What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Silica
AbrasiveSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveDibutyl Adipate
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberC18-21 Alkane
SolventBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasiveGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
AntioxidantSaccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate
HumectantAndrographis Paniculata Extract
AstringentCarnosine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantSilica, Synthetic Wax, Dibutyl Adipate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Microcrystalline Wax, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, C18-21 Alkane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bisabolol, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Water, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Adenosine, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja Oil, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate, Andrographis Paniculata Extract, Carnosine, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Isopropyl Palmitate
EmollientDibutyl Adipate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPolysilicone-15
UV FilterEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientVinyldimethicone
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientAllium Cepa Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningCryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract
HumectantNelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingPolymethyl Methacrylate
Bisabolol
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingButylene Glycol
HumectantZinc PCA
HumectantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Methicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Isopropyl Palmitate, Dibutyl Adipate, Synthetic Wax, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Silica, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Microcrystalline Wax, Polysilicone-15, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Vinyldimethicone, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Bisabolol, Water, Isododecane, Octyldodecanol, Adenosine, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phytosterols, Acetyl Glucosamine, Allantoin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, CI 77007, CI 77891
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineThis 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 TriazineBisabolol is a gentle skin conditioner, antioxidant, and soothing ingredient.
It's primary claim to fame is soothing and research shows topically applied bisabolol can quiet the chemical messengers that cause your skin to become inflamed, helping to sooth any irritation.
A clinical study found that applying 0.5% bisabolol daily for 8 weeks produced an average 9% decrease in skin pigmentation. Researchers found it can also suppress the process that leads to excess melanin production in skin.
In vitro studies found that bisabolol combined with propylene glycol significantly increased skin permeability by increasing lipid fluidity in the stratum corneum.
You'll likely see use concentrations quite low, usually 0.1-0.2%.
Overall, this is a well-tolerated ingredient that works well in formulas designed for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.
Learn more about BisabololButylene 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 GlycolButyloctyl 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 SalicylateCoco-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/CaprateDibutyl Adipate is a lightweight, oil-soluble ester that acts as an emollient and solvent. It helps products spread more easily and leaves a soft, silky, dry-touch finish without being greasy.
You'll likely see this ingredient in sunscreens because it does a nice job dissolving UV filters and keeping them evenly distributed.
This ingredient has been found to be safe as used in cosmetics, wasn't a skin or eye irritant in clinical patch testing, and wasn't phototoxic.
In a clinical comedogenicity test, this ingredient tested negative so it isn't likely to clog pores.
Typical use levels are about 5-8% for sunscreens + nail products, but can range from 0.005%-8% depending on the product.
Learn more about Dibutyl AdipateDiethylamino 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 BenzoateEthylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneMicrocrystalline Wax is derived from petroleum through a de-oiling process, then highly refined and purified before use in cosmetics.
In skincare formulations, it is used to improve texture and create a smooth, even consistency. It also helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating.
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 SilicaSynthetic 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 WaxWater. 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