What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterDiethylhexyl Carbonate
EmollientPolyglycerin-6
HumectantBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberSilica
AbrasiveArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingDimethiconol
EmollientCellulose
AbsorbentTremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Emulsion StabilisingHectorite
AbsorbentCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantUrea
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSerine
Masking3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantAlgin
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Polyacrylate
Pullulan
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantPotassium Phosphate
BufferingNephelium Longana Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantResveratrol
AntioxidantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Polyglycerin-6, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Silica, Arachidyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Behenyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Arachidyl Glucoside, Dimethiconol, Cellulose, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Hectorite, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trehalose, Urea, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Serine, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Butylene Glycol, Algin, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Pullulan, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Potassium Phosphate, Nephelium Longana Seed Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Resveratrol
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberHomosalate
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-9/2 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberSilica
AbrasiveTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPPG-17
Skin ConditioningAcrylamides/Dmapa Acrylates/Methoxy PEG Methacrylate Copolymer
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeDextrin Palmitate/Ethylhexanoate
EmulsifyingTrifluoropropyldimethyl/Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientHydrated Silica
AbrasivePEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingC30-45 Alkyl Methicone
EmollientC30-45 Olefin
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingAgar
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingDistearyldimonium Chloride
Butylene Glycol
HumectantDextrin Palmitate
EmulsifyingPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingPEG-6
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPotentilla Erecta Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantSoluble Collagen
HumectantWater, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Homosalate, PEG/PPG-9/2 Dimethyl Ether, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Silica, Titanium Dioxide, Caprylyl Methicone, Glycerin, PPG-17, Acrylamides/Dmapa Acrylates/Methoxy PEG Methacrylate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Dextrin Palmitate/Ethylhexanoate, Trifluoropropyldimethyl/Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hydrated Silica, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, C30-45 Alkyl Methicone, C30-45 Olefin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Carbomer, Potassium Hydroxide, Agar, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Dextrin Palmitate, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Stearic Acid, PEG-6, BHT, Saccharide Isomerate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Potentilla Erecta Root Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Tocopherol, Soluble Collagen
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2026.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineButylene 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 GlycolDiethylamino 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateEthylhexyl 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 TriazoneGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read about common types of Hyaluronic Acid here:
Learn more about Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum