What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantHomosalate
Skin ConditioningTribehenin PEG-20 Esters
EmollientStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantVp/Eicosene Copolymer
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCreatine
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientGlycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningMannitol
HumectantPEG-100 Stearate
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
C20-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-8 Laurate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCerium Oxide
Butylene Glycol
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBenzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberDisodium EDTA
Sodium Dextran Sulfate
Gel FormingSqualane
EmollientPalmaria Palmata Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantParaffinum Liquidum
EmollientHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeAndrographis Paniculata Leaf Extract
AstringentSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol
HumectantAminoethanesulfinic Acid
AntioxidantSilica
AbrasiveBHT
AntioxidantCarnosine
Skin ConditioningArtemia Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium Adenosine Triphosphate
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantHexapeptide-2
BleachingWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Homosalate, Tribehenin PEG-20 Esters, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Caprylyl Methicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, Creatine, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Mannitol, PEG-100 Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, C20-22 Alcohols, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, PEG-8 Laurate, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cerium Oxide, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Squalane, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Paraffinum Liquidum, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Andrographis Paniculata Leaf Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 60, Propylene Glycol, Aminoethanesulfinic Acid, Silica, BHT, Carnosine, Artemia Extract, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Tocopherol, CI 17200, Hexapeptide-2
Octocrylene 3%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberSilica
AbrasiveDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Nylon-12
PEG-100 Stearate
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientCera Alba
EmollientPerlite
AbsorbentAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCassia Alata Leaf Extract
AstringentChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingDisodium EDTA
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentP-Anisic Acid
MaskingPEG-8 Laurate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingOctocrylene 3%, Water, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Silica, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Nylon-12, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cera Alba, Perlite, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Behenyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Chlorphenesin, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Disodium EDTA, Maltodextrin, P-Anisic Acid, PEG-8 Laurate, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneButyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.
According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateDicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateHomosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalateThis ingredient comes as a powder made up of small, porous, microbeads. It is used to add a silky feel to products and also helps absorb oil.
Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
PEG-8 Laurate isn't fungal acne safe.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSilica, 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 SilicaWe don't have a description for Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer yet.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum