What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Helichrysum Arenarium Extract
AntiseborrhoeicMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Althaea Rosea Root Extract
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Nylon-12
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Limonia Acidissima Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingRosa Davurica Bud Extract
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract
AstringentAbronia Villosa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Mume Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Salvia Officinalis Water
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Water
Masking
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Water
AstringentAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract
EmollientMorus Alba Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin Protecting
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMethoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Water, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Helichrysum Arenarium Extract, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Silica, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Nylon-12, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Limonia Acidissima Extract, Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Rosa Davurica Bud Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Pentylene Glycol, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract, Abronia Villosa Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract, Prunus Mume Flower Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Salvia Officinalis Water, Calendula Officinalis Flower Water, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Water, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone, Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Methicone, Betaine
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Propanediol
Solvent
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Silica
Abrasive
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
Humectant
BHT
Antioxidant
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Alcohol, Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Silica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Butylene Glycol, BHT, T-Butyl Alcohol, Tocopherol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
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 preservatives
BHT 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 BHTAlso 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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneButylene 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 GlycolEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Octocrylene 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 OctocrylenePentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene 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 SilicaWater. 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
