What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberMadecassoside
AntioxidantArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningBroussonetia Papyrifera Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialRhus Semialata Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTricholoma Matsutake Extract
Skin ConditioningPhragmites Communis Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningTranexamic Acid
AstringentSalicylic Acid
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCeteareth-20
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Glycerin
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-40 Stearate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingTriethanolamine
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Madecassoside, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Broussonetia Papyrifera Bark Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rhus Semialata Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Phragmites Communis Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Tranexamic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Acetyl Glucosamine, Citric Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Decyl Glucoside, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ceteareth-20, Disodium EDTA, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, PEG-40 Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Triethanolamine, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberAlcohol
AntimicrobialIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterXylitol
HumectantEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingVp/Acrylates/Lauryl Methacrylate Copolymer
Dextrin Palmitate
EmulsifyingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Glycerin
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePropylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingNeopentyl Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientParfum
MaskingMethylparaben
PreservativeSodium Hydroxide
BufferingOctocrylene
UV AbsorberLauric/Myristic/Palmitic/Stearic Glycerides
Skin ConditioningAgar
MaskingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolyvinyl Alcohol
Tocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Butylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Xylitol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Vp/Acrylates/Lauryl Methacrylate Copolymer, Dextrin Palmitate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate, Parfum, Methylparaben, Sodium Hydroxide, Octocrylene, Lauric/Myristic/Palmitic/Stearic Glycerides, Agar, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Disodium EDTA, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, BHT, Potassium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Tocopherol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2025.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineButylene 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 GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDiethylamino 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 BenzoateDisodium 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 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 Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolWater. 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