What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPolymethyl Methacrylate
PEG-8
HumectantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberHomosalate
Skin ConditioningButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningSodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate
Silica
AbrasiveEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantGlycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingPEG-12 Dimethicone/PPG-20 Crosspolymer
Lecithin
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSilanetriol
Ascorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantSodium Lactate
BufferingBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingPhytic Acid
Ascorbic Acid
AntioxidantBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingLysolecithin
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBHT
AntioxidantSqualene
EmollientParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingSorbic Acid
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, PEG-8, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate, Silica, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Titanium Dioxide, Glycine Soja Protein, PEG-12 Dimethicone/PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja Oil, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Citric Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Silanetriol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Lactate, Beta-Sitosterol, Phytic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Beta-Carotene, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, CI 77891, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Lysolecithin, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, BHT, Squalene, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterCetearyl Isononanoate
EmollientDiisopropyl Adipate
EmollientIsodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV AbsorberAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingC10-18 Triglycerides
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAvena Sativa Sprout Oil
Skin ConditioningBenzoic Acid
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantGlyceryl Behenate
EmollientGlyceryl Dibehenate
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTribehenin
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingWater, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Decyl Glucoside, C10-18 Triglycerides, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Avena Sativa Sprout Oil, Benzoic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Glutamic Acid, Glyceryl Behenate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Propylene Glycol, Silica, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tribehenin, Xanthan Gum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerThis ingredient is better known as bemotrizinol or Tinosorb S and is one of the best broad-spectrum UV filters in modern sunscreen.
It works by absorbing UV light across a whole range (280-400 nm) with peaks around 310 nm (UVB) and 340-345 nm (UVA). This means it covers UVB plus the deeper UVA wavelengths that drive photoaging and pigmentation.
Another pro?
It's exceptionally photostable, barely degrades in sunlight, and acts as a "bodyguard" for less stable filters.
That's why you'll see it paired with avobenzone or octinoxate; this team up ensures they keep working through sun exposure.
Safety reviews have been reassuring across the board. This ingredient shows low absorption through the skin, rarely irritates, and lab studies found it doesn't act like a hormone in the body (a concern that's been raised about some older sunscreen filters).
On maximum concentrations:
In 2026, the US F.D.A finally added it as an OTC sunscreen ingredient at concentrations up to 6% for adults / children 6 months and older
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineAlso known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is an oil-soluble used to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays (peak 357 nm).
It's one of the most effective UVA filters available but has a major caveat of photostability: avobenzone is susceptible to photodegradation.
This means it can lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight without the help of a stabilizing agent.
Studies show antioxidants (like vitamin E or vitamin C) and some UV filters (like octocrylene and Tinosorb S) can meaningfully improve its stability in a formulation.
The maximum allowable concentration according to regulation is 3% in the US + Canada, and 5% in the EU, Australia, China, Korea, and ASEAN countries.
It has a well-support safety profile: a comprehensive 2025 review found minimal toxicity with no evidence of carcinogenicity.
Overall, avobenzone is a safe and regulated ingredient used in sunscreen for over 40 years.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneDisodium 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 EDTAParfum 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 ParfumPropylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSilica, 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 SilicaSodium 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. Remember to 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