What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingPersea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingLavandula Hybrida Oil
EmollientJuniperus Virginiana Oil
MaskingCupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Oil
AntioxidantCinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil
MaskingCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingAesculus Hippocastanum Extract
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantCitrus Paradisi Peel Oil
MaskingBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantGardenia Taitensis Flower
Skin ConditioningMalpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
MaskingMethionine
Skin ConditioningLysine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingThreonine
Tocopherol
AntioxidantTryptophan
MaskingWater, Zinc Oxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propanediol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Titanium Dioxide, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diisostearyl Malate, Niacinamide, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Adenosine, Limonene, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Aesculus Hippocastanum Extract, Glycerin, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Gardenia Taitensis Flower, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Asiatic Acid, Leucine, Phenylalanine, Methionine, Lysine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Valine, Threonine, Tocopherol, Tryptophan
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningAcrylates Copolymer
Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-35 Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPolymethyl Methacrylate
Stearic Acid
CleansingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantAesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Tocopherol
AntioxidantEpigallocatechin Gallate
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCalcium Pantothenate
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingDiethyl Phthalate
MaskingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCyclopentasiloxane, Water, Propanediol, Zinc Oxide, Caprylyl Methicone, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG-35 Castor Oil, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 77288, Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract, Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Epigallocatechin Gallate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Calcium Pantothenate, Retinyl Palmitate, Linoleic Acid, Diethyl Phthalate, Biotin
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
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
This ingredient is a high molecular weight silicone. It has emulsifying and skin conditioning properties.
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 CyclopentasiloxaneThis 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 CrosspolymerLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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 WaterZinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. It also has skin protectant and skin soothing properties.
Zinc oxide is one of the most effective broad-spectrum UV filters. It protects against UVB, UVAII, and UVAI. In comparison to its counterpart titanium dioxide, zinc oxide provides uniform and extended UVA protection.
Another great benefit? This ingredient is highly photostable so it won't degrade easily under sunlight.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters are widely believed to primarily reflect UV light.
However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Zinc oxide has great skin soothing properties so you'll likely find this in sunscreens formulated for sensitive skin or babies/children. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
Regulatory agencies consider zinc oxide to be non-toxic and safe. It has also been shown to not penetrate the skin.
Unfortunately, this ingredient does leave a visible white cast. This is why mineral sunscreens are often less cosmetically elegant than chemical or hybrid ones.
In cosmetics, zinc oxide can be found in both non-nano and nano-sized forms. The nano version is used to reduce white cast and improve the texture of sunscreen formulas.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-zinc oxide's impact on marine ecosystems and whether it can be absorbed into skin.
Regarding marine ecosystems and coral reefs, there is no conclusive evidence that any form of zinc oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm. 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.
There has also been some stir about whether micronized or nano zinc oxide has potential photoxicity and absorption through the skin/lungs.
An in-vitro (done in a test tube or petri dish) study demonstrated micronized zinc oxide to have potential phototoxicity. There's no need to fret; the EU Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has stated, "The relevance of these findings needs to be clarified by appropriate investigations in vivo." Or in other words, further studies done on living organisms are needed to prove this.
Current research shows zinc oxide nanoparticles do not penetrate intact or sunburned skin. They either remain on the surface or in the outermost layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
Zinc oxide is one of only two classified mineral UV filters with titanium dioxide being the other one.
Fun fact: Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.
Learn more about Zinc Oxide