What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Diisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Silica
Abrasive
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCopernicia Cerifera Cera
Emollient
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Triethanolamine
BufferingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Surfactant
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Silica Silylate
Emollient
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingMyristic Acid
Cleansing
Perlite
Absorbent
Cholesterol
Emollient
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBenzoic Acid
Masking
PEG-100 Stearate
Surfactant
Water, Alcohol Denat., Diisopropyl Sebacate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Silica, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Tocopherol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Stearic Acid, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate, Triethanolamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Triethyl Citrate, Silica Silylate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Myristic Acid, Perlite, Cholesterol, Palmitic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xanthan Gum, Phytosphingosine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Benzoic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate
Water
Skin ConditioningTriethyl Citrate
Masking
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin Conditioning
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Silica
Abrasive
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate
UV Absorber
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Dimethicone
Emollient
Tris-Biphenyl Triazine
UV Absorber
Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Acetyl Zingerone
Antioxidant
Melanin
Skin ProtectingBenincasa Cerifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Polypropylsilsesquioxane
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Dextrin Palmitate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
C13-15 Alkane
SolventDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
PEG-Crosspolymer
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Tromethamine
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Water, Triethyl Citrate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dibutyl Adipate, Isododecane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Silica, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Tris-Biphenyl Triazine, Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Acetyl Zingerone, Melanin, Benincasa Cerifera Fruit Extract, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Xanthan Gum, Titanium Dioxide, Dextrin Palmitate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, C13-15 Alkane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, PEG-Crosspolymer, Decyl Glucoside, Disodium Phosphate, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tromethamine, Citric Acid
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is better known as bemotrizinol or Tinosorb S and is one of the best broad-spectrum UV filters in modern sunscreen.
It works by absorbing UV light across a whole range (280-400 nm) with peaks around 310 nm (UVB) and 340-345 nm (UVA). This means it covers UVB plus the deeper UVA wavelengths that drive photoaging and pigmentation.
Another pro?
It's exceptionally photostable, barely degrades in sunlight, and acts as a "bodyguard" for less stable filters.
That's why you'll see it paired with avobenzone or octinoxate; this team up ensures they keep working through sun exposure.
Safety reviews have been reassuring across the board. This ingredient shows low absorption through the skin, rarely irritates, and lab studies found it doesn't act like a hormone in the body (a concern that's been raised about some older sunscreen filters).
On maximum concentrations:
In 2026, the US F.D.A finally added it as an OTC sunscreen ingredient at concentrations up to 6% for adults / children 6 months and older
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineAlso known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is an oil-soluble used to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays (peak 357 nm).
It's one of the most effective UVA filters available but has a major caveat of photostability: avobenzone is susceptible to photodegradation.
This means it can lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight without the help of a stabilizing agent.
Studies show antioxidants (like vitamin E or vitamin C) and some UV filters (like octocrylene and Tinosorb S) can meaningfully improve its stability in a formulation.
The maximum allowable concentration according to regulation is 3% in the US + Canada, and 5% in the EU, Australia, China, Korea, and ASEAN countries.
It has a well-support safety profile: a comprehensive 2025 review found minimal toxicity with no evidence of carcinogenicity.
Overall, avobenzone is a safe and regulated ingredient used in sunscreen for over 40 years.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneCitric 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 AcidDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateEthylhexyl Triazone (aka Octyl Triazone) is an oil-soluble organic UVB filter. It has peak absorption around 314 nm, right in the middle of the UVB range.
This ingredient is described as one of the most effective UVB filters available and small concentrations are enough to deliver a high SPF thanks to its strong UV absorbing power.
Formulators love it for its stability; its ability to filter UV stays practically unchanged even under intense radiation and it can also help boost the photostability of less stable filters like avobenzone.
It's also a great pick for water resistant products because it's insoluble in water and has a good affinity for keratin.
Because it's a big, heavy molecule, the European Scientific Committee has found to to have very low dermal penetration and negative results for allergenicity.
In vitro testing also showed a low absorption rate and clean results on irritation.
Typical use levels are 1-5% with 5% being the maximum in the EU, Japan, and other markets that allow it. However, this ingredient is not approved yet in the US or Canada.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
Though naturally occuring in Norwegian spruce needles, this ingredient is usually synthetically created.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing. Recent research also suggests it may have skin-brightening effects through tyrosinase inhibition.
Learn more about HydroxyacetophenoneSilica, 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 SilicaTriethyl Citrate comes from citric acid. It has masking, perfuming, and solvent properties. As a solvent, this ingredient helps disperse ingredients evenly in skincare.
One manufacturer claims this ingredient can:
According to perfume manufacturers, this ingredient is almost odorless but has a mild fruity, wine and plum scent. It can be used to mask the scent of other ingredients.
This ingredient can be plant-sourced or synthetic; it can naturally be found in cabbage and white wine.
Learn more about Triethyl CitrateTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
Water. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
