What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Dimethyl Capramide
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantTapioca Starch
Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantSalix Alba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTerpineol
MaskingThymol
AntimicrobialCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingPEG-100 Stearate
Behenyl Alcohol
EmollientBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Citric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Silica, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Caprylyl Methicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Dimethyl Capramide, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Saccharide Isomerate, Tapioca Starch, Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Salix Alba Leaf Extract, Terpineol, Thymol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopherol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, PEG-100 Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arachidyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol, Phenoxyethanol
Octocrylene 8%
UV AbsorberHomosalate 5%
Skin ConditioningButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate 3%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
SmoothingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingLavandula Hybrida Oil
EmollientLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingCananga Odorata Flower Oil
MaskingEucalyptol
PerfumingGlycerin
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientBisabolol
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlycogen
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Polyacrylate
Propanediol
SolventTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Silica
AbrasiveSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingFarnesol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingIsoeugenol
PerfumingOctocrylene 8%, Homosalate 5%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 3%, Water, Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes, Butylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Polysorbate 80, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Eucalyptol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Bisabolol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycogen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Gluconolactone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Propanediol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Farnesol, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Isoeugenol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
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 GlycolC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateDipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateEthylhexyl 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.
Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolHomosalate 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 HomosalateLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolOctocrylene 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 OctocryleneSilica, 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 SilicaSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
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 Water