What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientOctocrylene
UV AbsorberNiacinamide
SmoothingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantNylon-12
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSilica
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientPhenylethyl Resorcinol
AntioxidantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientParfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDimethiconol
EmollientPEG-8
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantTetrapeptide-30
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Octocrylene, Niacinamide, Alcohol Denat., Titanium Dioxide, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butylene Glycol, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Glycerin, Nylon-12, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Dimethicone, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Glyceryl Stearate, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethiconol, PEG-8, Tocopherol, Tetrapeptide-30, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid
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
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 GlycolDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl 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 StearatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, 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 SilicaTocopherol (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 TocopherolTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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