What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Isododecane
EmollientNiacinamide
Smoothing
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Arachidyl Alcohol
Emollient
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Diisopropyl Adipate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Surfactant
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSilica
Abrasive
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Water, Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Isododecane, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Arachidyl Alcohol, Titanium Dioxide, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diisopropyl Adipate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Allantoin, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Trisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Water
Astringent
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus/Water Hyacinth Ferment
Skin ProtectingPrunus Persica Leaf Extract
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Mannitol
Humectant
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Caffeic Acid
Antioxidant
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Lecithin
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Beta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Millet
Skin ConditioningZinc Dna
Skin ConditioningDna
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
Emulsifying
Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
Dextrin
AbsorbentDipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Skin Conditioning
Cholesteryl Hexyl Dicarbamate Pullulan
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Pantetheine Sulfonate
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Polyacrylate-13
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPolyisobutene
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Alumina
Abrasive
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylic Acid
Emulsion StabilisingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Trisiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Water, Tocopherol, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lactobacillus/Water Hyacinth Ferment, Prunus Persica Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mannitol, Ascorbic Acid, Caffeic Acid, Ubiquinone, Lecithin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Beta-Carotene, Hydrolyzed Millet, Zinc Dna, Dna, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract, Cholesterol, Dextrin, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Cholesteryl Hexyl Dicarbamate Pullulan, Copper Tripeptide-1, Calcium Pantetheine Sulfonate, Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polyacrylate-13, Aluminum Stearate, Polyisobutene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Alumina, Stearic Acid, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Xanthan Gum, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone, Pentylene Glycol, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Polyacrylic Acid, Alcohol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, CI 77891, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a lightweight emollient made by combinig benzoic acid with fatty alcohols that are 12-15 carbons long.
In cosmetics, it plays several roles:
The Cosmetic Review Expert Panel has concluded the alkyl benzoate group to be safe as used in cosmetics; it wasn't found to be a skin irritant and unlikely to be absorbed due to its low water solubility.
This report recorded almost 1000 reported uses with concentrations up to 59% in leave-on products but your cosmetics will typically use 0.5-15% depending on the product.
It's often called a "SPF booster": this is because it keeps UV filters properly dissolved and evenly distributed to support a sunscreen's performance. It doesn't actually raise SPF on its own.
Overall, this ingredient is well tolerated.
This ingredient is fungal acne safe because it is an ester of benzoic acid.
Think of this ingredient as two parts stuck together: an oily part and an acid part. Malassezia only gets a meal when it can snip off a fatty acid to eat. With C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, the acid part is benzoic acid, which isn't a fatty acid and which the yeast can't use as food.
Benzoic acid is actually used as a preservative to stop yeast from growing.
The oily part is a blend of C12-15 fatty alcohols but fatty alcohols in this size range can support only a little Malassezia growth (mostly for one species of Malassezia as well).
In the ingredient, those alcohols stay locked inside the molecule. The yeast can only reach them by snipping the benzoate bond, and that type of bond is harder for it to cut than a normal fatty bond.
So not much gets released. And whatever does get snipped comes packaged with benzoic acid, which discourages yeast growth.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinThis is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Silica, 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 SilicaTitanium 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 DioxideTocopheryl 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. 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
