What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 5.5%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 4%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Dimethicone
Emollient
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlycerin
Humectant
Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDiethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
Emollient3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Laureth-1 Phosphate
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cistus Monspeliensis Extract
MaskingLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
Humectant
Sodium Lactate
BufferingNonapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Lecithin
Emollient
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPullulan
Troxerutin
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Aviculare Extract
EmollientMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Sodium Phosphate
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Disodium Phosphate
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2%, Homosalate 5.5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Octocrylene 4%, Water, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Laureth-1 Phosphate, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Cistus Monspeliensis Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Nonapeptide-1, Lecithin, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Troxerutin, Polygonum Aviculare Extract, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Aminomethyl Propanol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 7%
Skin Conditioning
Octocrylene 9%
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPongamia Glabra Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Undecane
EmollientBetaine
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Ethyl Ferulate
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Oryza Sativa Germ Extract
EmollientGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Tridecane
Perfuming
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantDunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningHaematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Antioxidant
Inulin
Skin ConditioningFructose
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Laurate
Emulsifying
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Laurate
Emulsifying
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Phytate
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCellulose
AbsorbentButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 7%, Octocrylene 9%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Water, Glycerin, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil, Undecane, Betaine, Silica, Ethyl Ferulate, Oryza Sativa Extract, Oryza Sativa Germ Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Tridecane, Glycine Soja Oil, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Inulin, Fructose, Glucose, Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Arachidyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Cellulose Gum, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Arachidyl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Sodium Phytate, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose
Reviews
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
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneC12-15 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 BenzoateCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexyl 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 OctocryleneWater. 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 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
