What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Benzophenone-3 5%
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 5%
Skin Conditioning
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 2.7%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
PEG-100 Stearate
Silica
Abrasive
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Emollient
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialPerilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
TonicPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSucrose
Humectant
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
C30-38 Olefin/Isopropyl Maleate/Ma Copolymer
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Vp/Eicosene Copolymer
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
PEG-8 Laurate
Emulsifying
Sodium Rna
Skin ConditioningLecithin
Emollient
Propyl Gallate
Antioxidant
Arginine Ferulate
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Maleate
Antioxidant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingNordihydroguaiaretic Acid
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Benzophenone-3 5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Homosalate 5%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Octocrylene 2.7%, Water, Methyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, PEG-100 Stearate, Silica, Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Plankton Extract, Caffeine, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sucrose, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, C30-38 Olefin/Isopropyl Maleate/Ma Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, PEG-8 Laurate, Sodium Rna, Lecithin, Propyl Gallate, Arginine Ferulate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Maleate, Stearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Hexylene Glycol, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Sodium Dehydroacetate
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin Conditioning
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Silica
Abrasive
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Vp/Eicosene Copolymer
Polyglyceryl-2 Distearate
Emulsifying
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Tapioca Starch
Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Terpineol
Masking
Thymol
AntimicrobialCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Bisabolol
Masking
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Water, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Silica, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Distearate, Saccharide Isomerate, Tapioca Starch, Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Terpineol, Thymol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arachidyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Bisabolol, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol
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 a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneButylene 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 GlycolButyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.
According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexyl 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 (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateHomosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalateOctocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocrylenePeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.
Learn more about Potassium Cetyl PhosphateSilica, 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 SilicaTocopheryl 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 AcetateWe don't have a description for Vp/Eicosene Copolymer yet.
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. 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
