What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Butylene Glycol
HumectantBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
AntioxidantAloe Barbadensis Sprout
HumectantGlucose
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingPropylene Glycol
HumectantKojic Acid
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV AbsorberLecithin
EmollientEthoxydiglycol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTapioca Starch
Xylitol
HumectantPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Phoenix Dactylifera Seed Extract
MoisturisingAnhydroxylitol
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Propanediol, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Sprout, Glucose, Niacinamide, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Propylene Glycol, Kojic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide NP, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Cholesterol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Lecithin, Ethoxydiglycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tapioca Starch, Xylitol, Phospholipids, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Phoenix Dactylifera Seed Extract, Anhydroxylitol, Potassium Sorbate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Sodium Gluconate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingGold
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlutathione
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
HumectantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialWater, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Gold, Disodium EDTA, Pentapeptide-4, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glutathione, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium 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 HyaluronateWater. 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 Water