What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Diisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientOctocrylene
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPEG/PPG-9/2 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningZea Mays Starch
Absorbent
Talc
Abrasive
Silica
Abrasive
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Dextrin Palmitate
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Homosalate
Skin Conditioning
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chloride
MaskingPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Extract
Antioxidant
Potentilla Erecta Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Masking
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lauryl Betaine
CleansingSoluble Collagen
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing
Trisodium EDTA
PEG-6
HumectantTocopherol
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3
Cleansing
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Dimethicone, Water, Zinc Oxide, Alcohol, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Isododecane, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, PEG/PPG-9/2 Dimethyl Ether, Zea Mays Starch, Talc, Silica, Isopropyl Myristate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dextrin Palmitate, Glycerin, Homosalate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Sodium Chloride, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Potentilla Erecta Root Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Lauryl Betaine, Soluble Collagen, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Isostearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Trisodium EDTA, PEG-6, Tocopherol, BHT, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3, Sodium Metabisulfite, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.48%
UV Absorber
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Isododecane
EmollientPolysilicone-15 3%
UV Filter
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate 2.31%
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine 1.5%
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
Astringent
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Clematis Vitalba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentFucus Vesiculosus Extract
Emollient
Hedera Helix Extract
AntimicrobialHypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Soluble Collagen
Humectant
Spiraea Ulmaria Extract
AstringentTilia Cordata Flower Extract
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
BHT
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
PEG-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMethylparaben
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.48%, Alcohol, Isododecane, Polysilicone-15 3%, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate 2.31%, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine 1.5%, Silica, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Clematis Vitalba Leaf Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Hedera Helix Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soluble Collagen, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, BHT, Butylene Glycol, PEG-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyethylene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTThis ingredient is better known as bemotrizinol or Tinosorb S and is one of the best broad-spectrum UV filters in modern sunscreen.
It works by absorbing UV light across a whole range (280-400 nm) with peaks around 310 nm (UVB) and 340-345 nm (UVA). This means it covers UVB plus the deeper UVA wavelengths that drive photoaging and pigmentation.
Another pro?
It's exceptionally photostable, barely degrades in sunlight, and acts as a "bodyguard" for less stable filters.
That's why you'll see it paired with avobenzone or octinoxate; this team up ensures they keep working through sun exposure.
Safety reviews have been reassuring across the board. This ingredient shows low absorption through the skin, rarely irritates, and lab studies found it doesn't act like a hormone in the body (a concern that's been raised about some older sunscreen filters).
On maximum concentrations:
In 2026, the US F.D.A finally added it as an OTC sunscreen ingredient at concentrations up to 6% for adults / children 6 months and older
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 BenzoateGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.
Learn more about IsododecanePhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, 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 SilicaSoluble collagen comes from animals and fish. It has a large molecule size, meaning it doesn't get absorbed into skin.
Instead, it sits on top of skin as a humectant to improve skin hydration. It has incredible water-binding properties and creates a water barrier on skin that prevents evaporation.
This ingredient is incredibly gentle and often used to counter more irritating ingredients.
While our skin does have collagen, this ingredient is not used by the skin for anti-aging. Applying collagen topically has not been linked to helping with collagen loss in skin. All the benefits of soluble collagen are related to hydration.
Fun fact: The name "soluble collagen" refers to its ability to dissolve in water.
Learn more about Soluble CollagenWater. 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
