This chemical sunscreen covers most of the UV range, lighter on the deep UVA that drives aging.
This mineral sunscreen covers the full UV range and blocks ~98% of UVB at SPF 50.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin Conditioning
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Cera Alba
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Silica
Abrasive
PEG-15 Cocamine
EmulsifyingBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Cera Alba, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Silica, PEG-15 Cocamine, Benzyl Alcohol, PEG-40 Stearate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Triethanolamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citric Acid
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Coco-Caprylate
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Euphorbia Cerifera Cera
Astringent
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil
Emollient
Lemongrass Oil
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Coco-Caprylate, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Isostearic Acid, Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Tocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
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.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate
