What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberArginine
MaskingEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV AbsorberPolyester-5
Tris-Biphenyl Triazine
UV AbsorberPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterCoco-Caprylate
EmollientPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingLauroyl Lysine
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Palmeth-25 Acrylate Copolymer
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPolyglyceryl-3 Cocoate
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantDisodium Phosphate
BufferingEctoin
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantSaccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantCanola Oil
EmollientAmylopectin
Citric Acid
BufferingHumulus Lupulus Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientDna
Skin ConditioningWater, Dibutyl Adipate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Arginine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Polyester-5, Tris-Biphenyl Triazine, Pentylene Glycol, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Coco-Caprylate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Lauroyl Lysine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/Palmeth-25 Acrylate Copolymer, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Decyl Glucoside, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate, Lecithin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Ectoin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Propylene Glycol, Canola Oil, Amylopectin, Citric Acid, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Carbomer, Beta-Carotene, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Dna
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-15
UV FilterDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterNiacinamide
SmoothingEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPhenethyl Benzoate
EmollientDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV Absorber1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCentella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantFructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructose
HumectantXylitylglucoside
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPropanediol
SolventDipropylene Glycol
HumectantTocopheryl Linoleate/Oleate
AntioxidantCetearyl Olivate
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingSodium Phytate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingC20-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingC20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
AbsorbentVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Polysilicone-15, Dicaprylyl Ether, Butylene Glycol, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Caprylyl Methicone, Phenethyl Benzoate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Ceramide NP, Glucose, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Propanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Linoleate/Oleate, Cetearyl Olivate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Sodium Phytate, Sorbitan Olivate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, C20-22 Alcohols, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Decyl Glucoside
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
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 2025.
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 GlycolDecyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant and emulsion stabilizer. It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.
Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away. As an emulsion stabilizer, it stabilizes the ingredients in a product by preventing them from separating.
This ingredient is biodegradable and non-toxic. This ingredient is commonly found in baby shampoos.
Decyl Glucoside is sometimes used to stabilize the UV filter Tinosorb.
Learn more about Decyl GlucosideDibutyl Adipate is an emollient and solvent. It is created from butyl alcohol and adipic acid.
As a solvent, Dibutyl Adipate helps mix and disperse ingredients evenly.
Dibutyl Adipate is soluble in water and organic solvents. It does not absorb UV rays.
Learn more about Dibutyl AdipateDiethylamino 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 BenzoateDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone is a photostable UV absorber. It protects in both the UVB and UVA II range.
The great thing about this ingredient is that it is ultra-photostable at low concentrations.
It is also pretty water-resistant and is highly oil-soluble (so your oil cleanser will get it off right away).
This ingredient is currently available in Europe and Japan, but not in the US.
Learn more about Diethylhexyl Butamido TriazoneEthylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M) is a hybrid and broad-spectrum UV ingredient. It is both a UV absorber and filter.
UV absorbers are an agent that absorbs UV rays. They protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy. UV filters physically reduce the amount of UV rays from reaching your skin.
Tinosorb M covers a range of 280-400 nm and is photostable. This ingredient is neither oil or water soluble.
Tinosorb M is not available in the US. However, it is available in the EU and Asia.
It's sister, Tinosorb S, is set to be approved in the US by late 2025 (fingers crossed!).
Learn more about Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl TetramethylbutylphenolPentylene 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 GlycolTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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. 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