What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPropanediol
SolventDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Fructooligosaccharides
HumectantSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingPullulan
Octyldodecanol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPersea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantOleth-10
EmulsifyingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingAlumina
AbrasiveIsodeceth-6
EmulsifyingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingSimethicone
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Propanediol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethanolamine, Pullulan, Octyldodecanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polysorbate 20, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, CI 77891, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Stearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, PEG-100 Stearate, Aluminum Stearate, Oleth-10, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Alumina, Isodeceth-6, T-Butyl Alcohol, Simethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberHomosalate
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterPolysilicone-15
UV FilterDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPinus Pinaster Bark Extract
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCeteth-10
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingPropanediol
SolventTocopherol
AntioxidantAstaxanthin
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantAscorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Dibutyl Adipate, Niacinamide, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Cyclopentasiloxane, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Polysilicone-15, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Ceramide NP, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceteth-10, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Decyl Glucoside, Propanediol, Tocopherol, Astaxanthin, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, 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.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerButylene 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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractDiethylamino 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 BenzoateEthylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinHomosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalateHouttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolTocopherol 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 TocopherolWater. 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