What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberAlcohol
AntimicrobialCI 52015
Benzotriazole
AntimicrobialTetrabutyl Ethylidenebisphenol
AntioxidantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-6 Oleate
EmulsifyingDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterHexyl Benzoate
PerfumingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientSteareth-21
CleansingPropanediol
SolventFaex
Skin ConditioningKalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract
MaskingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Jojoba Esters
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
EmulsifyingEctoin
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingBHT
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol, CI 52015, Benzotriazole, Tetrabutyl Ethylidenebisphenol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Hexyl Benzoate, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Steareth-21, Propanediol, Faex, Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Jojoba Esters, Vinyl Dimethicone/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Ectoin, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, BHT, 1,2-Hexanediol, Maltodextrin
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTromethamine
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantFagraea Berteroana Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningInositol
HumectantPlectranthus Barbatus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGardenia Taitensis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantStearic Acid
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingAlumina
AbrasiveWater, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Butylene Glycol, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Propanediol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, CI 77891, Tromethamine, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fagraea Berteroana Flower Extract, Inositol, Plectranthus Barbatus Root Extract, Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Parfum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Isostearate, Titanium Dioxide, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol, CI 14700, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polysorbate 60, Alumina
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2026.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholDiethylamino 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 BenzoateGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolWater. 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