What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningArbutin
AntioxidantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingAcrylates Copolymer
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Tangerina Extract
TonicPolymethyl Methacrylate
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Stearic Acid
CleansingCetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Limonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, CI 77891, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Butylene Glycol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Arbutin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Acrylates Copolymer, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Tangerina Extract, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Sulfate, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Adenosine, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Linalool
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
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 GlycolDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexyl 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 EthylhexylglycerinNiacinamide 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 Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) is a water-soluble form of Vitamin C. It is the salt of ascorbic acid.
This ingredient is commonly used in skincare because it's more formulation-stable while still offering the same benefits as pure ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is notorious for breaking down when exposed to sunlight and oxygen whereas SAP has been shown to be more stable.
Studies show SAP has anti-acne and antioxidant benefits. One study found 5% of SAP lotion to be an effective ingredient for treating acne vulgaris. This is because research shows that SAP may help control acne by reducing acne-causing bacteria and slowing the oxidation of skin oils caused by UV exposure.
In addition to acne, vitamin C is important for skin structure. Lab studies suggest SAP may support collagen production in skin cells, making it a great ingredient in anti-aging routines.
Vitamin C has many benefits: it helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, fade the appearance of dark spots, and brighten the skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, it keeps the water and oil ingredients from separating. This keeps formulas stable and smooth.
In a 24 hour occlusive patch test on 56 subjects, 10% sorbitan isostearate was completely non-irritating. Most formulas use less than 10%.
Because it's a fatty acid ester, it may not be fungal acne safe since the Malassezia yeast can utilize it as a nutrient source.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateWater. 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