What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide 4.23%
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTrimethyl Pentaphenyl Trisiloxane
EmollientAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Dimethicone
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCellulose
AbsorbentCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingParfum
MaskingPropylene Carbonate
SolventChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialVp/Va Copolymer
Alumina
AbrasiveStearic Acid
CleansingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantTropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningHexadecene
SolventHydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract
Skin Protecting1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Titanium Dioxide 4.23%, Water, Alcohol, Methyl Trimethicone, Isododecane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Trimethyl Pentaphenyl Trisiloxane, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Cellulose, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Parfum, Propylene Carbonate, Chlorphenesin, Vp/Va Copolymer, Alumina, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Tromethamine, Tocopherol, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hexadecene, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningC9-12 Alkane
SolventPropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingUndecane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantTridecane
PerfumingCellulose
AbsorbentTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientLecithin
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Decaisostearate
EmollientSilica
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-2 Isostearate
EmulsifyingStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingParfum
MaskingHydroxypropyl Starch
Sodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingPropylene Carbonate
SolventCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingSqualane
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantStearoyl Glutamic Acid
CleansingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingHyaluronic Acid
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingIsostearic Acid
CleansingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, C9-12 Alkane, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Undecane, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Glycerin, Tridecane, Cellulose, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Lecithin, Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Decaisostearate, Silica, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Parfum, Hydroxypropyl Starch, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Propylene Carbonate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Benzoate, Squalane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Stearoyl Glutamic Acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Citric Acid, Isostearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholAluminum 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 HydroxideCellulose is the main component of plant cell walls. It is used as an emulsifier, absorbent, and texture enhancer.
This ingredient has many functions:
Fun fact: Cellulose is the most abundant form of organic polymer on Earth.
Learn more about CelluloseCi 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 77891Disteardimonium 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 HectoriteGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumThis ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonateSodium 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 BenzoateWe don't have a description for Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate yet.
Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water