What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDibutyl Adipate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterNiacinamide
SmoothingEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingMethicone
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningLauryl Alcohol
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPearl Powder
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
MaskingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantGlucose
HumectantMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol
CleansingCholesterol
EmollientBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlutathione
Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningCeteth-5
EmulsifyingCeteth-3
EmulsifyingSolanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantPunica Granatum Seed Oil
EmollientMangifera Indica Seed Oil
EmollientCitrus Paradisi Seed Oil
PerfumingCetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMalpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingCoumarin
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Dibutyl Adipate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Cetearyl Olivate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Methicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Myristyl Alcohol, Adenosine, Lauryl Alcohol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pearl Powder, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butylene Glycol, Glucose, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Propylene Glycol, PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol, Cholesterol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glutathione, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Ceteth-5, Ceteth-3, Solanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil, Citrus Paradisi Seed Oil, Cetyl Phosphate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Coumarin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV Absorber1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingDimethiconol
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasiveStearic Acid
CleansingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Butylene Glycol
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveSodium Acrylate/Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingIron Oxides
Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyether-1
T-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningNatto Gum
Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Keiskei Extract
AntioxidantNelumbo Nucifera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Titanium Dioxide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Niacinamide, Methyl Trimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Dimethiconol, Trisiloxane, Alumina, Stearic Acid, Panthenol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Butylene Glycol, Silica, Sodium Acrylate/Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Iron Oxides, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyether-1, T-Butyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Natto Gum, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Angelica Keiskei Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
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 GlycolCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateDibutyl Adipate is an emollient and solvent. It is created from butyl alcohol and adipic acid.
As a solvent, Dibutyl Adipate helps mix and disperse ingredients evenly.
Dibutyl Adipate is soluble in water and organic solvents. It does not absorb UV rays.
Learn more about Dibutyl AdipateDiethylamino 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 BenzoateEthylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePolyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidTitanium 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 DioxideTocopherol (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 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water