What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSilica
AbrasiveInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingTriceteareth-4 Phosphate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBisabolol
AntioxidantBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Squalane
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingCellulose
AbsorbentHectorite
AbsorbentPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol
HumectantEctoin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingLaminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
HumectantWater, Caprylyl Methicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Titanium Dioxide, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Butylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Arachidyl Glucoside, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Triceteareth-4 Phosphate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Bisabolol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Disodium EDTA, Squalane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Cellulose, Hectorite, Polysorbate 60, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbitan Isostearate, Propylene Glycol, Ectoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Sorbitol
Water
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberHomosalate
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientAcrylates Crosspolymer
AbsorbentEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-15
UV FilterButylene Glycol
HumectantPunica Granatum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSaussurea Involucrata Extract
HumectantParfum
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingBisabolol
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Ascorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin ConditioningEctoin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantWater, Octocrylene, Homosalate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Acrylates Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Caprylyl Methicone, Polysilicone-15, Butylene Glycol, Punica Granatum Flower Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Parfum, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Bisabolol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Ectoin, Sodium Hyaluronate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 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 TriazineBisabolol is a gentle skin conditioner, antioxidant, and soothing ingredient.
It's primary claim to fame is soothing and research shows topically applied bisabolol can quiet the chemical messengers that cause your skin to become inflamed, helping to sooth any irritation.
A clinical study found that applying 0.5% bisabolol daily for 8 weeks produced an average 9% decrease in skin pigmentation. Researchers found it can also suppress the process that leads to excess melanin production in skin.
In vitro studies found that bisabolol combined with propylene glycol significantly increased skin permeability by increasing lipid fluidity in the stratum corneum.
You'll likely see use concentrations quite low, usually 0.1-0.2%.
Overall, this is a well-tolerated ingredient that works well in formulas designed for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.
Learn more about BisabololButylene 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 GlycolButyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.
According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl Methicone is a synthetic and lightweight silicone fluid. It gives products a silky, dry-touch finish without the heaviness of pure oils.
Though the EU CosIng Database lists this ingredient as a skin conditioner, it is also used for sensory reasons. It spreads easily, cuts greasiness, and reduces tackiness.
This ingredient is volatile which means it will mostly evaporate (but it evaporates slower than older cyclomethicones, like Cyclotetrasiloxane).
Typical concentration ranges from 1-30% depending on if it's being used to tweak the feel of a product or acting as the main emollient.
Learn more about Caprylyl MethiconeDiethylamino 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 BenzoateDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEctoin is a compound found naturally in some species of bacteria. It can be synthetically created for skincare use.
This ingredient is an osmolyte; Osmolytes help organisms survive osmotic shock (it protects them from extreme conditions). It does this by influencing the properties of biological fluids within cells.
When applied to the skin, ectoin helps bind water molecules to protect our skin. The water forms a sort of armor for the parts of our skin cells, enzymes, proteins, and more.
Besides this, ectoin has many uses in skincare:
A study from 2004 found ectoin to counteract the damage from UV-A exposure at different cell levels. It has also been shown to protect skin against both UV-A, UV-B rays, infrared light, and visible light.
Studies show ectoin to have dual-action pollution protection: first, it protects our skin from further pollution damage. Second, it helps repair damage from pollution.
In fact, ectoin has been shown to help with:
Fun fact: In the EU, ectoin is used in inhalation medication as an anti-pollution ingredient.
Ectoin is a highly stable ingredient. It has a wide pH range of 1-9. Light, oxygen, and temperature do not affect this ingredient.
The chemical name for this ingredient is Tetrahydromethylpyrimidine Carboxylic Acid.
Learn more about EctoinEthylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneLaminaria Ochroleuca Extract is a type of kelp. It helps sooth and hydrate the skin. By nourishing the skin's barrier, it may also help relieve irritation.
This ingredient contains both lipids and antioxidants. The lipids nourish the skin's barrier. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
This ingredient is good for soothing sensitive skin.
Many different types of algae have different benefits.
Learn more about Laminaria Ochroleuca ExtractPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneSodium 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 HyaluronateWater. 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