What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 3.9%
UV Absorber
Titanium Dioxide 3.3%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Trehalose
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantMagnesium Chloride
Pistacia Lentiscus Gum
MaskingGlycine
Buffering
PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningBupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningZanthoxylum Piperitum Peel Extract
AntimicrobialThymus Serpyllum Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract
TonicAngelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Silk
Humectant
Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
TonicDextrin Palmitate
Emulsifying
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing
Trisodium EDTA
Hydroxypropylcellulose
EmulsifyingPalmitic Acid
Emollient
Dimethylacrylamide
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Distearyldimonium Chloride
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Barium Sulfate
Cosmetic Colorant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Isopropyl Alcohol
Solvent
BHT
Antioxidant
Silica
Abrasive
Theanine
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Parfum
Masking
Iron Oxides
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 3.9%, Titanium Dioxide 3.3%, Water, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Trehalose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Magnesium Chloride, Pistacia Lentiscus Gum, Glycine, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Peel Extract, Thymus Serpyllum Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Hydrolyzed Silk, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Dextrin Palmitate, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Trisodium EDTA, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Palmitic Acid, Dimethylacrylamide, Alcohol, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Barium Sulfate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Alcohol, BHT, Silica, Theanine, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum, Iron Oxides
Water
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
PEG-8
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantMagnesium Chloride
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract
CleansingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG-100 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTrisodium EDTA
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
BHT
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Linalool
Perfuming
PEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol Denat., PEG-8, Niacinamide, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Isostearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Magnesium Chloride, Polyquaternium-51, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, PEG-12 Dimethicone, PEG-100 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butylene Glycol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Trisodium EDTA, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, BHT, Tocopherol, Potassium Hydroxide, Alcohol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Linalool, PEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77491
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 also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholAluminum 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 HydroxideBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTButylene 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 GlycolDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone. It has a high refractive index and adds shine to formulations.
According to the safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, it is safe for use in cosmetics under the current practices and concentrations.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateGlycerin (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 GlycerinMagnesium chloride is a mineral salt made from magnesium and chloride. It is mainly used to control product stability and texture in cosmetics.
This ingredient can also play a role in soothing the skin and supporting normal skin function.
Magnesium chloride is water-soluble, generally well tolerated, and does not act as a strong “active” ingredient on its own.
Learn more about Magnesium ChloridePhenoxyethanol 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 Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine (aka DLGL) is an amino-acid based surfactant. Because it has two fatty tails and two water-loving ends, it's really great at mixing oils and water into stable textures.
It is also a humectant; like hyaluronic acid, it can draw moisture to your skin.
DLGL has been studied as a skin delivery helper. In lab skin models, it increased accumulation/penetration of hydrophilic actives (like vitamin C).
An Australian NICNAS report states DLGL to be non-irritating to skin at less than 10% and non-irritating to eyes at less than 1%. There's no evidence of skin sensitization in animal tests, but be sure to patch test if you are sensitive to surfactants.
Learn more about Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide LysineStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopheryl 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 AcetateTrisodium EDTA is one of those quietly essential helper ingredients that most people have never heard of. You'll most likely spot it near the end of ingredient lists in almost every category of skincare.
So what does it actually do?
Its main job is chelation; this is a fancy word to say it grabs onto metal ions and neutralizes them. This is because even purified water in cosmetics contains trace amounts of metals that can cause big problems in a formula.
These trace metals can break down actives faster, cause discoloration, promote rancidity in oils, and make preservatives less effective. Trisodium EDTA binds to these metals and takes them out of the equation so your products can stay stable and effective for longer.
There's also an added bonus: by neutralizing the metals ions that bacteria need to thrive, this ingredient also acts as a preservative booster.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetic formulations. It is not considered an irritant, sensitizer, and is barely absorbed through the skin.
Learn more about Trisodium EDTAWater. 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
