What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveHomosalate
Skin ConditioningPolyethylene
AbrasiveCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDibutyl Adipate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasivePolypropylsilsesquioxane
Octocrylene
UV AbsorberBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasivePolyurethane-1
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientLimonene
PerfumingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingWater
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Artemisia Capillaris Extract
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningDimethicone, Silica, Homosalate, Polyethylene, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dibutyl Adipate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Synthetic Wax, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Octocrylene, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Ozokerite, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Polyurethane-1, Methyl Trimethicone, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Limonene, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Linalool, Water, Trehalose, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberHomosalate
Skin ConditioningBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Germ Extract
EmollientOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentLeonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
SoothingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhaseolus Angularis Seed Extract
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAnastatica Hierochuntica Extract
AstringentArachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPhaseolus Vulgaris Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantVigna Radiata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientArginine
MaskingBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientCholesterol
EmollientPhytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientTrehalose
HumectantPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningWater, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Homosalate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Oryza Sativa Germ Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Leonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pentylene Glycol, Phaseolus Angularis Seed Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract, Phaseolus Vulgaris Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vigna Radiata Seed Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Arginine, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Cholesterol, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide EOP, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Trehalose, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, 1,2-Hexanediol
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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, Asia, Canada, and recently approved for use by the US in mid-2026.
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 TriazineCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractCetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Ethylhexyl 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 SalicylateGlyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid. It is an emollient, co-emulsifier, and preservative booster.
Its short C8 fatty acid chain makes it behave differently from its longer-chain emollient cousins like Glyceryl Stearate. It feels more lightweight, fast-absorbing, and silky instead of rich and waxy.
As a co-emulsifier, its "head" and "tail" sit at the oil-water interface. But overall, the short C8 tail and not being water soluble means it doesn't really have the muscle to emulsify a formula on its own. That's why you'll often see it paired with a primary emulsifier like Cetearyl Glucoside.
Interestingly, Glyceryl Caprylate acts as a preservative booster. This is because its fatty-acid backbone disrupts microbial lipid membranes. It shows excellent activity against bacteria and yeast but is weaker against mold.
Typical concentrations range from 0.5-1% and this ingredient is generally non-irritating.
Because this ingredient has a C8 fatty acid chain, it is outside the range that the Malassezia yeast metabolizes (making it fungal acne safe).
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateHomosalate 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 HomosalateHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidThis form of hyaluronic acid is produced through fermentation.
According to a manufacturer, it has a positive charge by ionic binding to help moisturize and give hair a smooth feel. This is why you'll find this ingredient in shampoos and body washes.
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read about common types of Hyaluronic Acid here:
Learn more about Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a crosslinked version of sodium hyaluronate. This just means it's linked into a 3D mesh network that lets it be more stable and sit on skin as a cohesive, gel-like film rather than sinking into skin.
A 2016 human skin study found crosslinked HA increased epidermal water content by 7.6% over the control group and reduced transepidermal water loss by 27.8%.
A follow-up clinical trial found that a topical crosslinked HA serum applied after fillers, microneedling, or chemical peels was well-tolerated and enhanced skin quality at 14 / 28 days.
More recent research suggests that concentrations as low as 0.03% can act as a penetration enhancer for other skincare actives.
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseWater. 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 Water