What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Dimethicone
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Propanediol
Solvent
Silica
Abrasive
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Isohexadecane
EmollientChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Benzophenone-3
UV Absorber
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPolygonum Aviculare Extract
EmollientMelanin
Skin ProtectingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBenzoic Acid
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Silica, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Saccharide Isomerate, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Phenoxyethanol, Isohexadecane, Chlorphenesin, Polysorbate 80, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Oleate, Benzophenone-3, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Polygonum Aviculare Extract, Melanin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Pentylene Glycol, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogen Dimethicone
Isodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Benzophenone-3
UV Absorber
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Acrylates Copolymer
Sodium Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientLauryl Glucoside
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Retinoyl Hyaluronate
Zinc Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Benzoate
Masking
Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether
Skin ConditioningMethyl Glucose Dioleate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Dimethicone
Emollient
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Triethanolamine
BufferingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTetrasodium EDTA
Water, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Titanium Dioxide, Isopropyl Myristate, Propylene Glycol, Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Benzophenone-3, Phospholipids, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octocrylene, Cyclopentasiloxane, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Lauryl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Retinoyl Hyaluronate, Zinc Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Propanediol, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Sodium Benzoate, Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether, Methyl Glucose Dioleate, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Carbomer, Tetrasodium EDTA
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You probably know this ingredient as Oxybenzone, a sunscreen ingredient. It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredient, meaning it can protect the skin against UVB and short UVA rays. The absorption range is 270-350 nm with peak absorption at 288 and 350 nm.
This chemical ingredient protects your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy. UV absorbers may absorb both UVA and UVB rays. It is often combined with other sunscreen ingredients to help with stability.
Ongoing research is looking into whether oxybenzone causes skin irritation and sensitivity. However, it has been shown to trigger contact dermatitis in some studies.
Oxybenzone is allowed in certain concentrations by many countries. It is allowed up to 6% in the US, and Canada, 5% in Japan, and 10% in Australia. Other countries and regions of the US have banned this ingredient to protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems. These places include Hawaii, Key West, US Virgin Islands, marine parks in Thailand, Aruba, and Palau.
The EU currently allows the following maximum concentrations:
Studies show conflicting results about oxybenzone being absorbed into the human body. The Swedish Research Institute has advised careful use of this ingredient by pregnant women and children. We always recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns about this ingredient and your health.
Learn more about Benzophenone-3Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Pentylene 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 GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxanePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateWater. 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
