What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientDibutyl Adipate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningDiethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterVinyldimethicone
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberNiacinamide
SmoothingMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polysilicone-15
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCentella Asiatica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Pinaster Bark Extract
AntioxidantCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingPrunus Mume Fruit Extract
HumectantMalus Domestica Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningBuddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
UV FilterPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassoside
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantPropanediol
SolventOctadecane
EmollientLactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientWater, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dibutyl Adipate, Synthetic Wax, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Vinyldimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Microcrystalline Wax, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polysilicone-15, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dipropylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Chloride, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Saccharomyces Ferment, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Tocopherol, Propanediol, Octadecane, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasiveAcrylates Copolymer
Glycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
AntioxidantDipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingLaureth-4
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPropylene Carbonate
SolventTocopherol
AntioxidantBakuchiol
AntimicrobialPinus Pinaster Bark Extract
AntioxidantCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningBuddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
UV FilterPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningBackhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract
AstringentAluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate
Emulsion StabilisingVincetoxicum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningMalus Domestica Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCastanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin Protecting7-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
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
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineThis ingredient is better known as bemotrizinol or Tinosorb S and is one of the best broad-spectrum UV filters in modern sunscreen.
It works by absorbing UV light across a whole range (280-400 nm) with peaks around 310 nm (UVB) and 340-345 nm (UVA). This means it covers UVB plus the deeper UVA wavelengths that drive photoaging and pigmentation.
Another pro?
It's exceptionally photostable, barely degrades in sunlight, and acts as a "bodyguard" for less stable filters.
That's why you'll see it paired with avobenzone or octinoxate; this team up ensures they keep working through sun exposure.
Safety reviews have been reassuring across the board. This ingredient shows low absorption through the skin, rarely irritates, and lab studies found it doesn't act like a hormone in the body (a concern that's been raised about some older sunscreen filters).
On maximum concentrations:
In 2026, the US F.D.A finally added it as an OTC sunscreen ingredient at concentrations up to 6% for adults / children 6 months and older
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineThis ingredient is derived from a shrub native to central and southern China.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is rich in polyphenols that provide strong antioxidant protection against UV and blue light damage.
Fun fact: This flower is traditionally used in Chinese and Korean medicine.
Learn more about Buddleja Officinalis Flower ExtractButylene 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 GlycolButyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.
According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateWe don't have a description for Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract yet.
Dibutyl Adipate is an emollient and solvent. It is created from butyl alcohol and adipic acid.
As a solvent, Dibutyl Adipate helps mix and disperse ingredients evenly.
Dibutyl Adipate is soluble in water and organic solvents. It does not absorb UV rays.
Learn more about Dibutyl AdipateDiethylamino 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 BenzoateDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolEthylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinWe don't have a description for Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract yet.
This ingredient comes from apples. It has antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin soothing benefits.
Microcrystalline Wax is derived from petroleum through a de-oiling process, then highly refined and purified before use in cosmetics.
In skincare formulations, it is used to improve texture and create a smooth, even consistency. It also helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating.
This ingredient is also known as Maritime pine or pycnogenol. It has antioxidant and skin soothing properties.
Research on this ingredient is the strongest in the oral context. Studies have linked supplementation to improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and melasma.
Evidence for topical effects is more limited. Like other botanical extracts, tolerance can vary. Patch testing is recommended for sensitive skin.
Learn more about Pinus Pinaster Bark ExtractPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolSynthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
It has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTocopherol 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