What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberPolysilicone-15
UV FilterNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Silica
AbrasiveTromethamine
BufferingMethylpropanediol
SolventSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer
Jojoba Esters
EmollientGlyceryl Stearates
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantBisabolol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingUndecylenoyl Phenylalanine
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglycerin-3
HumectantPinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dimethicone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Polysilicone-15, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Silica, Tromethamine, Methylpropanediol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Jojoba Esters, Glyceryl Stearates, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Bisabolol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Niacinamide, Sodium Hydroxide, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyglycerin-3, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingNiacinamide
SmoothingTromethamine
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Polysilicone-15
UV FilterCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantChamaecyparis Obtusa Water
MaskingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientSorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Laurate
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthoxydiglycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingOctyldodecanol
EmollientAsiaticoside
AntioxidantGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingC12-13 Alketh-9
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ceramide NP
Skin ConditioningDilauryl Citrate
EmollientWater, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Niacinamide, Tromethamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Methicone, Pentylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-15, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Carbomer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Adenosine, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, Ethoxydiglycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Asiaticoside, Glycolipids, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, C12-13 Alketh-9, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ceramide NP, Dilauryl Citrate
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.
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 preservatives
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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePolysilicone-15 is a chemical UV filter that absorbs UV-B rays.
It is a photostable ingredient used to boost SPF factor and protect products from UV-induced deterioration.
This ingredient is not water-soluble.
Learn more about Polysilicone-15Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an amino-acid based emulsifier. It is made by combining stearic acid with L-glutamic acid and neutralizing it to a sodium salt.
As an emulsifier, it works mainly as an oil-in-water one and helps keep the oil and water in your formulas blended. It also contributes to a smooth, non-greasy skin feel.
This ingredient is biodegradable and commonly available in natural/COSMOS-certified grades.
Learn more about Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateTocopherol 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 TocopherolTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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