What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberHomosalate 10%
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV AbsorberOctocrylene 9%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningTapioca Starch
Glycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingDimethicone
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate Starch
AbsorbentStearyl Alcohol
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCetyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Parfum
MaskingStearic Acid
CleansingPalmitic Acid
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningCeratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract
MaskingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 10%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 9%, Water, Tapioca Starch, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Stearyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethiconol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Parfum, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract
Homosalate 4%
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate 4%
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2%
UV AbsorberOctocrylene 2%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantHydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides Citrate
EmollientTapioca Starch
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientDiethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
EmollientEthoxydiglycol
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentButylene Glycol
HumectantVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientJojoba Alcohol
EmollientPotassium Jojobate
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingDioscorea Villosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Octadecyl Di-T-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBenzoic Acid
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeDisodium Adenosine Triphosphate
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract
EmollientTrifolium Pratense Flower Extract
AstringentPropylene Glycol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantInositol
HumectantTaurine
BufferingTrehalose
HumectantUrea
BufferingYeast Amino Acids
HumectantProline
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingSorbitol
HumectantCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAlgin
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningIris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHomosalate 4%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2%, Octocrylene 2%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides Citrate, Tapioca Starch, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylyl Methicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Sodium Polyacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Jojoba Alcohol, Potassium Jojobate, Panthenol, Arginine, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Dioscorea Villosa Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Octadecyl Di-T-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Persea Gratissima Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Propylene Glycol, Betaine, Inositol, Taurine, Trehalose, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Proline, Glycine, Sorbitol, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Algin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Copper Tripeptide-1, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDisodium 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 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 GlycerinHomosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalateOctocrylene 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 OctocrylenePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum 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.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTapioca starch is a thickening agent and is made from the cassava root, also known as yucca.
According to a manufacturer, it is an excellent talc replacement.
It is gluten-free.
Learn more about Tapioca StarchWater. 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 Water