What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid 2.7%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 6.7%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV AbsorberZinc Oxide 7.7%
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningHdi/PPG/Polycaprolactone Crosspolymer
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Hexyl Laurate
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingTrehalose
HumectantAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningTriethyl Citrate
MaskingHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantDimethicone/Divinyldimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
HumectantPolyethylene
AbrasiveSilica
AbrasivePolymethylsilsesquioxane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
CleansingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPalmitic Acid
EmollientLaureth-7
EmulsifyingSodium Phosphate
BufferingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingStearyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ascorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid 2.7%, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 6.7%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Zinc Oxide 7.7%, Methyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Tromethamine, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Hdi/PPG/Polycaprolactone Crosspolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polysilicone-11, Hexyl Laurate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Trehalose, Acetyl Glucosamine, Triethyl Citrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polyethylene, Silica, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polysorbate 80, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palmitic Acid, Laureth-7, Sodium Phosphate, Disodium Phosphate, Potassium Hydroxide, Stearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberGlyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate
EmollientOctyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientDiethylhexyl Succinate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantSteareth-21
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingCereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCholesterol
EmollientIsohexadecane
Emollient7-Dehydrocholesterol
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSteareth-2
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientPotassium Stearate
CleansingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantPhytic Acid
Disodium EDTA
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSorbic Acid
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Titanium Dioxide, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycerin, Steareth-21, Glyceryl Stearate, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Cereus Grandiflorus Flower Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Niacinamide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Cholesterol, Isohexadecane, 7-Dehydrocholesterol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Steareth-2, Cetyl Alcohol, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Potassium Stearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Oleate, Citric Acid, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Citral, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, Phytic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
BHT 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 GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlyceryl 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 StearateLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Some other names for this ingredient include soy lecithin and deoiled soy lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) is a form of Vitamin C and is an antioxidant. It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
MAP is created by combining ascorbic acid with magnesium salt. While MAP more gentle on the skin than ascorbic acid, it is thought to be less easily-absorbed into the skin.
Due to MAP's stability up to a pH level of 7, it is more stable to air and sunlight exposure than ascorbic acid. The best pH range for MAP is between 5 and 6.
Like other forms of Vitamin C, MAP has been shown to help reduce hyperpigmentation and simulate collagen production.
As an antioxidant, it helps protect your skin against the signs of aging.
Learn more about Magnesium Ascorbyl PhosphateMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used to keep ingredients together, and prevent oils and waters from separating.
It is made from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. This ingredient can be found in cosmetics, foods, and medicine. It is water-soluble.
Polysorbate 80 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 80Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopheryl 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 Acetate