What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingSilica
AbrasiveBis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingMethoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
HumectantPantolactone
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientChamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialMaltodextrin
AbsorbentWater, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Niacinamide, Silica, Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone, Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Allantoin, Parfum, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Pantolactone, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Maltodextrin
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberAllium Cepa Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingAcrylates Copolymer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingC20-22 Alcohols
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveTromethamine
BufferingPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyisobutene
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasiveAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAlumina
AbrasiveTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Sorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingGlycoproteins
Skin ConditioningMenadione
MaskingCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Acrylates Copolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, C20-22 Alcohols, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Caprylyl Methicone, Pentylene Glycol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cetyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glyceryl Stearate, Silica, Tromethamine, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Titanium Dioxide, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Trisiloxane, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Kaolin, Adenosine, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Glycoproteins, Menadione, CI 77007
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAllantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideOctocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocrylenePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolSilica, 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 SilicaWater. 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