What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate 2%
UV AbsorberOctocrylene 2%
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide 3%
Cosmetic ColorantZinc Oxide 3%
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDimethicone
EmollientLaureth-4
EmulsifyingPolyethylene
AbrasivePEG-100 Stearate
SurfactantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
MaskingMentha Viridis Leaf Oil
AstringentCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingGarcinia Mangostana Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Wax
Castanea Sativa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPsidium Guajava Fruit Extract
AstringentCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water
MaskingLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningAdenosine Phosphate
Skin ConditioningPantethine
EmollientCreatine
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningTourmaline
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Carnitine Hcl
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningRhodochrosite
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTrehalose
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
EmulsifyingVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Squalane
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantFaex Extract
Skin ConditioningIsostearic Acid
CleansingPolymethyl Methacrylate
Dimethicone Silylate
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantNylon-12
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveBHT
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 2%, Octocrylene 2%, Titanium Dioxide 3%, Zinc Oxide 3%, Water, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Laureth-4, Polyethylene, PEG-100 Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Wax, Castanea Sativa Seed Extract, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Adenosine Phosphate, Pantethine, Creatine, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Folic Acid, Tourmaline, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acetyl Carnitine Hcl, Caffeine, Rhodochrosite, Sodium Hyaluronate, Isopropyl Myristate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Trehalose, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Squalane, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Faex Extract, Isostearic Acid, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dimethicone Silylate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Nylon-12, Xanthan Gum, Hexylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Silica, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberHomosalate 9%
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCarthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
SmoothingZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCitrullus Lanatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAdansonia Digitata Pulp Extract
EmollientBarosma Betulina Leaf Extract
PerfumingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 9%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Water, Glycerin, Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Zea Mays Starch, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrullus Lanatus Seed Extract, Adansonia Digitata Pulp Extract, Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate, Gluconolactone, Sorbitan Oleate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Polysorbate 80, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, CI 17200
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateCitral is the molecule responsible for the fresh lemon scent in lemon, lime, and lemongrass. It is a fragrance ingredient that can be created from plant essential oils or synthetically.
Though Citral has documented antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria (which is where the marketing claims about it being good for acne-prone skin originate), real formulas use it at fragrance-level concentrations under 1% so there's likely no skin benefit.
You should know this ingredient is a known EU fragrance allergen.
Animal studies classifies this ingredient as a weak-to-moderate skin sensitizer and clinical patch testing on eczema patients confirmed it to be both a contact allergen and irritant.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
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 CitralDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinLimonene 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 LinaloolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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. Remember to 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