What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin Conditioning
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Coconut Alkanes
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingPEG-75 Stearate
Surfactant
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Marrubium Vulgare Extract
Skin ConditioningCeteth-20
CleansingSteareth-20
CleansingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Rosa Damascena Extract
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Xanthophylls
Skin ConditioningMichelia Alba Leaf Oil
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSolanum Tuberosum Pulp Extract
SmoothingAcetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Linalool
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Water, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butylene Glycol, Coconut Alkanes, Glycerin, Silica, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylyl Methicone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, PEG-75 Stearate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Rosa Damascena Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Beta-Carotene, Tocopherol, Xanthophylls, Michelia Alba Leaf Oil, Citric Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Solanum Tuberosum Pulp Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
C15-19 Alkane
SolventDimethicone
Emollient
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Lupine Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Sucrose Palmitate
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingTin Oxide
Abrasive
Hydroxystearic Acid
Cleansing
Glyceryl Linoleate
Emollient
Denatonium Benzoate
Masking
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Magnesium Chloride
Aluminum Butoxide
StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Glucose
Humectant
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-10
Skin Conditioning
Erbium Chloride
Skin ProtectingCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantSuperoxide Dismutase
Antioxidant
Calcium Chloride
AstringentMagnesium Sulfate
Glutamine
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Lysine Hcl
Skin Conditioning
Arginine Hcl
Skin ConditioningAlanine
Masking
Histidine Hcl
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningTryptophan
MaskingPhenylalanine
Masking
Tyrosine
MaskingGlycine
Buffering
Serine
Masking
Cystine
MaskingCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Asparagine
MaskingAspartic Acid
Masking
Ornithine Hcl
Skin ConditioningNicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin Conditioning
Coenzyme A
Skin ConditioningSodium Glucuronate
HumectantThiamine Hcl
MaskingRetinyl Acetate
Skin Conditioning
Inositol
Humectant
Niacin
SmoothingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Pyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCalcium Pantothenate
Riboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Propanediol, C15-19 Alkane, Dimethicone, Gluconolactone, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Lupine Seed Extract, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891, Sodium Hydroxide, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Parfum, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Chlorphenesin, Cetyl Palmitate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polysorbate 80, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sucrose Palmitate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Tin Oxide, Hydroxystearic Acid, Glyceryl Linoleate, Denatonium Benzoate, Benzyl Benzoate, Magnesium Chloride, Aluminum Butoxide, Citric Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Glucose, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-10, Erbium Chloride, CI 17200, Superoxide Dismutase, Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Glutamine, Ascorbic Acid, Lysine Hcl, Arginine Hcl, Alanine, Histidine Hcl, Valine, Leucine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Glycine, Serine, Cystine, Cyanocobalamin, Glutathione, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine Hcl, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Proline, Coenzyme A, Sodium Glucuronate, Thiamine Hcl, Retinyl Acetate, Inositol, Niacin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hcl, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Also 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 AcidCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester created from coconut oil fatty acids, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is an emollient that helps soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). What sets it apart from heavier emollients is its ultralight, non-greasy feel.
Once applied, this ingredient dries down quickly and leaves a dry, silky finish behind. This also helps improve spreadability and texture.
This ingredient has an excellent safety-record and is non-irritating.
Typical concentrations for cosmetics range from 0.5-62%.
Research on Malassezia growth found no growth on fatty acid esters with chain lengths shorter than 12 carbons (it prefers C11-24).
Since Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is built on C8 and C10 fatty acids, it is out of the range that Malassezia metabolizes, and therefore safe for fungal acne.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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 Water
