What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantNeopentyl Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingNiacinamide
SmoothingButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientHydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingGlyceryl Behenate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Octastearate
EmulsifyingCollagen
MoisturisingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCaviar Extract
Skin ConditioningTribehenin
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningMethicone
EmollientTriethyl Citrate
MaskingMica
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMethylparaben
PreservativePropylparaben
PreservativeCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Chloride, Glyceryl Behenate, Polyglyceryl-6 Octastearate, Collagen, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Caviar Extract, Tribehenin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Methicone, Triethyl Citrate, Mica, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberIsoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingNiacinamide
SmoothingDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin ConditioningRosa Rugosa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMesembryanthemum Crystallinum Extract
HumectantGossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCrithmum Maritimum Extract
Skin ConditioningPlantago Asiatica Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthophylls
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Dimethiconol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Propanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantBenzyl Glycol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Sodium Chloride, Ceresin, Adenosine, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Rosa Rugosa Flower Extract, Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Plantago Asiatica Extract, Xanthophylls, CI 77492, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Sorbitan Olivate, Trihydroxystearin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, CI 77491, CI 77499, Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Carbonate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethiconol, Disodium EDTA, Propanediol, Glycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Benzyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Geraniol, Citral, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 AdenosineButylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient is a high molecular weight silicone. It has emulsifying and skin conditioning properties.
Ci 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.
Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeDisteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateSorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.
Specifically, this ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier, meaning it helps water dissolve into oil.
Some studies suggest this ingredient may cause irritation in some people. If you are unsure, it is best to patch test.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan SesquioleateTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” 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 isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, 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 DioxideWater. 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