What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberBenzophenone-3
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol Cocoate
EmulsifyingSteareth-2
EmulsifyingMyristyl Myristate
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSilica
AbrasivePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyisobutene
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPolyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer
BHT
AntioxidantDiethylhexyl 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 ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPropylene Glycol
HumectantOctocrylene
UV AbsorberCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingC20-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingIsohexadecane
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTriethanolamine
BufferingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningHydrated Silica
AbrasivePolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingMenthol
MaskingParfum
MaskingBisabolol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydrogen Dimethicone
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Squalane
EmollientButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicPolyester-7
Skin ConditioningNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantZinc PCA
HumectantPropanediol
SolventZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentMyrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantHydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingBuddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
UV FilterSodium Salicylate
PreservativePhenylethyl Resorcinol
AntioxidantLactic Acid
BufferingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Octocrylene, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, C14-22 Alcohols, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, C20-22 Alcohols, Titanium Dioxide, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Isohexadecane, Hydroxyacetophenone, Triethanolamine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Hydrated Silica, Polysorbate 80, Menthol, Parfum, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sorbitan Oleate, Disodium EDTA, Squalane, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Polyester-7, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Butylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Propanediol, Zea Mays Starch, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract, Sodium Salicylate, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Lactic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid
Reviews
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 EthylhexylglycerinOctocrylene 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 OctocrylenePhenoxyethanol 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.
Titanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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