What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Butylene Glycol
HumectantLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningC30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientBoron Nitride
AbsorbentCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeKaolin
AbrasiveTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Methylpropanediol
SolventAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningLauric Acid
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLauryl Alcohol Diphosphonic Acid
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Butylene Glycol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Boron Nitride, Caprylyl Methicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Kaolin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Methylpropanediol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Lauric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lauryl Alcohol Diphosphonic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberPolysilicone-15
UV FilterPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingMagnesium Sulfate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDextrin Palmitate
EmulsifyingBifida Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientDecyl Glucoside
CleansingStearic Acid
CleansingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantBisabolol
MaskingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Water
MaskingParfum
MaskingCoix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Water
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantPanax Ginseng Root Water
MaskingSqualane
EmollientCyclodextrin
AbsorbentPropylene Glycol
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBHT
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Centella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane, Water, Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, CI 77891, Titanium Dioxide, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Polysilicone-15, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Silica, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Magnesium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77492, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dextrin Palmitate, Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Decyl Glucoside, Stearic Acid, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, CI 77491, Bisabolol, CI 77499, Ethylhexylglycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Parfum, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Water, Mica, Panax Ginseng Root Water, Squalane, Cyclodextrin, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, BHT, 1,2-Hexanediol, Royal Jelly Extract, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Portulaca Oleracea Extract
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTButylene 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 GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeDimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.
Disteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Magnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having āsulfateā in the name, it isnāt a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesnāt have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfatePeg-10 Dimethicone is silicone with conditioner and emulsifier properties. It mostly acts as an emollient in skincare and and humectant in haircare.
According to the manufacturer, acidic formulations decrease the stability of this ingredient. It works best in neutral or near neutral formulations.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as āmineralā by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isnāt as strong as zinc oxideās, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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