What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 75%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate 4%
UV AbsorberBenzophenone-3 5%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningSteareth-2
EmulsifyingHeptyl Undecylenate
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientSteareth-21
CleansingOctyldodecanol
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterPEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingRubus Chamaemorus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPPG-15 Stearyl Ether
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientDecyl Glucoside
CleansingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantSorbic Acid
PreservativePEG-8
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Lactate
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantSerine
MaskingSorbitol
HumectantTea-Lactate
HumectantUrea
BufferingPropylene Glycol
HumectantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantSodium Chloride
MaskingChondrus Crispus
MaskingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Oil
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCitral
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingParfum
MaskingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 75%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4%, Benzophenone-3 5%, Water, Steareth-2, Heptyl Undecylenate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dimethicone, Steareth-21, Octyldodecanol, Stearic Acid, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Mica, CI 77891, Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Lecithin, Decyl Glucoside, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sorbic Acid, PEG-8, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Serine, Sorbitol, Tea-Lactate, Urea, Propylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Chloride, Chondrus Crispus, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Allantoin, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Citral, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientTricaprylyl Citrate
EmollientCetyl Esters
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantCeteareth-30
CleansingDiazolidinyl Urea
PreservativeSodium Methylparaben
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Propylparaben
PreservativePropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCitronellol
PerfumingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingSodium Ethylparaben
PreservativeBenzophenone-3
UV AbsorberSodium Propylparaben
PreservativeGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingSorbitol
HumectantCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientCitral
PerfumingAlthaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningArnica Montana Flower Extract
MaskingSambucus Nigra Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingMethylparaben
PreservativeWater, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone, Tricaprylyl Citrate, Cetyl Esters, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Ceteareth-30, Diazolidinyl Urea, Sodium Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Panthenol, Citronellol, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Sodium Ethylparaben, Benzophenone-3, Sodium Propylparaben, Geraniol, Linalool, Sorbitol, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Citral, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Sambucus Nigra Extract, Limonene, Methylparaben
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You probably know this ingredient as Oxybenzone, a sunscreen ingredient. It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredient, meaning it can protect the skin against UVB and short UVA rays. The absorption range is 270-350 nm with peak absorption at 288 and 350 nm.
This chemical ingredient protects your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy. UV absorbers may absorb both UVA and UVB rays. It is often combined with other sunscreen ingredients to help with stability.
Ongoing research is looking into whether oxybenzone causes skin irritation and sensitivity. However, it has been shown to trigger contact dermatitis in some studies.
Oxybenzone is allowed in certain concentrations by many countries. It is allowed up to 6% in the US, and Canada, 5% in Japan, and 10% in Australia. Other countries and regions of the US have banned this ingredient to protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems. These places include Hawaii, Key West, US Virgin Islands, marine parks in Thailand, Aruba, and Palau.
The EU currently allows the following maximum concentrations:
Studies show conflicting results about oxybenzone being absorbed into the human body. The Swedish Research Institute has advised careful use of this ingredient by pregnant women and children. We always recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns about this ingredient and your health.
Learn more about Benzophenone-3Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCitral is a fragrance and used to add a lemon-like scent to products. It is both naturally found in plants and created synthetically. In plants, it is commonly occurring in lemon myrtle, lemongrass, lemon tea-tree, lemon verbena, and other citruses.
The EU mandates Citral be listed separately as a fragrance. It is a known allergen and may cause contact dermatitis. Citral can also used as a masking ingredient.
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.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
Learn more about CitralDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisodium 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 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 MethoxycinnamateGeraniol 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 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 LinaloolPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a hydrating and moisturizing agent created from the reduction process of glucose.
Most sorbitol is usually made from potato starch. It is also found in fruits such as apples and pears.
As a humectant, Sorbitol helps draw water to the skin. This helps keep the skin hydrated. Sorbitol also helps create a thicker texture in products. You might find sorbitol in your toothpaste and other gels.
It is a non-irritating ingredient that is great for those with dry skin.
Sorbitol is a prebiotic. It helps promote the growth of healthy bacteria on your skin. The bacteria on your skin form a microbiome. This microbiome helps protect your skin from infection and harmful bacteria.
Learn more about SorbitolWater. 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