What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV AbsorberOctocrylene 7%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Alcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Distearate
EmulsifyingJojoba Esters
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningAcacia Decurrens Flower Wax
EmollientGuanosine
Skin ConditioningCyathea Medullaris Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Linseed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
CleansingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPEG-8 Laurate
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
EmulsifyingPolyglycerin-3
HumectantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Steareth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
EmollientLimonene
PerfumingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCinnamic Acid
PerfumingLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGeraniol
PerfumingDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Cetyl Alcohol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentLevulinic Acid
PerfumingStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientParfum
MaskingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Propanediol, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Alcohol Denat., Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Jojoba Esters, Tocopherol, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Guanosine, Cyathea Medullaris Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Sodium Benzoate, CI 17200, Sodium Levulinate, Phenoxyethanol, Adenosine, PEG-8 Laurate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Polyglycerin-3, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Steareth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Limonene, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Cinnamic Acid, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Geraniol, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Disodium EDTA, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Levulinic Acid, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-40 Stearate
EmulsifyingParaffinum Liquidum
EmollientMyristyl Myristate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientSorbitan Tristearate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIsohexadecane
EmollientCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingAcrylonitrile/Methyl Methacrylate/Vinylidene Chloride Copolymer
Mannitol
HumectantMethylparaben
PreservativeAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialStearyl Alcohol
EmollientMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
CI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantHydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingIsobutane
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingIris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingVigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCyclodextrin
AbsorbentSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingFaex Extract
Skin ConditioningHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingTin Oxide
AbrasiveBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingDisodium Succinate
MaskingWater, Squalane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-40 Stearate, Paraffinum Liquidum, Myristyl Myristate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Octyldodecanol, Sorbitan Tristearate, Butylene Glycol, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891, Isohexadecane, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Acrylonitrile/Methyl Methacrylate/Vinylidene Chloride Copolymer, Mannitol, Methylparaben, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Stearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Mica, Polysorbate 80, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, CI 77163, CI 77491, Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract, Sorbitan Oleate, Isobutane, Sodium Hydroxide, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract, Cyclodextrin, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Faex Extract, Hexyl Cinnamal, Tin Oxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Disodium Succinate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
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.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholCapryloyl Salicylic Acid comes from salicylic acid, the famous acne-fighting BHA.
It usually goes by a more common name of LHA, or lipohydroxy acid.
Like salicylic acid, this ingredient is a chemical exfoliant that can help break down the oil in your pores and reduce inflammation.
Though studies for LHA do show it to be less effective than salicylic acid. To be fair, salicylic acid is the reigning monarch of acne treatments.
However, a study from 2009 found LHA to be comparable to BPO, making it a good alternative for people with sensitive skin. Another study of 14 patients found a significant decrease in comedones after using LHA.
Another pro of LHA? It is less irritating than salicylic acid due to its large molecule size.
Large molecules cannot penetrate skin as well, so they are gentler on the skin. LHA is much less penetrative than salicylic acid.
An in-vitro study (not done on a living organism) found only 6% of LHA penetrated past the statum corneum compared to 58% of salicylic acid. An in-vivo (done on a living organism) analysis revealed ~17% of LHA was still present in the top layer of skin after 4 days, versus ~9% of salicylic acid.
Interestingly, a study from 2008 found LHA comparable to another famous acid, glycolic acid.
This study found about 10% of LHA is as effective as 20-50% of glycolic acid in treating hyperpigmentation and fine-lines.
Hydroxy acids have been found to stimulate skin protein, lipids, and thermal thickening. This may have anti-aging benefits.
Learn more about Capryloyl Salicylic AcidCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycerin 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 GlycerinLimonene 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 LimoneneParfum 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.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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