What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.48%
UV Absorber
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Isododecane
EmollientPolysilicone-15 3%
UV Filter
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate 2.31%
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine 1.5%
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
Astringent
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Clematis Vitalba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentFucus Vesiculosus Extract
Emollient
Hedera Helix Extract
AntimicrobialHypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Soluble Collagen
Humectant
Spiraea Ulmaria Extract
AstringentTilia Cordata Flower Extract
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
BHT
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
PEG-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMethylparaben
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.48%, Alcohol, Isododecane, Polysilicone-15 3%, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate 2.31%, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine 1.5%, Silica, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Clematis Vitalba Leaf Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Hedera Helix Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soluble Collagen, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, BHT, Butylene Glycol, PEG-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyethylene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Diethylhexyl Succinate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Cupressus Sempervirens Cone Extract
Perfuming
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMyristyl Myristate
Emollient
Triethanolamine
BufferingSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
SolventDisodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Water, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Cupressus Sempervirens Cone Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Silica, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Myristyl Myristate, Triethanolamine, Saccharide Isomerate, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Biosaccharide Gum-4
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerThis ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholYou 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 TriazineButylene 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 GlycolDiethylamino 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 BenzoateEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateGlycerin (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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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 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
