What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.3%
UV AbsorberHomosalate 10%
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV AbsorberOctocrylene 5%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientTalc
AbrasiveMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Dimethicone
EmollientPEG/PPG-9/2 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningSd Alcohol 40-B
AstringentLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTriethylhexanoin
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantDextrin Palmitate
EmulsifyingSucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientPPG-3 Dipivalate
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveSodium Chloride
MaskingPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningSaxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPPG-17
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCalcium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantIsostearic Acid
CleansingPalmitic Acid
EmollientTrisodium EDTA
Alcohol
AntimicrobialSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
PEG-6
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantStearic Acid
CleansingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantSyzygium Jambos Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-2
Methylparaben
PreservativeParfum
MaskingIron Oxides
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.3%, Homosalate 10%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 5%, Water, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Talc, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-9/2 Dimethyl Ether, Sd Alcohol 40-B, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Glycerin, Dextrin Palmitate, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Isododecane, PPG-3 Dipivalate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Silica, Sodium Chloride, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, PPG-17, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Calcium Stearate, Isostearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Trisodium EDTA, Alcohol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, PEG-6, BHT, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Metabisulfite, Syzygium Jambos Leaf Extract, Polysilicone-2, Methylparaben, Parfum, Iron Oxides
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantIsododecane
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberSilica
AbrasiveC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDiethylhexyl Succinate
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPolysilicone-15
UV FilterLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterStearoyl Inulin
EmollientEctoin
Skin ConditioningOrange Roughy Oil
Skin ConditioningCrataegus Cuneata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantPaeonia Suffruticosa Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLonicera Caerulea Fruit Juice
HumectantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingAcrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientSqualane
EmollientZeolite
AbsorbentTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningBis-Methoxy PEG-13 PEG-502/PPG-57/Smdi Copolymer
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Dimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Isododecane, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Silica, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polysilicone-15, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Stearoyl Inulin, Ectoin, Orange Roughy Oil, Crataegus Cuneata Fruit Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Tocopherol, Paeonia Suffruticosa Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Lonicera Caerulea Fruit Juice, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Butylene Glycol, BHT, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Squalane, Zeolite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Bis-Methoxy PEG-13 PEG-502/PPG-57/Smdi Copolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
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 BHTButylene 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 GlycolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeIsododecane 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 IsododecaneThis is a silicone-polyether copolymer with skin conditioning, emulsifying, texture enhancing, and surfactant properties. It is used to help blend water and silicone based ingredients to improve slip and spreadability.
Due to its large molecular size and hydrophilic-lipophilic structure (it loves both oil and water), this ingredient is minimally absorbed into the skin.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumSilica, 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 SilicaTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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