What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Homosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV Absorber4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric/Stearic Triglyceride
Skin ConditioningCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantParaffinum Liquidum
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPvp
Emulsion StabilisingSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingTridecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientCera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingPetrolatum
EmollientMyristyl Myristate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientPolybutene
Dimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterBenzophenone-3
UV AbsorberBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningOryzanol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAroma
Citric Acid
BufferingLimonene
PerfumingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSaccharin
MaskingSorbic Acid
PreservativeTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantVanillin
MaskingOzokerite, Tridecyl Neopentanoate, Octyldodecanol, Cera Microcristallina, Petrolatum, Myristyl Myristate, Isopropyl Myristate, Polybutene, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Benzophenone-3, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Oryzanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aroma, Citric Acid, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, Saccharin, Sorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Vanillin
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 an oil-soluble used to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays (peak 357 nm).
It's one of the most effective UVA filters available but has a major caveat of photostability: avobenzone is susceptible to photodegradation.
This means it can lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight without the help of a stabilizing agent.
Studies show antioxidants (like vitamin E or vitamin C) and some UV filters (like octocrylene and Tinosorb S) can meaningfully improve its stability in a formulation.
The maximum allowable concentration according to regulation is 3% in the US + Canada, and 5% in the EU, Australia, China, Korea, and ASEAN countries.
It has a well-support safety profile: a comprehensive 2025 review found minimal toxicity with no evidence of carcinogenicity.
Overall, avobenzone is a safe and regulated ingredient used in sunscreen for over 40 years.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneTocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate