What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberTalc
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialIsododecane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTriethylhexanoin
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Chloride
MaskingMagnesium Sulfate
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingSilica
AbrasivePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeHydrogen Dimethicone
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingParfum
MaskingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Benzoic Acid
MaskingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativePropylene Carbonate
SolventCrambe Maritima Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Talc, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isododecane, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triethylhexanoin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Silica, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Parfum, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Benzoic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dehydroacetic Acid, Propylene Carbonate, Crambe Maritima Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, BHT, CI 77891, CI 77492
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberBenzophenone-3
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCetyl Alcohol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingBoron Nitride
AbsorbentEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate
CleansingCetearyl Isononanoate
EmollientTriethyl Citrate
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingCeteareth-20
CleansingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientBHT
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingHydrolyzed Eruca Sativa Leaf
AntioxidantGalactoarabinan
Ceteareth-12
EmulsifyingCetyl Palmitate
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantArginine PCA
HumectantHoya Lacunosa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhaeodactylum Tricornutum Extract
HumectantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone-3, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Boron Nitride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Triethyl Citrate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum, Lauryl Glucoside, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Eruca Sativa Leaf, Galactoarabinan, Ceteareth-12, Cetyl Palmitate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine PCA, Hoya Lacunosa Flower Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phaeodactylum Tricornutum Extract, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCi 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 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 77492Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Dehydroacetic 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.
Dimethicone 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 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinParfum 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 “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium 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 SorbateWater. 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