What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHomosalate
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialIsoamyl Cocoate
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSqualane
EmollientAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientTriethanolamine
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingBHT
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-4 Dilaurate
EmulsifyingPEG-4 Laurate
EmulsifyingCasearia Sylvestris Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCitronellol
PerfumingSilica
AbrasiveSchinus Terebinthifolia Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativePEG-200
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningConobea Scoparioides Leaf Oil
MaskingAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
Absorbent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDMDM Hydantoin
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Homosalate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isoamyl Cocoate, Caprylyl Methicone, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Squalane, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Triethanolamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 60, Decyl Glucoside, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, PEG-4 Dilaurate, PEG-4 Laurate, Casearia Sylvestris Leaf Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citronellol, Silica, Schinus Terebinthifolia Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, PEG-200, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Conobea Scoparioides Leaf Oil, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Maltodextrin, 1,2-Hexanediol, DMDM Hydantoin, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberAlcohol
AntimicrobialButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Tribehenin PEG-20 Esters
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningAngelica Archangelica Root Extract
MaskingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBHT
AntioxidantBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingCitronellol
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Amara Peel Extract
MaskingCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientDecyl Glucoside
CleansingDimethicone
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethiconol
EmollientDimethylmethoxy Chromanol
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientLecithin
EmollientLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentMaltodextrin
AbsorbentMica
Cosmetic ColorantOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentPEG-100 Stearate
PEG-8
HumectantPhysalis Pubescens Fruit Juice
Skin ConditioningPlantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingPongamia Pinnata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantPunica Granatum Extract
AstringentRuby Powder
Skin ConditioningSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSilica
AbrasiveSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantWine Extract
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingSorbic Acid
PreservativeParfum
MaskingCI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Tribehenin PEG-20 Esters, 1,2-Hexanediol, Adenosine, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Benzyl Benzoate, BHT, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Citronellol, Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Cyclohexasiloxane, Decyl Glucoside, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Disodium EDTA, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lecithin, Limonene, Linalool, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Maltodextrin, Mica, Oryza Sativa Extract, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-8, Physalis Pubescens Fruit Juice, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 60, Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract, Propylene Glycol, Punica Granatum Extract, Ruby Powder, Sclerotium Gum, Silica, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tocopherol, Wine Extract, Xanthan Gum, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid, Parfum, CI 16035, CI 19140, CI 77891
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 BHTYou might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2025.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractThis 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 TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDecyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant and emulsion stabilizer. It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.
Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away. As an emulsion stabilizer, it stabilizes the ingredients in a product by preventing them from separating.
This ingredient is biodegradable and non-toxic. This ingredient is commonly found in baby shampoos.
Decyl Glucoside is sometimes used to stabilize the UV filter Tinosorb.
Learn more about Decyl GlucosideDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexyl 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 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 TriazoneGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinThis 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.
Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide. It is derived from starch such as rice, corn, wheat, or potato starch.
In food, Maltodextrin is used to improve the texture and thicken a product. Due to its structure, it can help create a gel texture. As an emulsion stabilizer, it helps keep the ingredients in a product together.
As a polysaccharide, Maltodextrin has moisturizing properties. Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate. The top layer of skin uses polysaccharides to retain water, keeping the skin hydrated.
Maltodextrin is water soluble and has a sweet taste.
Learn more about MaltodextrinMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M) is a hybrid and broad-spectrum UV ingredient. It is both a UV absorber and filter.
UV absorbers are an agent that absorbs UV rays. They protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy. UV filters physically reduce the amount of UV rays from reaching your skin.
Tinosorb M covers a range of 280-400 nm and is photostable. This ingredient is neither oil or water soluble.
Tinosorb M is not available in the US. However, it is available in the EU and Asia.
It's sister, Tinosorb S, is set to be approved in the US by late 2025 (fingers crossed!).
Learn more about Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl TetramethylbutylphenolParfum 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.
Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene 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 SilicaSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateWater. 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