What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Niacinamide
SmoothingTriethylhexanoin
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterGlycerin
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Oil
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientBisabolol
MaskingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePropylene Carbonate
SolventUndecylenoyl Phenylalanine
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Ascorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantPrunus Mume Fruit Extract
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylyl Methicone, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Niacinamide, Triethylhexanoin, Silica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Butyrospermum Parkii Oil, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Bisabolol, Decyl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Parfum, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propylene Glycol, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningC9-12 Alkane
SolventDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientSilica
AbrasivePolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingDimethiconol
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPolymethyl Methacrylate
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSea Salt
AbrasiveSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantBombax Malabaricum Flower Extract
HumectantWater, Zinc Oxide, Caprylyl Methicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C9-12 Alkane, Dipropylene Glycol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Methyl Trimethicone, Dicaprylyl Ether, Titanium Dioxide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Dimethiconol, Trisiloxane, CI 77492, Dibutyl Adipate, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77491, Adenosine, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, CI 77499, Tocopherol, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sea Salt, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Bombax Malabaricum Flower Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene 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 SalicylateCaprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
Ci 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Disteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideSilica, 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 SilicaTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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