What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientTridecyl Stearate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTuna Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientNarcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
AstringentSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningCitrus Medica Vulgaris Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientSucrose
HumectantTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientDipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate
EmulsifyingPEG-100 Stearate
Trehalose
HumectantCetyl Palmitate
EmollientSorbitol
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
MaskingSorbitan Palmitate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantPvp
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantIsoceteth-20
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Seedcake
AbrasivePolyethylene
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Octocrylene, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polysorbate 60, Cetyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Stearate, Dimethicone, Tridecyl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Tuna Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Lactis Proteinum, Citrus Medica Vulgaris Fruit Extract, Caffeine, Algae Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Sucrose, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate, PEG-100 Stearate, Trehalose, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Lactate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sorbitan Olivate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium PCA, Pvp, Sodium Polyacrylate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Isoceteth-20, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Polyethylene, Parfum, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, CI 19140, CI 14700
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
Reviews
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 BHTAlso 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 CaffeineChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinCI 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 EDTAEthylhexyl 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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Hordeum Vulgare Extract yet.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPentylene 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.
Sodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideSodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCATetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD) is a stable and oil-soluble form of Vitamin C.
THD is special in that it has the ability to travel deeper into skin than traditional ascorbic acid while maintaining the same skin benefits (double win!).
Because it’s oil-soluble, THD dives deep into your skin’s fatty layers (think ceramides and cholesterol) to fight off the kind of free radicals that mess with your skin barrier. This makes it a great pair with water-based vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that mainly works on the surface.
Even at just 0.1%, THD is already showing great antioxidant activity. When used up to 2%, it helps keep your skin happy and calm, especially when it’s stressed from pollution or sun.
Want to fade dark spots or tackle hyperpigmentation? You’ll want 5% or more. Pairing it with brightening buddies like niacinamide or licorice root gives even better results. One study even used 30% THD with other brighteners and saw real results on stubborn discoloration, even in melasma-prone skin.
A note on THD: It’s has a slightly silky, oily texture and usually shows up colorless or pale yellow (though the exact shade can vary by supplier).
While you can sneak it into water-based formulas, it really shines when paired with silicones or oils, which help your skin soak it up better.
THD is pretty stable, but it’s still vulnerable to degradation like ascorbic acid. Too much light or heat (above 113°F / 45°C) can break it down over time. Go for dark and opaque packaging that keeps it safe and shady!
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateTocopheryl 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 AcetateTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseWater. 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