What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.5%
UV AbsorberHomosalate 9%
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene 9%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate-13
Parfum
MaskingPolyisobutene
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingLavandula Angustifolia Flower Water
Skin ConditioningButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingButylene Glycol
HumectantGlucose
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentHibiscus Abelmoschus Extract
MaskingMagnesium Sulfate
Calcium Chloride
AstringentTocopherol
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeManganese Sulfate
Skin ConditioningChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningZinc Sulfate
AntimicrobialAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.5%, Homosalate 9%, Octocrylene 9%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Water, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Silica, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Trisiloxane, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, C14-22 Alcohols, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Caprylyl Methicone, Polyacrylate-13, Parfum, Polyisobutene, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Citronellol, Butylene Glycol, Glucose, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Hibiscus Abelmoschus Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Calcium Chloride, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Manganese Sulfate, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Zinc Sulfate, Ascorbyl Glucoside
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberLauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDextrin Palmitate
EmulsifyingDiethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingGlyceryl Behenate
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientSorbitan Distearate
EmollientStearoyl Glutamic Acid
CleansingArginine
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Tocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCitral
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dextrin Palmitate, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Homosalate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Glyceryl Behenate, Sodium Hydroxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Distearate, Stearoyl Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Citral, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneCetyl 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 EDTAEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateGeraniol 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 GlycerinHomosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalateLimonene 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 LimoneneOctocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneParfum 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 âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ 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 ParfumPhenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skinâs lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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