What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberAllium Cepa Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingAcrylates Copolymer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingC20-22 Alcohols
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveTromethamine
BufferingPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyisobutene
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasiveAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAlumina
AbrasiveTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Sorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingGlycoproteins
Skin ConditioningMenadione
MaskingCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Acrylates Copolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, C20-22 Alcohols, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Caprylyl Methicone, Pentylene Glycol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cetyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glyceryl Stearate, Silica, Tromethamine, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Titanium Dioxide, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Trisiloxane, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Kaolin, Adenosine, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Glycoproteins, Menadione, CI 77007
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDibutyl Adipate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPolysilicone-15
UV FilterNiacinamide
SmoothingDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning2,3-Butanediol
HumectantEthylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTuber Magnatum Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningStellaria Media Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingAdansonia Digitata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingBuddleja Davidii Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
PerfumingThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
MaskingLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
MaskingSalvia Officinalis Leaf Water
MaskingCentaurea Cyanus Flower Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientMethylpropanediol
SolventVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingSucrose Stearate
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Stearic Acid
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasiveGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientPolyether-1
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Allantoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCaesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentWine
Skin ConditioningUltramarines
Limonene
PerfumingWater, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Titanium Dioxide, Dibutyl Adipate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polysilicone-15, Niacinamide, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, 2,3-Butanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Tuber Magnatum Extract, Tocopherol, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Stellaria Media Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Adansonia Digitata Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Water, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Butylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Methylpropanediol, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate, Glycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sucrose Stearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alumina, Glyceryl Caprylate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Squalane, Polyether-1, Lactobacillus Ferment, Glutathione, Allantoin, Panthenol, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Maltodextrin, Wine, Ultramarines, Limonene
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
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 AdenosineAllantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinAlumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.
As an absorbent, alumina can give a mattifying effect. It is used in mineral sunscreens to help coat nano-sized filters, such as titanium dioxide. By increasing the size of the UV filters, these ingredients stay on the skin for a longer time. By coating small sized ingredients, alumina helps thicken a product.
Alumina may be used as an abrasive, or exfoliant.
Alumina is naturally occurring in the mineral corundum. Certain varieties of corundum create rubies and sapphires. Corundum is also the crystalline form of alumina.
Learn more about AluminaButylene 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 GlycolButyloctyl 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 SalicylateCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateDicaprylyl 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.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinHouttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a texture enhancer and pH adjuster.
It is be used to thicken water-based products and create a gel-texture with a velvet feel.
One manufacturer claims this ingredient to have a pH range of 2-8 and to be biodegradable.
Learn more about Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidPolymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneTitanium 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 DioxideTocopherol (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 TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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