What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 2%
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide 2.3%
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Silica
AbrasiveLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-11
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingLitchi Chinensis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningMethicone
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTriethyl Citrate
MaskingThermus Thermophillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingSodium PCA
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantLecithin
EmollientDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
C24-28 Alkyl Methicone
EmollientDimethicone Silylate
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingZinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Chloride
MaskingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentDextrin
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 2%, Titanium Dioxide 2.3%, Water, Methyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Litchi Chinensis Seed Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Methicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethyl Citrate, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, C24-28 Alkyl Methicone, Dimethicone Silylate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Zinc Stearate, Sodium Chloride, Hexylene Glycol, Laureth-7, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Dextrin, Xanthan Gum, Dipropylene Glycol, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
AbrasivePEG-9 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantBis-Isobutyl PEG/PPG-10/7/Dimethicone Copolymer
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeTriethyl Citrate
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Mica, Silica, PEG-9 Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Bis-Isobutyl PEG/PPG-10/7/Dimethicone Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Triethyl Citrate, Panthenol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, BHT, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
BHT 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 GlycolCaprylyl 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 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.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisteardimonium 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 MethoxycinnamatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium 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 HyaluronateTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” 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 isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, 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 DioxideTocopheryl 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 AcetateTriethyl Citrate comes from citric acid. It has masking, perfuming, and solvent properties. As a solvent, this ingredient helps disperse ingredients evenly in skincare.
One manufacturer claims this ingredient can:
According to perfume manufacturers, this ingredient is almost odorless but has a mild fruity, wine and plum scent. It can be used to mask the scent of other ingredients.
This ingredient can be plant-sourced or synthetic; it can naturally be found in cabbage and white wine.
Learn more about Triethyl CitrateThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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