What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantOctocrylene
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberNiacinamide
SmoothingPolyglyceryl-6 Stearate
EmollientAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentTribehenin
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningXylitylglucoside
HumectantPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAnhydroxylitol
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMethylparaben
PreservativeDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV AbsorberDimethiconol
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantXylitol
HumectantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylparaben
PreservativePropylene Glycol
HumectantSimethicone
EmollientTetrasodium EDTA
Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantGlucose
HumectantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingMorus Alba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Tribehenin, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Xylitylglucoside, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Panthenol, Anhydroxylitol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methylparaben, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Dimethiconol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xylitol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Ethylparaben, Propylene Glycol, Simethicone, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Butylene Glycol, Glucose, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, T-Butyl Alcohol, Potassium Hydroxide, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Citric Acid, Morus Alba Leaf Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantOctocrylene
UV AbsorberNiacinamide
SmoothingEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientSucrose Tristearate
EmollientButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingMethylsilanol/Silicate Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDrometrizole Trisiloxane
UV AbsorberAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantPolysorbate 61
EmulsifyingPEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Isononyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Dimethicone, Sucrose Tristearate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Methylsilanol/Silicate Crosspolymer, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 61, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Caffeine, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 19140, CI 42090
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.
When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.
It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosideAlso 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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDimethiconol is a silicone that resembles the popular dimethicone. Like other silicones, it is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient helps to create a silky texture and improve spreadability. Due to its high molecular weight and thickness, it is often combined with cyclopentasiloxane.
Ethylhexyl 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 SalicylateGlycerin 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 GlycerinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideOctocrylene 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 OctocrylenePhenoxyethanol 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.
Water. 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