What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDibutyl Adipate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
SmoothingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberPEG-100 Stearate
SurfactantSilica
AbrasiveHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientCeteareth-23
CleansingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingMethicone
EmollientErythritol
HumectantSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyisobutene
Myristyl Alcohol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingLauryl Alcohol
EmollientSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTannic Acid
AstringentVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSolanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil
EmollientPunica Granatum Seed Oil
EmollientMangifera Indica Seed Oil
EmollientCitrus Paradisi Seed Oil
PerfumingUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentMalpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingAmyl Cinnamal
PerfumingWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dipropylene Glycol, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Titanium Dioxide, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 60, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, PEG-100 Stearate, Silica, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Dimethicone, Ceteareth-23, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearyl Alcohol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Methicone, Erythritol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Myristyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lauryl Alcohol, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tannic Acid, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butylene Glycol, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Hyaluronic Acid, Solanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil, Citrus Paradisi Seed Oil, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol, Amyl Cinnamal
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberPropanediol
SolventTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantNiacinamide
SmoothingDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientBenzyl Glycol
SolventHydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Titanium Dioxide, Niacinamide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, C14-22 Alcohols, Hydroxyacetophenone, Behenyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Limonene, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Benzyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
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.
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 preservatives
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 AdenosineAluminum 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 GlycolDiethylamino 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 BenzoateDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexyl 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 EthylhexylglycerinHyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (basically a long sugar chain) that your skin already makes on its own. In your skin, HA lives in the extracellular matrix and acts as the body's moisture reservoir.
Topically, HA is a humectant that binds water and helps skin look more plump, smooth, and hydrated.
The only catch is that HA isn't a single thing; it actually comes in a wide range of molecular weights (~50 - 2,000+ kDA) and size matters.
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
This is why the best HA serums blend the two sizes together so you get the best of both worlds.
The majority of cosmetic HA is produced by bacterial fermentation, typically using Streptococcus or Bacillus strains. Typical use levels in skincare sit around 0.1-2%.
A clinical study using a 0.2% low-molecular weight HA gel showed improvement in facial seborrheic dermatitis with excellent tolerance.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTitanium 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 DioxideWater. 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