What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialOctocrylene
UV Absorber
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Propanediol
Solvent
Diisopropyl Adipate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Triethanolamine
BufferingNiacinamide
Smoothing
4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor
UV Absorber
Cyclotetrasiloxane
Emollient
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Steareth-2
EmulsifyingDimethicone
Emollient
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Zinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Steareth-21
CleansingCeteth-10 Phosphate
CleansingDicetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Myristyl Alcohol
Emollient
PCA
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMethylparaben
Preservative
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingBHT
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Propylparaben
Preservative
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octocrylene, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Propanediol, Diisopropyl Adipate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Triethanolamine, Niacinamide, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Steareth-2, Dimethicone, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Zinc Gluconate, Steareth-21, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Myristyl Alcohol, PCA, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Methylparaben, Decyl Glucoside, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Alcohol Denat., Propylene Glycol, EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Glycerin
Humectant
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11
Emulsion StabilisingBetaine
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Triethanolamine
BufferingSilica
Abrasive
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Lecithin
Emollient
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Triethylene Glycol
Masking
Methicone
Emollient
Water, Butylene Glycol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Octocrylene, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11, Betaine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Triethanolamine, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lecithin, Chlorphenesin, Triethylene Glycol, Methicone
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateOctocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocrylenePhenoxyethanol 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.
This ingredient is more commonly known as Ensulizole, a chemical sunscreen ingredient.
Ensulizole mainly protects UV-B (290-340 nm) but offers a little UV-A (320-400 nm) protection. It is often paired with less photo-stable sunscreen ingredients due to its photo-stability.
Due to it being water-soluble, Ensulizole helps give sunscreens a light and non-oily texture.
Ensulizole is approved worldwide:
Learn more about Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic AcidTriethanolamine is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.
As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.
PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.
Learn more about TriethanolamineWater. 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
