What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberSorbitol
HumectantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberSilica
AbrasiveChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingPropanediol
SolventPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCeteareth-20
CleansingCetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolyacrylate-13
Polyisobutene
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Octocrylene, Sorbitol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Silica, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isononyl Isononanoate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Cetyl Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, C14-22 Alcohols, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethanolamine, Panthenol, CI 77163, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, CI 77891, Mica, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCyclomethicone
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberBenzophenone-3
UV AbsorberPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantIsodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
SmoothingSilica
AbrasiveGlycerin
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Benzophenone-3, Phospholipids, Butylene Glycol, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Silica, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Titanium Dioxide, Xanthan Gum, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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 SilicaTocopheryl 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 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