What's inside

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Show highlights for:

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate

Emollient

Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer

Good for Oily Skin Icon

Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate

Emollient

Synthetic Wax

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Oily Skin Icon

Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer

Silicon IconGood for Oily Skin Icon

Isopropyl Palmitate

Emollient
3-4 / 1 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dicaprylyl Carbonate

Emollient

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Skin Conditioning
Non-Reef-Safe Icon

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Ethylhexyl Triazone

UV Absorber
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter Icon

Ozokerite

Emulsion Stabilising

Polysilicone-15

UV Filter
Silicon IconChemical UV Filter Icon

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

Skin Conditioning
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter Icon

Bakuchiol

Antimicrobial
Bakuchiol IconAntioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps brighten skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Skin Texture Icon

Vinyldimethicone

Silicon Icon

Titanium Dioxide

Cosmetic Colorant
0 / 0 UV Protection IconMineral UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Glyceryl Caprylate

Emollient

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Emollient
Coconut Derived Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Polyhydroxystearic Acid

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Silicon Icon

Aluminum Hydroxide

Emollient

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Humectant
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Acetyl Octapeptide-3

Humectant
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Nonapeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Dipeptide-2

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Dipeptide-4

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

Skin Protecting
Peptide Icon

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5

Humectant
Peptide Icon

Acetyl Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper Hcl

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Oligopeptide-6

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Copper Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Tripeptide-2

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Tripeptide-3

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Pentapeptide-3

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Hexapeptide-2

Bleaching
Peptide Icon

Hexapeptide-9

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Skin Texture Icon

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Skin Texture Icon

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Skin Texture Icon

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Skin Texture Icon

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Aroma

Synthetic Fragrance Icon

Ultramarines

0 / 0

Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer

Good for Oily Skin Icon

Synthetic Wax

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Oily Skin Icon

Dibutyl Adipate

Emollient

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Emollient
Coconut Derived Icon

Isopropyl Palmitate

Emollient
3-4 / 1 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caprylyl Methicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Caprylyl Trimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Ethylhexyl Palmitate

Emollient
2-3 / 0 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Minimizing Pores Icon

Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer

Silicon IconGood for Oily Skin Icon

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

Skin Conditioning
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter Icon

Boron Nitride

Absorbent
Good for Oily Skin Icon

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Skin Conditioning
Non-Reef-Safe Icon

Ethylhexyl Triazone

UV Absorber
UV Protection IconChemical UV Filter Icon

Microcrystalline Wax

Emulsion Stabilising

Polysilicone-15

UV Filter
Silicon IconChemical UV Filter Icon

Vinyldimethicone

Silicon Icon

Camellia Japonica Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Curcuma Longa Root Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Corallina Officinalis Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon

Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract

Antimicrobial

Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Amber Powder

Water

Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract

Emollient

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

Emollient
0-2 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Artemisia Capillaris Extract

Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil

Humectant
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Propanediol

Solvent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Bambusa Vulgaris Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation Icon

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Methylpropanediol

Solvent

Centella Asiatica Extract

Cleansing
Helps with Anti-Aging IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Scar Healing IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Barrier Repair Icon

Morinda Citrifolia Extract

Astringent

Vigna Radiata Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Reviews

2.25
Overall rating
5
4
3
2
1
What people say
Oily 50% Heavy 50% Strong Scent 50%
3.30
Overall rating
5
4
3
2
1
What people say
No Scent 47% Heavy 31% Works Well 28%

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Β 

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 preservativesΒ 
Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter

This 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 Triazine
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene 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 Glycol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent, UV Filter

Butyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.

According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.

Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.

Learn more about Butyloctyl Salicylate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester created from coconut oil fatty acids, caprylic acid, and capric acid.

It is an emollient that helps soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). What sets it apart from heavier emollients is its ultralight, non-greasy feel.

Once applied, this ingredient dries down quickly and leaves a dry, silky finish behind. This also helps improve spreadability and texture.

This ingredient has an excellent safety-record and is non-irritating.

Typical concentrations for cosmetics range from 0.5-62%.

Research on Malassezia growth found no growth on fatty acid esters with chain lengths shorter than 12 carbons (it prefers C11-24).

Since Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is built on C8 and C10 fatty acids, it is out of the range that Malassezia metabolizes, and therefore safe for fungal acne.

Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).

DHHB is well-liked for:

DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.

This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.

Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Absorber, UV Filter

Ethylhexyl Triazone (aka Octyl Triazone) is an oil-soluble organic UVB filter. It has peak absorption around 314 nm, right in the middle of the UVB range.

This ingredient is described as one of the most effective UVB filters available and small concentrations are enough to deliver a high SPF thanks to its strong UV absorbing power.

Formulators love it for its stability; its ability to filter UV stays practically unchanged even under intense radiation and it can also help boost the photostability of less stable filters like avobenzone.

It's also a great pick for water resistant products because it's insoluble in water and has a good affinity for keratin.

Because it's a big, heavy molecule, the European Scientific Committee has found to to have very low dermal penetration and negative results for allergenicity.

In vitro testing also showed a low absorption rate and clean results on irritation.

Typical use levels are 1-5% with 5% being the maximum in the EU, Japan, and other markets that allow it. However, this ingredient is not approved yet in the US or Canada.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Triazone
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin 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 Ethylhexylglycerin
Emollient, Masking

Isopropyl Palmitate is a lightweight emollient made by combining isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid.

It is an emollient that leaves skin feeling smooth and silky without leaving a greasy feel.

Typical usage concentrations range from 1-5%.

Human testing shows it's non-irritating and non-sensitizing, and the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has cleared it at very high levels (79% in leave-on products).

The one thing worth knowing about its comedogenic score of 3-4 is to keep it in perspective: these ratings come from old rabbit-ear tests using 100% of pure ingredient and doesn't reflect how it behaves at low levels in a finished product.

Because it is an ester of palmitic acid (C16), it falls into the range that the Malassezia yeast can feed on and is considered not fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Isopropyl Palmitate

This ingredient comes as a powder made up of small, porous, microbeads. It is used to add a silky feel to products and also helps absorb oil.

Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Surfactant

This ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier and is sometimes known by its trade name, Isolan GPS. It helps create stable emulsions by bridging oil and water phases without adding a greasy feel.

Common usage levels sit between 2-5% for this ingredient.

UV Filter

Polysilicone-15 is a chemical UV filter that absorbs UV-B rays.

It is a photostable ingredient used to boost SPF factor and protect products from UV-induced deterioration.

This ingredient is not water-soluble.

Learn more about Polysilicone-15
Abrasive, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking

Synthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.

Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.

It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.

This ingredient has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.

Synthetic Waxes are straight/branched-chain hydrocarbons with no ester bond or fatty acids. That means there is nothing for the Malassezia yeast to feed on.

Learn more about Synthetic Wax

This ingredient is used in makeup and skincare to thicken formulas, reduce shine, and give skin a silky-smooth feel.

It’s a white silicone powder that sits in fine lines and pores to blur their appearance though its effectiveness depends on the particle size.

You'll typically find this ingredient in amounts between 0.1-20%.

Learn more about Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer

Vinyldimethicone is a type of silicone.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. 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 Water

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