What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyester-8
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ricinoleate
EmollientSteareth-21
CleansingSteareth-2
EmulsifyingDi-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract
AstringentGentiana Lutea Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantStearyl Alcohol
EmollientHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientLaminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemia Extract
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
AntimicrobialHydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningThermus Thermophillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientAcrylic Acid/Vp Crosspolymer
Triacontanyl Pvp
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialLinoleic Acid
CleansingCholesterol
EmollientSqualane
EmollientSodium PCA
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningUrea
BufferingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantErgothioneine
AntioxidantIsohexadecane
EmollientPPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate
EmollientGlycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeLecithin
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlucose
HumectantPalmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCyclodextrin
AbsorbentSodium Hydroxide
BufferingNordihydroguaiaretic Acid
AntioxidantSodium Chloride
MaskingTriacetin
AntimicrobialAscorbyl Tocopheryl Maleate
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingEthylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride
AntioxidantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77289
Cosmetic ColorantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Water, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Polyester-8, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Steareth-21, Steareth-2, Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Polysilicone-11, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Stearyl Alcohol, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Artemia Extract, Caffeine, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Behenyl Alcohol, Acrylic Acid/Vp Crosspolymer, Triacontanyl Pvp, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Linoleic Acid, Cholesterol, Squalane, Sodium PCA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Urea, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ergothioneine, Isohexadecane, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Trehalose, Polyquaternium-51, Polysorbate 80, Potassium Sorbate, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glucose, Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Cyclodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Triacetin, Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Maleate, Parfum, Citric Acid, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 42090, CI 19140, CI 77289
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningPolyester-8
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantMyristyl Myristate
EmollientCetyl Esters
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Tamarindus Indica Seed Extract
EmollientPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningCentaurium Erythraea Extract
Skin ConditioningSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientAlgae Extract
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantWhey Protein
Skin ConditioningNylon-12
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSucrose
HumectantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicErgothioneine
AntioxidantMyristyl Laurate
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyethylene
AbrasiveAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantGlycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingPEG-100 Stearate
Steareth-21
CleansingDimethicone
EmollientAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingLecithin
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Water, Glycerin, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Polyester-8, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Behenyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Myristyl Myristate, Cetyl Esters, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Tamarindus Indica Seed Extract, Plankton Extract, Centaurium Erythraea Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Algae Extract, Caffeine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Whey Protein, Nylon-12, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sucrose, Biotin, Ergothioneine, Myristyl Laurate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycine Soja Protein, PEG-100 Stearate, Steareth-21, Dimethicone, Acetyl Glucosamine, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Trisiloxane, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Myristyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, CI 19140, CI 14700
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Behenyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol (these are different from the drying, solvent alcohols).
Fatty Alcohols have hydrating properties and are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils; behenyl alcohol is derived from the fats of vegetable oils.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholAlso 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 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 SalicylateCaffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.
While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.
Learn more about CaffeineCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAErgothioneine is an amino acid found naturally in mushrooms, grains, and meat. It has antioxidant and skin soothing properties.
This amino acid helps with:
- Maintaining DNA stability and cell reproduction
- Enhances cellular immunity
- Skin brightening
- Anti-aging
- Skin soothing
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Some other names for this ingredient include soy lecithin and deoiled soy lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinPhenoxyethanol 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 also known as Polycrylene. It is a UV photostabilizer and often used in sunscreens as an alternative to octocrylene.
Polycrylene is used to stabilize other UV filters, especially avobenzone, which is known to degrade rapidly without stabilizers. It also absorbs UVB light, but is only about 1/3 as effective as octocrylene.
At its maximum recommended strength of 4%, this ingredient is not likely to make a significant contribution to SPF factor. Polycrylene has a large molecular weight so it's unlikely to penetrate skin.
Although rare, this ingredient can cause contact dermatitis.
Due to regulatory loopholes, you'll be able to find this chemical UV filter in "100% mineral" sunscreens.
Learn more about Polyester-8Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWe don't have a description for Steareth-21 yet.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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