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
Silica
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 AbsorberHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPropanediol
SolventDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Fructooligosaccharides
HumectantSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingPullulan
Octyldodecanol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPersea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantOleth-10
EmulsifyingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingAlumina
AbrasiveIsodeceth-6
EmulsifyingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingSimethicone
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Propanediol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethanolamine, Pullulan, Octyldodecanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polysorbate 20, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, CI 77891, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Stearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, PEG-100 Stearate, Aluminum Stearate, Oleth-10, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Alumina, Isodeceth-6, T-Butyl Alcohol, Simethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
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
Butylene 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 GlycolC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateDiethylamino 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlyceryl Stearate is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (typically sourced from plant oils like palm or coconut). It's an emulsifier, emollient, and mild occlusive.
Emulsifiers help ingredients like oil and water stay mixed so your formula stays nicely blended and uniform in texture.
This ingredient is typically used in concentrations between 1-10%. Studies have found it to be non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, and non-photoallergenic.
A close cousin of this ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate SE ("self-emulsifying"). This just has a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate added so it can emulsify without a co-emulsifier.
Since this ingredient is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast can potentially metabolize within the C11-C24 range.
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a vegetable-derived soft wax made from castor oil. It's an emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and film former.
You'll likely see it in sunscreens because it helps disperse pigments and UV-reflecting minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide evenly.
Depending on the concentration, it can drastically change the texture of a product from pasty solid (like lipstick) to sprayable liquid.
The CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has concluded this ingredient to be safe in cosmetics. The highest reported use concentration is 14.2% in lipsticks.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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