Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Korean South Korea
Korean South Korea

What's inside

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Show highlights for:

Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate

Emollient

Octyldodecanol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Octocrylene

UV Absorber
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Dicaprylyl Carbonate

Emollient

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

UV Absorber
0 / 0 UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Ethylhexyl Salicylate

UV Absorber
0 / 0 UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Silica Silylate

Emollient
Good for Oily Skin Icon

Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide

Skin Conditioning

Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide

Skin Conditioning

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

Skin Conditioning
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Dextrin Palmitate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract

Emollient

Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract

Skin Conditioning

Pearl Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Sea Water

Humectant

Hypnea Musciformis Extract

Skin Protecting

Ulva Lactuca Extract

Skin Conditioning

Ecklonia Cava Extract

Skin Conditioning

Codium Tomentosum Extract

Skin Protecting

Agarum Cribrosum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Enteromorpha Compressa Extract

Skin Protecting

Laminaria Japonica Extract

Skin Protecting
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon

Dunaliella Salina Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sargassum Fulvellum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sargassum Muticum Extract

Skin Protecting

Porphyra Yezoensis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Fucus Vesiculosus Extract

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Laminaria Saccharina Extract

Skin Protecting

Spirulina Maxima Extract

Smoothing

Jania Rubens Extract

Skin Conditioning

Amber Extract

Skin Conditioning

Euglena Gracilis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Kjellmaniella Gyrata Extract

Skin Conditioning

Codium Fragile Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract

Skin Conditioning

Chlorella Ferment

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Chlorella Vulgaris Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hizikia Fusiforme Extract

Skin Conditioning

Salicornia Herbacea Extract

Skin Conditioning

Plankton Extract

Skin Conditioning

Pikea Robusta Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Hydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract

Skin Conditioning

Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon

Laminaria Digitata Extract

Skin Protecting
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Bisabolol

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Dehydroacetic Acid

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Macrocystis Pyrifera Protein

Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Enteromorpha Compressa

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Emulsion Stabilising

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Emollient
Helps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Parfum

Masking
Synthetic Fragrance IconFragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Octyldodecanol, Octocrylene, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Silica Silylate, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dextrin Palmitate, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Pearl Extract, Sea Water, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Ulva Lactuca Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Codium Tomentosum Extract, Agarum Cribrosum Extract, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Sargassum Fulvellum Extract, Sargassum Muticum Extract, Porphyra Yezoensis Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Jania Rubens Extract, Amber Extract, Euglena Gracilis Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Kjellmaniella Gyrata Extract, Codium Fragile Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Chlorella Ferment, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Plankton Extract, Pikea Robusta Extract, Hydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Bisabolol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Macrocystis Pyrifera Protein, Hydrolyzed Enteromorpha Compressa, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Parfum

Octyldodecanol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Polyamide-8

Emollient

Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate

Emollient

Octocrylene

UV Absorber
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

UV Absorber
0 / 0 UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Propylheptyl Caprylate

Emollient

Dicaprylyl Carbonate

Emollient

Ethylhexyl Salicylate

UV Absorber
0 / 0 UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide

Skin Conditioning

CI 77163

Cosmetic Colorant
Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide

Skin Conditioning

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

Skin Conditioning
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Minimizing Pores Icon

Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Bisabolol

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Eclipta Prostrata Extract

Skin Conditioning

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil

Masking
Oil IconEssential Oil IconFragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil

Masking
Oil IconEssential Oil IconFragrance Icon

Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Dehydroacetic Acid

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil

Masking
Oil IconEssential Oil IconFragrance Icon

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil

Masking
Oil IconEssential Oil IconFragrance IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract

Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Betula Alba Juice

Astringent

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Ceramide AP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hypnea Musciformis Extract

Skin Protecting

Ulva Lactuca Extract

Skin Conditioning

Ecklonia Cava Extract

Skin Conditioning

Codium Tomentosum Extract

Skin Protecting

Agarum Cribrosum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Enteromorpha Compressa Extract

Skin Protecting

Laminaria Japonica Extract

Skin Protecting
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon

Bellis Perennis Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Dunaliella Salina Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sargassum Fulvellum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sargassum Muticum Extract

Skin Protecting

Porphyra Yezoensis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Fucus Vesiculosus Extract

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Laminaria Saccharina Extract

Skin Protecting

Spirulina Platensis Extract

Skin Protecting

Jania Rubens Extract

Skin Conditioning

Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract

Skin Protecting

Euglena Gracilis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Undaria Pinnatifida Extract

Skin Conditioning

Codium Fragile Extract

Skin Conditioning

Laminaria Cloustoni Extract

Skin Protecting

Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract

Skin Conditioning

Chlorella Ferment

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Chlorella Minutissima Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hizikia Fusiforme Extract

Skin Conditioning

Salicornia Herbacea Extract

Skin Conditioning

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Plankton Extract

Skin Conditioning

Pikea Robusta Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Hydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract

Skin Conditioning

Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon

Laminaria Digitata Extract

Skin Protecting
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Disodium EDTA

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Macrocystis Pyrifera Protein

Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Enteromorpha Compressa

Skin Conditioning

Octyldodecanol, Polyamide-8, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, CI 77163, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Bisabolol, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Water, Tocopherol, Betula Alba Juice, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Ulva Lactuca Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Codium Tomentosum Extract, Agarum Cribrosum Extract, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Bellis Perennis Flower Extract, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Sargassum Fulvellum Extract, Sargassum Muticum Extract, Porphyra Yezoensis Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Jania Rubens Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Euglena Gracilis Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Codium Fragile Extract, Laminaria Cloustoni Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Chlorella Ferment, Chlorella Minutissima Extract, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Plankton Extract, Pikea Robusta Extract, Hydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Macrocystis Pyrifera Protein, Hydrolyzed Enteromorpha Compressa

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Agarum Cribrosum Extract yet.

Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter

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 2026.

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 Triazine
Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Bisabolol is a gentle skin conditioner, antioxidant, and soothing ingredient.

It's primary claim to fame is soothing and research shows topically applied bisabolol can quiet the chemical messengers that cause your skin to become inflamed, helping to sooth any irritation.

A clinical study found that applying 0.5% bisabolol daily for 8 weeks produced an average 9% decrease in skin pigmentation. Researchers found it can also suppress the process that leads to excess melanin production in skin.

In vitro studies found that bisabolol combined with propylene glycol significantly increased skin permeability by increasing lipid fluidity in the stratum corneum.

You'll likely see use concentrations quite low, usually 0.1-0.2%.

Overall, this is a well-tolerated ingredient that works well in formulas designed for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.

Learn more about Bisabolol
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

This is a lightweight diester (caprylic/capric acid + butylene glycol) with emollient and skin conditioning properties.

According to a manufacturer, this ingredient can help add a "cushiony" oil phase without making it heavy.

Cardiospermum halicacabum extract is more commonly known as Balloon Vine Extract.

Balloon Vine Extract helps soothe skin and is an antioxidant. It also contains many fatty acids, such as palmitic, oleic, and stearic acids. While these fatty acids help soften skin, they may not be fungal-friendly.

Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Balloon Vine has been used in traditional medicine in many Asian cultures.

Learn more about Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin Conditioning

Chlorella Ferment isn't fungal acne safe.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract yet.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Codium Fragile Extract yet.

Skin Protecting

We don't have a description for Codium Tomentosum Extract yet.

Preservative

Dehydroacetic Acid is fungicide and bactericide. It is used as a preservative in cosmetics. Preservatives help elongate the shelf life of a product.

Dehydroacetic Acid is not soluble in water.

We don't have a description for Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide yet.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide yet.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Dicaprylyl 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.

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).

DHHB is well-liked for:

DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.

This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.

Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Dunaliella Salina Extract yet.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe. It can help to reduce redness.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ecklonia Cava Extract yet.

We don't have a description for Enteromorpha Compressa Extract yet.

UV Absorber, UV Filter

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.

UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.

The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber, UV Filter

Ethylhexyl 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 Salicylate
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Euglena Gracilis Extract yet.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing

Fucus Vesiculosus Extract is derived from a type of brown algae.

Algae is an informal term for a group of aquatic organisms that can photosynthesize. It is estimated there are at least 30,000 types of Algae.

Fucus Vesiculosus Extract contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Fucus Vesiculosus Extract is also rich in sodium, potassium, and amino acids.

Many different types of algae have different benefits.

Learn more about Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.

Topically, glycerin does several things at once:

Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.

Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.

This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.

Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

This extract comes from a tiny freshwater green microalga that can be found all over the world. It's special because it can produce massive amounts of Astaxanthin, a bright reddish-orange carotenoid pigment that is considered one of nature's most powerful antioxidants.

The algae starts pumping out Astaxanthin as a defense mechanism whenever it gets stressed out by things like intense sunlight or lack of nutrients.

This extract comes as a red-tinted, oily liquid and is packed with carotenoids, proteins, lipids, and minerals.

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause oxidative damage to your skin. It is also lipophilic, meaning it loves fats. This lets it concentrate in the outer layers of your skin where UV damage tends to hit first.

Research suggests it outperforms other well-known antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Beta-Carotene in terms of scavenging ability. It can also help inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (the enzymes that break down collagen) and can stimulate growth factor secretion to support collagen production in dermal fibroblasts.

Clinical studies have shown that combining oral supplementation (6 mg/day) with topical application of astaxanthin from H. pluvialis led to improvements in wrinkles, age spots, elasticity, skin texture, and moisture content.

This ingredient is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in both topical and oral applications. In cosmetics, you'll see typical concentrations range from 0.1-2%. Allergic reactions are rare and be sure to patch test if you are unsure.

It's worth noting that about 95% of Astaxanthin on the market is made synthetically from petrochemicals.

Learn more about Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Skin Conditioning

Hizikia fusiforme extract comes from the brown seaweed known as hijiki. It has skin conditioning properties.

Hijiki is rich in minerals and polysaccharides, making it a great moisturizer.

We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Enteromorpha Compressa yet.

We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract yet.

Skin Protecting

Hypnea Musciformis Extract comes from the red algae called Hypnea musciformis. Hypnea Musciformis is commonly found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

The cell walls of Hypnea Musciformis is rich in carrageenan.

Hypnea Musciformis Extract contains vitamins A, C, and E. It also has calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and iron.

Learn more about Hypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Jania Rubens Extract yet.

Skin Protecting

Laminaria Digitata Extract comes from the dark brown seaweed, Laminaria Digitata. It is a potent antioxidant, which also provides soothing and hydrating benefits.

Many studies show the antioxidant components of Laminaria Digitata to help with anti-inflammation.

This ingredient is rich in amino acids, proteins, sugars, and vitamins. Small amounts of minerals such as phosphorous, iron, potassium, and copper are also found the seaweed.

These components help hydrate and nourish your skin's natural barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier leads to more youthful looking skin and may help reduce the signs of aging.

Laminaria Digitata is found in the northern Atlantic Ocean.

What's the difference between algae and seaweed?
Algae is a broad term that includes seaweed. Not all algae is seaweed.

Learn more about Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting

Laminaria Japonica Extract comes from a kelp more commonly known as 'sweet kelp'. It is commonly eaten in Japan, Korea, and China.

Sweet kelp is a humectant and helps hydrate your skin. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin.

Studies show Laminaria Japonica has antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging. Kelp also contains magnesium and zinc, making it great for calming inflammation and redness.

Learn more about Laminaria Japonica Extract

We don't have a description for Laminaria Saccharina Extract yet.

Skin Conditioning

This ingredient comes from a brown kelp called Macrocystis pyrifera. It is rich in antioxidants and can help hydrate skin.

Brown kelp are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and phlorotannins. Phlorotannins have been found to help with inhibiting melanin production and helping reduce the signs of aging due to their high antioxidant activity.

One study suggests phlorotannins may even have some sun protection factor due to their antioxidant activity. However, this ingredient should not replace your sunscreen.

Macrocystis pyrifera is made up of about: 60% carbohydrates, 10% protein, and 1.50% lipid content. The last 30% is kelp ash.

This kelp can be found in the southern hemisphere and north Pacific.

Learn more about Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Macrocystis Pyrifera Protein yet.

Skin Conditioning

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.

The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.

UV Absorber, UV Filter

Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.

Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.

Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.

The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:

Learn more about Octocrylene
Emollient, Masking

Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).

It is:

You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.

This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.

Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.

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Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Pikea Robusta Extract is an antioxidant.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Plankton Extract yet.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Porphyra Yezoensis Extract yet.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Salicornia Herbacea Extract yet.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Sargassum Fulvellum Extract yet.

Skin Protecting

We don't have a description for Sargassum Muticum Extract yet.

Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Tocopheryl 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.

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Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

We don't have a description for Ulva Lactuca Extract yet.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

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