What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Chloride
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingParfum
MaskingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingMagnesium Sulfate
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSucrose Distearate
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBenzoic Acid
MaskingDisodium EDTA
PEG-4 Laurate
EmulsifyingPEG-4 Dilaurate
EmulsifyingSorbic Acid
PreservativePEG-4
HumectantIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativeBHT
AntioxidantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCucumis Sativus Juice
EmollientEel Extract
HumectantCymbopogon Citratus Extract
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCalcium Gluconate
HumectantAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Zinc Oxide, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Potassium Chloride, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Parfum, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Magnesium Sulfate, Titanium Dioxide, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sucrose Distearate, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Benzoic Acid, Disodium EDTA, PEG-4 Laurate, PEG-4 Dilaurate, Sorbic Acid, PEG-4, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, BHT, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Cucumis Sativus Juice, Eel Extract, Cymbopogon Citratus Extract, Propylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Calcium Gluconate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polyethylene
AbrasiveIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeTocopherol
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientBisabolol
MaskingPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCitric Acid
BufferingEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberPolyurethane-11
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingVinyldimethicone
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingDistearyldimonium Chloride
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingPolysilicone-15
UV FilterEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantOctyldodecanol
EmollientBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingDibutyl Adipate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polyethylene, Isopropyl Palmitate, Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ozokerite, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dehydroacetic Acid, Tocopherol, Water, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Parfum, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Bisabolol, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Polyurethane-11, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Linalool, Limonene, Vinyldimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Potassium Sorbate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Polysilicone-15, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Octyldodecanol, Benzyl Salicylate, Dibutyl Adipate, Dimethicone, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Homosalate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Salicylate is a solvent and fragrance additive. It is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid. This ingredient can be naturally found in some plants and plant extracts.
In fragrances, Benzyl Salicylate may be a solvent or a fragrance component. In synthetic musk scents, it is used as a solvent. For floral fragrances such as lilac and jasmine, it is used as a fragrance component. The natural scent of Benzyl Salicylate is described as "lightly-sweet, slightly balsamic".
While Benzyl Salicylate has been associated with contact dermatitis and allergies, emerging studies show it may not be caused by this ingredient alone.
However, this ingredient is often used with fragrances and other components that may cause allergies. It is still listed as a known allergen in the EU. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Another study from 2021 shows Benzyl Salicylate may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Benzyl SalicylateDimethicone 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 MethoxycinnamateLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolParfum 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 ParfumPotassium 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 SorbateSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateTocopheryl 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.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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