What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantOctocrylene
UV AbsorberPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-11
Emulsion StabilisingSilica
AbrasiveGlycerin
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeApium Graveolens Extract
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantHoney Extract
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingBisabolol
MaskingLecithin
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTriethylene Glycol
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Octocrylene, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11, Silica, Glycerin, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Apium Graveolens Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Honey Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Bisabolol, Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberBenzophenone-3
UV AbsorberPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberPropanediol
SolventZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Benzophenone-3, Phospholipids, Butylene Glycol, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Propanediol, Zinc Oxide, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum
Reviews
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 GlycolEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamatePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol 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 SilicaTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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