What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberHomosalate 5%
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV AbsorberOctocrylene 7%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingButylene Glycol
HumectantCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitral
PerfumingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingMyristic Acid
CleansingNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePhenylethyl Resorcinol
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningSteareth-100
Gel FormingStearic Acid
CleansingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, Water, Glycerin, Silica, Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Citral, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Myristic Acid, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Palmitic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Steareth-100, Stearic Acid, T-Butyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum
Water
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientTridecyl Stearate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTuna Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientNarcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
AstringentSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningCitrus Medica Vulgaris Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientSucrose
HumectantTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientDipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate
EmulsifyingPEG-100 Stearate
Trehalose
HumectantCetyl Palmitate
EmollientSorbitol
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
MaskingSorbitan Palmitate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantPvp
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantIsoceteth-20
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Seedcake
AbrasivePolyethylene
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Octocrylene, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polysorbate 60, Cetyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Stearate, Dimethicone, Tridecyl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Tuna Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Lactis Proteinum, Citrus Medica Vulgaris Fruit Extract, Caffeine, Algae Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Sucrose, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate, PEG-100 Stearate, Trehalose, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Lactate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sorbitan Olivate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium PCA, Pvp, Sodium Polyacrylate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Isoceteth-20, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Polyethylene, Parfum, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, CI 19140, CI 14700
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 GlycolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateGlycerin 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 GlycerinOctocrylene 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 OctocryleneParfum 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.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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