What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
Humectant4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor
UV AbsorberGlycereth-26
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSodium Chloride
MaskingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPolyepsilon-Lysine
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantQuartz
AbrasiveXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientPrunus Mume Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnolia Kobus Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Serrulata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Tigrinum Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Glycereth-26, Niacinamide, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ascorbic Acid, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, CI 77492, Decyl Glucoside, CI 77491, CI 77499, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Polyepsilon-Lysine, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propylene Glycol, Quartz, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, BHT, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Centella Asiatica Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Prunus Mume Flower Extract, Magnolia Kobus Branch/Flower/Leaf Extract, Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Lilium Tigrinum Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic Acid
CleansingC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterDierucic Acid
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCitrus Junos Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Juice
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingBHT
AntioxidantPEG-10 Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPEG-80 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingAcrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
Dimethicone/Phenyl Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveStearoyl Inulin
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Tin Oxide
AbrasiveAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMethylparaben
PreservativeParfum
MaskingMica
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol Denat., Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Caprylic Acid, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Titanium Dioxide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Dierucic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Juice, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, BHT, PEG-10 Castor Oil, PEG-80 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Dimethicone/Phenyl Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Xanthan Gum, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Stearoyl Inulin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Lauroyl Lysine, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Parfum, Mica
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTButylene 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 GlycolC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateCyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxaneEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum