What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantIsohexadecane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Chloride
MaskingAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSilica Silylate
EmollientDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHexyl Laurate
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLens Esculenta Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasiveEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSteareth-20
CleansingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantChlorhexidine Digluconate
AntimicrobialN-Hydroxysuccinimide
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningChrysin
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicIron Oxides
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Titanium Dioxide, Water, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol, Silica, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Niacinamide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Phenoxyethanol, Silica Silylate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hexyl Laurate, Stearic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Lens Esculenta Seed Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Adenosine, Kaolin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Steareth-20, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Citric Acid, Biotin, Iron Oxides
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide 4.23%
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTrimethyl Pentaphenyl Trisiloxane
EmollientAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Dimethicone
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCellulose
AbsorbentCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingParfum
MaskingPropylene Carbonate
SolventChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialVp/Va Copolymer
Alumina
AbrasiveStearic Acid
CleansingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantTropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningHexadecene
SolventHydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract
Skin Protecting1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Titanium Dioxide 4.23%, Water, Alcohol, Methyl Trimethicone, Isododecane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Trimethyl Pentaphenyl Trisiloxane, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Cellulose, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Parfum, Propylene Carbonate, Chlorphenesin, Vp/Va Copolymer, Alumina, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Tromethamine, Tocopherol, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hexadecene, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl 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 GlycolThis ingredient is a high molecular weight silicone. It has emulsifying and skin conditioning properties.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateGlycerin 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 GlycerinIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
Learn more about IsododecanePentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamatePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTitanium 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 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 Water