oxide has potential photoxicity and absorption through the skin/lungs.
An in-vitro (done in a test tube or petri dish) study demonstrated micronized zinc oxide to have potential phototoxicity. There's no need to fret; the EU Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has stated, "The relevance of these findings needs to be clarified by appropriate investigations in vivo." Or in other words, further studies done on living organisms are needed to prove this.
Current research shows zinc oxide nanoparticles do not penetrate intact or sunburned skin. They either remain on the surface or in the outermost layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
Zinc oxide is one of only two classified mineral UV filters with titanium dioxide being the other one.
Fun fact: Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.
Learn more about Zinc Oxide