What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientHexyldecanol
Emollient
Coconut Alkanes
Emollient
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Silica
Abrasive
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningPolyester-7
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientParfum
Masking
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Vp/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Linalool
Perfuming
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Citronellol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Coumarin
Perfuming
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientHydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides
EmollientCI 60725
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lecithin
Emollient
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
PEG-180
HumectantDicaprylyl Carbonate, Hexyldecanol, Coconut Alkanes, Octocrylene, Silica, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Polyester-7, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Parfum, Alcohol Denat., Vp/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Linalool, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Tocopherol, Citronellol, Limonene, Coumarin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides, CI 60725, CI 77491, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, PEG-180
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 7%
Skin Conditioning
Octocrylene 9%
UV Absorber
Acrylates Crosspolymer
AbsorbentCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Triheptanoin
Skin ConditioningC9-12 Alkane
SolventButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Vp/Eicosene Copolymer
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Oryza Sativa Germ Extract
EmollientOryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Physalis Angulata Extract
Skin ProtectingDunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningHaematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingEthylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Glucomannan
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 7%, Octocrylene 9%, Acrylates Crosspolymer, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Triheptanoin, C9-12 Alkane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Soja Oil, Oryza Sativa Germ Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Physalis Angulata Extract, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Tocopherol, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Trihydroxystearin, Glucomannan
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester created from coconut oil fatty acids, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is an emollient that helps soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). What sets it apart from heavier emollients is its ultralight, non-greasy feel.
Once applied, this ingredient dries down quickly and leaves a dry, silky finish behind. This also helps improve spreadability and texture.
This ingredient has an excellent safety-record and is non-irritating.
Typical concentrations for cosmetics range from 0.5-62%.
Research on Malassezia growth found no growth on fatty acid esters with chain lengths shorter than 12 carbons (it prefers C11-24).
Since Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is built on C8 and C10 fatty acids, it is out of the range that Malassezia metabolizes, and therefore safe for fungal acne.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateEthylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateOctocrylene 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 OctocryleneSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about Tocopherol
