What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 7.34%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 10%
UV Absorber
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking
Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantIsododecane
EmollientMaleated Soybean Oil Glyceryl/Octyldodecanol Esters
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Oenocarpus Bataua Fruit Oil
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 7.34%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 77491, Isododecane, Maleated Soybean Oil Glyceryl/Octyldodecanol Esters, Mica, Oenocarpus Bataua Fruit Oil, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil, Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Limonene
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 9%
UV Absorber
Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Bisabolol
Masking
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Water
Masking
Diheptyl Succinate
EmollientEthyl Ferulate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin Conditioning
Eugenia Uniflora Fruit Extract
AstringentLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Parfum
Masking
Polyester-8
Skin Conditioning
Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 9%, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Alcohol Denat., Bisabolol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Cocos Nucifera Water, Diheptyl Succinate, Ethyl Ferulate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Eugenia Uniflora Fruit Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Niacinamide, Parfum, Polyester-8, Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Limonene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Salicylate is a solvent and fragrance additive. It is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid. This ingredient can be naturally found in some plants and plant extracts.
In fragrances, Benzyl Salicylate may be a solvent or a fragrance component. In synthetic musk scents, it is used as a solvent. For floral fragrances such as lilac and jasmine, it is used as a fragrance component. The natural scent of Benzyl Salicylate is described as "lightly-sweet, slightly balsamic".
While Benzyl Salicylate has been associated with contact dermatitis and allergies, emerging studies show it may not be caused by this ingredient alone.
However, this ingredient is often used with fragrances and other components that may cause allergies. It is still listed as a known allergen in the EU. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Another study from 2021 shows Benzyl Salicylate may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Benzyl SalicylateAlso known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneButyloctyl 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 SalicylateCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolThis ingredient is a photostabilizer and a chemical UV booster. It is marketed as an alternative to octocrylene.
You'll most likely find it in sunscreens to enhance stability and effectiveness of UV filters, antioxidants, and vitamin A derivatives. According to the manufacturer, this ingredient is better than octocrylene at stabilizing avobenzone.
Due to regulation loopholes, you'll likely see this ingredient in "100% mineral" sunscreens.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycryleneEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneOctocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneParfum 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 ParfumWe don't have a description for Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract yet.
