What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
Abrasive
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Vinyldimethicone
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polysilicone-15
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Centella Asiatica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract
Antioxidant
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingPrunus Mume Fruit Extract
Humectant
Malus Domestica Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningBuddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
UV FilterPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Propanediol
Solvent
Octadecane
Emollient
Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Water, 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
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
Reviews
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 a purine nucleoside that your body already makes in every cell. In skincare, it acts mainly as a skin conditioning and anti-aging agent.
The way it works is fairly well mapped out:
Your skin has cells called fibroblasts that build collagen (the stuff that keeps skin firm and smooth). Adenosine basically flips a switch on these cells that tells them to get to work making more collagen and other proteins. These cells slow down on their own as skin ages, so Adenosine helps give them a little nudge to keep going.
The clinical backing is pretty solid too.
A blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 126 women aged 45-65 tested a 0.1% cream twice daily and found real improvements in crow's feet and frown lines using a precise 3D skin-mapping technique; these changes showed up by week 3 and held at 2 months.
A later study using Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches reported gains in wrinkle depth, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration.
On concentrations, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has set 0.04% as the approved functional anti-wrinkle level. You'll typically see this ingredient used somewhere in the 0.04-0.1% range since it works at low doses.
This ingredient has been found safe for cosmetics with the data showing no irritation or sensitization.
Overall, this is a great ingredient for any anti-aging routine and has no photosensitizing effect, so it suits both AM and PM use.
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 a lightweight, oil-soluble ester that acts as an emollient and solvent. It helps products spread more easily and leaves a soft, silky, dry-touch finish without being greasy.
You'll likely see this ingredient in sunscreens because it does a nice job dissolving UV filters and keeping them evenly distributed.
This ingredient has been found to be safe as used in cosmetics, wasn't a skin or eye irritant in clinical patch testing, and wasn't phototoxic.
In a clinical comedogenicity test, this ingredient tested negative so it isn't likely to clog pores.
Typical use levels are about 5-8% for sunscreens + nail products, but can range from 0.005%-8% depending on the product.
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 (aka Octyl Triazone) is an oil-soluble organic UVB filter. It has peak absorption around 314 nm, right in the middle of the UVB range.
This ingredient is described as one of the most effective UVB filters available and small concentrations are enough to deliver a high SPF thanks to its strong UV absorbing power.
Formulators love it for its stability; its ability to filter UV stays practically unchanged even under intense radiation and it can also help boost the photostability of less stable filters like avobenzone.
It's also a great pick for water resistant products because it's insoluble in water and has a good affinity for keratin.
Because it's a big, heavy molecule, the European Scientific Committee has found to to have very low dermal penetration and negative results for allergenicity.
In vitro testing also showed a low absorption rate and clean results on irritation.
Typical use levels are 1-5% with 5% being the maximum in the EU, Japan, and other markets that allow it. However, this ingredient is not approved yet in the US or Canada.
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.
This ingredient has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Synthetic Waxes are straight/branched-chain hydrocarbons with no ester bond or fatty acids. That means there is nothing for the Malassezia yeast to feed on.
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
