What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
AbrasiveBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterPropylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-40 Stearate
EmulsifyingArginine
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Acrylates Copolymer
Hydrogenated Palm Oil
EmollientPolysilicone-13
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Alumina
AbrasiveTin Oxide
AbrasiveXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Triethanolamine
BufferingCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingWater, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide, Silica, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Stearate, Arginine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Polysilicone-13, Decyl Glucoside, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Alumina, Tin Oxide, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Triethanolamine, CI 42090, CI 17200, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterNiacinamide
SmoothingEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantDibutyl Adipate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantSilica
AbrasivePolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Citrate
BufferingEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientSphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantDimethiconol
EmollientTremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantUrea
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Glycine Max Oil
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingBHT
Antioxidant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPullulan
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Algin
MaskingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingLecithin
EmollientSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantPotassium Phosphate
BufferingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Dibutyl Adipate, Butylene Glycol, Silica, Polysorbate 60, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Arachidyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Citrate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Behenyl Alcohol, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Arachidyl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Dimethiconol, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trehalose, Urea, Disodium EDTA, Glycine Max Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Serine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alpha-Arbutin, Beta-Glucan, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, BHT, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Octyldodecanol, Retinyl Palmitate, Caprylyl Glycol, Pullulan, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Algin, Disodium Phosphate, Lecithin, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Potassium Phosphate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polyquaternium-51
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 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 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 EDTAEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateSilica, 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 SilicaSodium 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum