What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Butylene Glycol
HumectantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeGlyceryl Tribehenate/Isostearate/Eicosandioate
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantNylon-12
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveBetaine
HumectantStearic Acid
CleansingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningWater, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Methyl Trimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, CI 77492, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Tribehenate/Isostearate/Eicosandioate, CI 77491, Nylon-12, Aluminum Hydroxide, Silica, Betaine, Stearic Acid, CI 77499, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Caffeine
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantMica
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingStearic Acid
CleansingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAlumina
AbrasiveKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantIsostearic Acid
CleansingSpirodela Polyrhiza Extract
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBuddleja Davidii Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingSodium Dextran Sulfate
Gel FormingSuperoxide Dismutase
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeIron Oxides
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide, Water, Methyl Trimethicone, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, Mica, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Magnesium Sulfate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Alumina, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Tocopherol, Isostearic Acid, Spirodela Polyrhiza Extract, Alcohol, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Glycine Soja Protein, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Superoxide Dismutase, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Iron Oxides, CI 77491
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 GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having āsulfateā in the name, it isnāt a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesnāt have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfateMethyl Trimethicone is a type of silicone. It is a solvent and emulsifier.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Methyl Trimethicone does not get absorbed into the skin.
Learn more about Methyl TrimethiconePentylene 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 GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Stearic 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 āmineralā 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 isnāt as strong as zinc oxideās, 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 skinās 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