What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butane
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientNylon-12
Diisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Cyclohexasiloxane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingDrometrizole Trisiloxane
UV AbsorberPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningP-Anisic Acid
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
CleansingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePEG-32
HumectantPEG-8 Laurate
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeParfum
MaskingButane, Water, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Nylon-12, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Pentylene Glycol, P-Anisic Acid, Tocopherol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-32, PEG-8 Laurate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberHomosalate 5%
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV AbsorberOctocrylene 10%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantIsododecane
EmollientMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientBisabolol
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPEG-15/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
StabilisingSodium PCA
HumectantPolyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingIron Oxides
Yeast Extract
Skin ConditioningDilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantCeteareth-25
CleansingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingCastor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment
Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
AstringentBehenic Acid
CleansingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Iron Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Copper Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Silicon Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces/Zinc Ferment
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Eos
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
PerfumingCaprooyl Phytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCaprooyl Sphingosine
Skin ConditioningButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Saccharide Isomerate, Isododecane, Methyl Gluceth-20, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Bisabolol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, PEG-15/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium PCA, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Iron Oxides, Yeast Extract, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Trisiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Ceteareth-25, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Behenic Acid, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Mica, Ceramide Ns, Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Butylene Glycol, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide Eos, Tocopherol, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexyl 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 GlycerinHomosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalateOctocrylene 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 OctocrylenePhenoxyethanol 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.
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate isn't fungal acne safe.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideTocopherol (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