What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberC30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Betaine
HumectantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Triethylhexanoin, Pentylene Glycol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Betaine, Aluminum Hydroxide, Silica, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, BHT, Allantoin, Caffeine, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingOctyldodecanol
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingIsododecane
EmollientPolyphenylsilsesquioxane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyisobutene
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingTribehenin
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Centella Asiatica Extract
CleansingAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Silica
AbrasiveCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPropylene Carbonate
SolventRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientBetaine
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantHydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea
EmollientLeptospermum Scoparium Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientMadecassoside
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantHoney Extract
HumectantAngelica Archangelica Root Extract
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantPullulan
Phytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningViola Tricolor Extract
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningVigna Angularis Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentMica
Cosmetic ColorantDistearyldimonium Chloride
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Zinc Oxide, Methyl Trimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Magnesium Sulfate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Isododecane, Polyphenylsilsesquioxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyisobutene, CI 77492, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tribehenin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 77491, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77499, Propylene Carbonate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Betaine, Panthenol, Glycerin, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea, Leptospermum Scoparium Leaf Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Madecassoside, Tocopherol, Honey Extract, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract, Ceramide NP, Fructooligosaccharides, Pullulan, Phytosphingosine, Viola Tricolor Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Beta-Glucan, Lactobacillus Ferment, Vigna Angularis Seed Extract, Maltodextrin, Mica, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Polyglutamic Acid
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
Aluminum 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 HydroxideBetaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Another name for betaine is trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineCi 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.
Disteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having āsulfateā in the name, it isnāt a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesnāt have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfateSilica, 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 SilicaSorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.
Specifically, this ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier, meaning it helps water dissolve into oil.
Some studies suggest this ingredient may cause irritation in some people. If you are unsure, it is best to patch test.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan SesquioleateSynthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as āmineralā by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isnāt as strong as zinc oxideās, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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 Water