Water. 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

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

UV Absorber, UV Filter

Ethylhexyl 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 Methoxycinnamate

Ethylhexyl Salicylate

UV Absorber, UV Filter

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 Salicylate

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

UV Filter

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).

DHHB is well-liked for:

DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.

This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.

Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Cyclopentasiloxane

Silica

Abrasive, Absorbent

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.

Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.

Learn more about Silica

Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer

Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.

Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.

This ingredient is a type of elastomer.

Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.

Sunprise Mild Watery Light SPF50+/PA+++

All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++

When to use

Etude House Sunprise Mild Watery Light SPF50+/PA+++ 53 ingredients

Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++ 49 ingredients

55 Routines

96% use in am

4% use in pm

100% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

43 Routines

100% use in am

0% use in pm

86% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Etude House Sunprise Mild Watery Light SPF50+/PA+++ 53 ingredients

2.3 /5

from 3 ratings

Strong Scent (2) Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1)

lonelydeath

1 year ago

Review

This gave me a terrible white cast, it had me looking like a piece of paper. No amount of rubbing it in got rid of it. It also melts off your skin when you sweat, which can be visibly seen because the white cast is so noticeable. It is supposed to leave a matte finish, but I look ashy and dry instead. It also has a weird smell.

#strong scent

Etude House

Sunprise Mild Watery Light SPF50+/PA+++

Jennifer Mcconnaughey

3 months ago

Review

I'm on the paler side so the white cast was not an issue for me. If anything it helped even out my skin tone. I used to love to this product since it is lightweight and it didn't really feel like I had sunscreen on, but it randomly triggered what looks like fungal acne all over my forehead. Super sad that I can't use this anymore.

Also if you are sensitive to fragrances, I would not recommend Show more

#great value

#light

#absorbs well

#pilling

Etude House

Sunprise Mild Watery Light SPF50+/PA+++

Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++ 49 ingredients

4.0 /5

from 5 ratings

Light (3) Light Scent (3) Great Value (2)

Anonymous

8 months ago

Review

Sits so well under makeup, good for sensitive skin. My favorite go-to sunscreen right now

#great value

#light scent

#works well

Missha

All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++

Alexis Peoples

8 months ago

Review

I liked this sunscreen in the summer- It controls my oil. I wouldn’t use this in the winter or if my skin was feeling dry.
It does leave a slight cast, but it disappears as it absorbs into my skin.
It does have a fragrance-y smell to it, but it’s not awful.
This sunscreen was my #1 favorite for a while, but I have found better sunscreens out there.

#light

#light scent

#works well

Missha

All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++