What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantOctocrylene
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientEctoin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-6 Distearate
EmulsifyingHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Collagen Ferment Filtrate
HumectantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantHydrated Silica
AbrasiveCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentTripeptide-29
Skin ConditioningGeranium Robertianum Extract
AstringentCitrus Reticulata Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentAllantoin
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogen Dimethicone
PEG-100 Stearate
Cetyl Alcohol
EmollientPEG-9 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhaseolus Radiatus Sprout Extract
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantAspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientTetrasodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Myristate, Niacinamide, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Isoamyl Laurate, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Ectoin, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Hexapeptide-9, Lactobacillus/Collagen Ferment Filtrate, Titanium Dioxide, Hydrated Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Algae Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Tripeptide-29, Geranium Robertianum Extract, Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Allantoin, Jojoba Esters, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogen Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-9 Dimethicone, Phaseolus Radiatus Sprout Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Tripeptide-1, Lecithin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPolyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer
Stearic Acid
CleansingDimethicone
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingSalvia Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialHyaluronic Acid
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingRosa Damascena Flower Water Extract
AntioxidantLecithin
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientRice Bran Acid
CleansingSqualane
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Salvia Officinalis Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water Extract, Lecithin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Isopropyl Myristate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Rice Bran Acid, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinIsopropyl Myristate is an emollient, thickening agent, and texture enhancer. It is created from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.
It is used to help other ingredients be better absorbed. It is also an emollient and may help soften and hydrate the skin.
The comedogenic rating of this ingredient depends on the concentration. Lower amounts results in a lower rating.
Isopropyl Myristate may not be fungal acne safe. It can potentially worsen acne prone skin.
Learn more about Isopropyl MyristateLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Some other names for this ingredient include soy lecithin and deoiled soy lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideOctocrylene 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 OctocrylenePhenoxyethanol 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.
Water. 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