What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Silica
Abrasive
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Ceresin
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion Stabilising
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Water
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Brassica Campestris Sterols
Emollient
Cholesterol
Emollient
Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingArtemisia Princeps Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Silica, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Octocrylene, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Synthetic Wax, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Ceresin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Microcrystalline Wax, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sorbitan Olivate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethyl Citrate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Cholesterol, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Artemisia Princeps Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Ceramide Ns, Disodium EDTA, Ceramide EOP
Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Silica
Abrasive
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Diethylhexyl Carbonate
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polyisobutene
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion Stabilising
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmollientParfum
Masking
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
Cleansing
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialOriganum Majorana Leaf Extract
AntiseborrhoeicChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingThymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Calluna Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningPotentilla Anserina Extract
Skin ConditioningSilybum Marianum Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Synthetic Wax, Octocrylene, Silica, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyisobutene, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Microcrystalline Wax, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Parfum, Cetyl Alcohol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Butylene Glycol, Water, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Origanum Majorana Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Calluna Vulgaris Extract, Potentilla Anserina Extract, Silybum Marianum Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin
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
You 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 TriazineButylene 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 GlycolDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateEthylhexyl 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 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 (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Microcrystalline Wax is created by de-oiling petroleum. It is highly refined and purified before being added to cosmetics.
Microcrystalline Wax is used to enhance the texture and create even consistency. It helps stabilize a product by preventing ingredients from separating.
Octocrylene 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 OctocryleneSilica, 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 SilicaSynthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.
It may also be used as an abrasive ingredient to exfoliate the skin.
Synthetic Wax may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxWater. 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
