What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Diethylhexyl Succinate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDimethicone
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAcetic Acid
BufferingBHT
Antioxidant
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin Conditioning
Zea Mays Oil
Emulsifying
Cyclomethicone
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Polysilicone-15
UV Filter
Paraffinum Liquidum
Emollient
Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylhexyl Succinate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Retinyl Palmitate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Acetic Acid, BHT, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Zea Mays Oil, Cyclomethicone, Squalane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Polysilicone-15, Paraffinum Liquidum
Propane
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
PEG-3 Dicaprylate/Caprate
EmulsifyingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Water
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-15
UV Filter
Turtle Extract
EmollientHematite Extract
Skin ProtectingSus Extract
Skin ConditioningMalva Sylvestris Flower
Skin ConditioningPinus Sylvestris Leaf/Stem Extract
Mauritia Flexuosa Flower/Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningFlower Extract
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Algae Extract
EmollientBHT
Antioxidant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPropane, Alcohol, PEG-3 Dicaprylate/Caprate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Water, Polysilicone-15, Turtle Extract, Hematite Extract, Sus Extract, Malva Sylvestris Flower, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf/Stem Extract, Mauritia Flexuosa Flower/Seed Extract, Flower Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Algae Extract, BHT, Dipropylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This 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 AlcoholBHT 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 BHTYou 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, Asia, Canada, and recently approved for use by the US in mid-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 TriazineC12-15 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 BenzoateDiethylamino 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 BenzoatePolysilicone-15 is a chemical UV filter that absorbs UV-B rays.
It is a photostable ingredient used to boost SPF factor and protect products from UV-induced deterioration.
This ingredient is not water-soluble.
Learn more about Polysilicone-15
