What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventDibutyl Adipate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberSilica
AbrasiveDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientArginine
MaskingUndecane
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantTridecane
PerfumingButylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantLauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
Skin ConditioningVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Polysorbate 60
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate Starch
AbsorbentCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydrated Silica
AbrasiveTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Parfum
MaskingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSodium Lactate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingLecithin
EmollientPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPentapeptide-34 Trifluoroacetate
EmollientWater, Propanediol, Dibutyl Adipate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dimethicone, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Silica, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Arginine, Undecane, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Tridecane, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Polysorbate 60, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrated Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Parfum, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Lactate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Lecithin, Plankton Extract, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Pentapeptide-34 Trifluoroacetate
Water
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberPropanediol
SolventButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberPolymethyl Methacrylate
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberPolysilicone-15
UV FilterCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveCI 77492
Cosmetic Colorant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPropylene Carbonate
SolventCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPEG-8
HumectantSodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Lysine
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantMagnesium Chloride
Ascorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Octocrylene, Propanediol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, CI 77891, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Polysilicone-15, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Tromethamine, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Silica, CI 77492, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Polysorbate 60, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, CI 77491, Propylene Carbonate, CI 77499, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Aluminum Hydroxide, PEG-8, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Lysine, Tocopherol, Magnesium Chloride, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2025.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineAlso 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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumThis ingredient is more commonly known as Ensulizole, a chemical sunscreen ingredient.
Ensulizole mainly protects UV-B (290-340 nm) but offers a little UV-A (320-400 nm) protection. It is often paired with less photo-stable sunscreen ingredients due to its photo-stability.
Due to it being water-soluble, Ensulizole helps give sunscreens a light and non-oily texture.
Ensulizole is approved worldwide:
Learn more about Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic AcidPolysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
Itâs 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 PropanediolSilica, 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 skinâs 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 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