What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberHomosalate 9%
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV AbsorberOctocrylene 3%
UV AbsorberBenzophenone-3 4.5%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCeteareth-25
CleansingNiacinamide
SmoothingOpuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantOligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningResveratrol
AntioxidantSucrose Palmitate
EmollientBisabolol
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveDisodium Ethylene Dicocamide PEG-15 Disulfate
CleansingHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingGlyceryl Linoleate
EmollientEthoxydiglycol
HumectantMethyldihydrojasmonate
MaskingEthylene Brassylate
MaskingTetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
MaskingEthyl Linalool
MaskingIsobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol
MaskingMethylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal
PerfumingPhenylisohexanol
MaskingTrimethylbenzenepropanol
MaskingMethyl Benzodioxepinone
MaskingTriethanolamine
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativeButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 9%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Octocrylene 3%, Benzophenone-3 4.5%, Water, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-25, Niacinamide, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Oligopeptide-1, Resveratrol, Sucrose Palmitate, Bisabolol, Silica, Disodium Ethylene Dicocamide PEG-15 Disulfate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Glyceryl Linoleate, Ethoxydiglycol, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Ethylene Brassylate, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Ethyl Linalool, Isobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol, Methylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal, Phenylisohexanol, Trimethylbenzenepropanol, Methyl Benzodioxepinone, Triethanolamine, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberHomosalate 4%
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV AbsorberOctocrylene 2.6%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingDimethicone
EmollientIsopropyl Isostearate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantRetinyl Propionate
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBHT
AntioxidantTapioca Starch
Dimethiconol
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingPalmitic Acid
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPEG-100 Stearate
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Benzyl Alcohol
PerfumingMethylparaben
PreservativeEthylparaben
PreservativePropylparaben
PreservativeIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativeButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 4%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Octocrylene 2.6%, Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Isopropyl Isostearate, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Retinyl Propionate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, BHT, Tapioca Starch, Dimethiconol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-100 Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneCetearyl 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 AlcoholDimethicone 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 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 SalicylateGlycerin 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 HomosalateIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is a preservative.
Niacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideOctocrylene 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 OctocryleneTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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