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 ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveLitchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract
Skin ConditioningBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin ConditioningChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Calcium Chloride
AstringentPCA
HumectantMannitol
HumectantArginine
MaskingSerine
MaskingSucrose
HumectantManganese Sulfate
Skin ConditioningGlycogen
HumectantCitrulline
Skin ConditioningHistidine Hcl
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Alanine
MaskingLysine Hcl
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
HumectantZinc Sulfate
AntimicrobialAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantPolyacrylate-13
Polyisobutene
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantAlumina
AbrasiveStearic Acid
CleansingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Butylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Titanium Dioxide, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Silica, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Beta-Glucan, Magnesium Sulfate, Calcium Chloride, PCA, Mannitol, Arginine, Serine, Sucrose, Manganese Sulfate, Glycogen, Citrulline, Histidine Hcl, Threonine, Alanine, Lysine Hcl, Glutamic Acid, Zinc Sulfate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Aluminum Stearate, Alumina, Stearic Acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerin, Propanediol, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Ā
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesĀ
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.
When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.
It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosideButylene 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 GlycolCalcium chloride is a white, odorless, crystalline solid. It is an astringent and can be used to change the viscosity of products.
This ingredient is highly soluble in water, acetic acid, and ethanol.
There are many forms of this ingredient, including monohydrate, dihydrate, tetrahydrate, and hexahydrate.
Learn more about Calcium ChlorideCeramide AP is is a skin-identical lipid that mimics what your skin already makes naturally. Ceramides help maintain epidermal integrity and barrier function.
You'll often see this ingredient paired with other ceramides (like ceramide NP), cholesterol, or fatty acids because this combination best mimics the natural lipid mix your skin already has.
The skin's ability to produce ceramides gets disrupted in skin conditions like eczema. This in turn weakens the skin barrier and applying ceramides topically has been shown to replenish what's been lost to restore barrier function.
Most of the studies with Ceramide AP test it as part of a multi-ceramide complex; studies reinforce ceramide AP's role in rebalancing ceramides in skin and improving skin hydration.
Learn more about Ceramide APWe don't have a description for Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract yet.
Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having āsulfateā in the name, it isnāt a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesnāt have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfateManganese Sulfate is a type of sulfate.
Parfum 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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 TrimethiconePolyacrylate-13 is a type of acrylate polymer. Acrylate polymers are commonly used as adhesives in cosmetics.
Polyacrylate-13 creates a film to protect the skin. It is also used to thicken and stabilize a product. It works by making water a gel-like consistency. This gel consistency helps suspend particles.
Polyacrylate-13 is a copolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide, sodium acrylate, sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate monomers
Learn more about Polyacrylate-13Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.
It is a film-forming agent and helps bind ingredients together.
Polyisobutene is not absorbed by the skin.
Learn more about PolyisobutenePolysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Ā
Itās often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSilica, 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 SilicaSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, it keeps the water and oil ingredients from separating. This keeps formulas stable and smooth.
In a 24 hour occlusive patch test on 56 subjects, 10% sorbitan isostearate was completely non-irritating. Most formulas use less than 10%.
Because it's a fatty acid ester, it may not be fungal acne safe since the Malassezia yeast can utilize it as a nutrient source.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateWater. 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 WaterZinc Sulfate has antimicrobial and astringent properties. It is created synthetically from zinc and sulfuric acid.
Despite having āsulfateā in the name, it isnāt a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, zinc sulfate doesnāt have the same cleansing or foaming properties.