What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberBenzophenone-3
UV AbsorberPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingSucrose Cocoate
EmulsifyingSodium Lactate
BufferingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Betaine
HumectantFructooligosaccharides
HumectantBeta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMenthyl Lactate
MaskingOxothiazolidine
Skin ProtectingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Benzophenone-3, Phospholipids, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Zea Mays Starch, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide, Silica, Dimethicone, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Stearate, Sucrose Cocoate, Sodium Lactate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Betaine, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Menthyl Lactate, Oxothiazolidine, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hyaluronate
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPropylene Glycol
HumectantMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterButylene Glycol
HumectantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberIsoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberSilica
AbrasiveOctocrylene
UV AbsorberPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingDimethicone
EmollientChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propylene Glycol, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Butylene Glycol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Silica, Octocrylene, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Decyl Glucoside, Dimethicone, Chlorphenesin, Polysorbate 20, Cyclopentasiloxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate
Reviews
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 GlycolDimethicone 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 MethoxycinnamatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, 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 Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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