What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Homosalate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Dimethyl Ether
SolventAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Isododecane
EmollientMethacryloyl Ethyl Betaine/Acrylates Copolymer
Silica
Abrasive
Diisopropyl Adipate
EmollientParfum
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dimethyl Ether, Alcohol Denat., Isododecane, Methacryloyl Ethyl Betaine/Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Diisopropyl Adipate, Parfum, Glycerin, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Limonene, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal
Butane
Isobutane
Propane
Water
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin Conditioning
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Carnosine
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
PEG-8 Laurate
Emulsifying
Tetrasodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Fructose
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingUrea
Buffering
Triethanolamine
BufferingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningMaltose
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Lactate
Buffering
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Trehalose
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Linalyl Acetate
Masking
Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
Masking
Acetyl Cedrene
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Vanillin
Masking
Eucalyptus Globulus Oil
Terpineol
Masking
Butane, Isobutane, Propane, Water, Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Caprylyl Methicone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dimethicone, Silica, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Carnosine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-8 Laurate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Fructose, Sodium Hydroxide, Urea, Triethanolamine, Allantoin, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Maltose, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Trehalose, Glucose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Linalyl Acetate, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Acetyl Cedrene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Vanillin, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil, Terpineol
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneEthylhexyl 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 (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolParfum 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 ParfumSilica, 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 Acetate
