What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDisiloxane
Skin ConditioningDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV AbsorberCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberPolysilicone-15
UV FilterEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol Cocoate
EmulsifyingOctyldodecanol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberOctyldodecyl Xyloside
EmulsifyingMagnesium Sulfate
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolypodium Leucotomos Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingPhysalis Angulata Extract
Skin Protecting3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Ferulate
AntioxidantFerulic Acid
AntimicrobialArabidopsis Thaliana Extract
AntioxidantMelanin
Skin ProtectingCaffeic Acid
AntioxidantLecithin
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantPanthenyl Triacetate
Oxothiazolidine
Skin ProtectingBHT
AntioxidantPPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthyl Linoleate
EmollientPhenylpropanol
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantOleyl Alcohol
EmollientPropanediol
SolventSodium Benzoate
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Disiloxane, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Caprylyl Methicone, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polysilicone-15, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol Cocoate, Octyldodecanol, Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Silica, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Octyldodecyl Xyloside, Magnesium Sulfate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polypodium Leucotomos Leaf Extract, Physalis Angulata Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ethylhexyl Ferulate, Ferulic Acid, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Melanin, Caffeic Acid, Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Panthenyl Triacetate, Oxothiazolidine, BHT, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethyl Linoleate, Phenylpropanol, Tocopherol, Oleyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Linalool, Limonene, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Isostearyl Neopentanoate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialIsohexadecane
EmollientButylene Glycol Cocoate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethyl Methacrylate
Octocrylene
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPPG-15 Stearyl Ether
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantIsostearyl Neopentanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isohexadecane, Butylene Glycol Cocoate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Titanium Dioxide, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Silica, Ozokerite, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
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 Cocoate isn't fungal acne safe. It can be bad for dry skin.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Ethylhexyl 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 SalicylateSilica, 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 SilicaTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as âmineralâ by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isnât as strong as zinc oxideâs, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTocopheryl 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 Acetate