What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Isoamyl Laurate
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
Abrasive
Acrylates Copolymer
Glycerin
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingLaureth-4
Emulsifying
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Propylene Carbonate
SolventTocopherol
Antioxidant
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract
Antioxidant
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingPropanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningBuddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
UV FilterPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract
AstringentAluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate
Emulsion StabilisingVincetoxicum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningMalus Domestica Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Castanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin Protecting
7-Dehydrocholesterol
Emulsion StabilisingCalcium Chloride
AstringentButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Silica, Synthetic Wax, Dimethicone, Microcrystalline Wax, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Isoamyl Laurate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dibutyl Adipate, Methyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bisabolol, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Laureth-4, Adenosine, Propylene Carbonate, Tocopherol, Bakuchiol, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Vincetoxicum Atratum Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, 7-Dehydrocholesterol, Calcium Chloride
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPolyethylene
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Silica
Abrasive
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingBisabolol
Antioxidant
Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Oxygen
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Polyethylene, Dimethicone, Octocrylene, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Silica, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ozokerite, Bisabolol, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Water, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Oxygen, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Dehydroacetic 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.
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 preservatives
You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2026.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineBisabolol is a gentle skin conditioner, antioxidant, and soothing ingredient.
It's primary claim to fame is soothing and research shows topically applied bisabolol can quiet the chemical messengers that cause your skin to become inflamed, helping to sooth any irritation.
A clinical study found that applying 0.5% bisabolol daily for 8 weeks produced an average 9% decrease in skin pigmentation. Researchers found it can also suppress the process that leads to excess melanin production in skin.
In vitro studies found that bisabolol combined with propylene glycol significantly increased skin permeability by increasing lipid fluidity in the stratum corneum.
You'll likely see use concentrations quite low, usually 0.1-0.2%.
Overall, this is a well-tolerated ingredient that works well in formulas designed for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.
Learn more about BisabololButylene 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 GlycolThis is a lightweight diester (caprylic/capric acid + butylene glycol) with emollient and skin conditioning properties.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient can help add a "cushiony" oil phase without making it heavy.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinSilica, 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 SilicaTocopherol 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 TocopherolThis ingredient is used in makeup and skincare to thicken formulas, reduce shine, and give skin a silky-smooth feel.
It’s a white silicone powder that sits in fine lines and pores to blur their appearance though its effectiveness depends on the particle size.
You'll typically find this ingredient in amounts between 0.1-20%.
Learn more about Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane CrosspolymerWater. 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
