What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Benzophenone-3
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Butylene Glycol Cocoate
Emulsifying
Steareth-2
EmulsifyingMyristyl Myristate
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Silica
Abrasive
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyisobutene
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Polyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer
BHT
Antioxidant
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingDisodium EDTA
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Benzophenone-3, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Phospholipids, Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol Cocoate, Steareth-2, Myristyl Myristate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Polyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer, BHT, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Disodium EDTA
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Propanediol
Solvent
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingSorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Absorbent
Dihydroxypropyl Arginine Hcl
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
PEG-9 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Tridecane
Perfuming
Undecane
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Steareth-21
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Surfactin
CleansingPhytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Sucrose Cocoate
Emulsifying
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Glucosylrutin
Antioxidant
Polyester-7
Skin ConditioningPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientZea Mays Starch
Absorbent
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Emulsifying
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantHydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentIsoquercitrin
Antioxidant
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
UV FilterPhenylethyl Resorcinol
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrated Silica
Abrasive
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Ceramide As
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Glucose
Humectant
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Water, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Aminomethyl Propanol, Sorbitan Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Dihydroxypropyl Arginine Hcl, Hydrogenated Lecithin, PEG-9 Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Tridecane, Undecane, Caprylyl Methicone, Steareth-21, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Surfactin, Phytosterols, Sucrose Cocoate, Sodium Benzoate, Zinc PCA, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ectoin, Glycerin, Glucosylrutin, Polyester-7, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Zea Mays Starch, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate, Isoquercitrin, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Salicylic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Ceramide NP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lactic Acid, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Hydrated Silica, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ns, Glucose, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Also 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 GlycolDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
