What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV AbsorberC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingNiacinamide
SmoothingTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterSilica
AbrasiveBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningRhus Succedanea Fruit Wax
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberTromethamine
BufferingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingArtemisia Capillaris Extract
Asiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantTrehalose
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveDibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningDextrin Palmitate
EmulsifyingPolyurethane-1
Sodium Stearoxy Pg-Hydroxyethylcellulose Sulfonate
Trihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Wax
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Niacinamide, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Silica, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Tromethamine, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside, Trehalose, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Carbomer, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Synthetic Wax, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Dextrin Palmitate, Polyurethane-1, Sodium Stearoxy Pg-Hydroxyethylcellulose Sulfonate, Trihydroxystearin, Oryza Sativa Bran Wax, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Tocopherol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialDibutyl Adipate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberPolysilicone-15
UV FilterDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientHexyl Laurate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPhenethyl Benzoate
EmollientTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantC30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane
Parfum
MaskingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingDisodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
HumectantAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingCynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAlthaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingPolyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingLinoleic Acid
CleansingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantBioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningMenadione
MaskingRetinol
Skin Conditioning7-Dehydrocholesterol
Emulsion StabilisingWater, Alcohol, Dibutyl Adipate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Methicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polysilicone-15, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Hexyl Laurate, Niacinamide, Phenethyl Benzoate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Glycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Panthenol, Hydroxyacetophenone, C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Parfum, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Adenosine, Limonene, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Linalool, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Biotin, Cyanocobalamin, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Linoleic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Bioflavonoids, Menadione, Retinol, 7-Dehydrocholesterol
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
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineThis ingredient is better known as bemotrizinol or Tinosorb S and is one of the best broad-spectrum UV filters in modern sunscreen.
It works by absorbing UV light across a whole range (280-400 nm) with peaks around 310 nm (UVB) and 340-345 nm (UVA). This means it covers UVB plus the deeper UVA wavelengths that drive photoaging and pigmentation.
Another pro?
It's exceptionally photostable, barely degrades in sunlight, and acts as a "bodyguard" for less stable filters.
That's why you'll see it paired with avobenzone or octinoxate; this team up ensures they keep working through sun exposure.
Safety reviews have been reassuring across the board. This ingredient shows low absorption through the skin, rarely irritates, and lab studies found it doesn't act like a hormone in the body (a concern that's been raised about some older sunscreen filters).
On maximum concentrations:
In 2026, the US F.D.A finally added it as an OTC sunscreen ingredient at concentrations up to 6% for adults / children 6 months and older
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 GlycolC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a lightweight emollient made by combinig benzoic acid with fatty alcohols that are 12-15 carbons long.
In cosmetics, it plays several roles:
The Cosmetic Review Expert Panel has concluded the alkyl benzoate group to be safe as used in cosmetics; it wasn't found to be a skin irritant and unlikely to be absorbed due to its low water solubility.
This report recorded almost 1000 reported uses with concentrations up to 59% in leave-on products but your cosmetics will typically use 0.5-15% depending on the product.
It's often called a "SPF booster": this is because it keeps UV filters properly dissolved and evenly distributed to support a sunscreen's performance. It doesn't actually raise SPF on its own.
Overall, this ingredient is well tolerated.
This ingredient is fungal acne safe.
The Malassezia yeast feeds on free fatty acids and this ingredient is made up of an aromatic acid and fatty alcohols.
When this ingredient breaks down, it yields benzoic acid (which is antifungal) and fatty alcohols. Neither of these have been found in studies to be a known food source for Malassezia.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester created from coconut oil fatty acids, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is an emollient that helps soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). What sets it apart from heavier emollients is its ultralight, non-greasy feel.
Once applied, this ingredient dries down quickly and leaves a dry, silky finish behind. This also helps improve spreadability and texture.
This ingredient has an excellent safety-record and is non-irritating.
Typical concentrations for cosmetics range from 0.5-62%.
Research on Malassezia growth found no growth on fatty acid esters with chain lengths shorter than 12 carbons (it prefers C11-24).
Since Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is built on C8 and C10 fatty acids, it is out of the range that Malassezia metabolizes, and therefore safe for fungal acne.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateDibutyl Adipate is a lightweight, oil-soluble ester that acts as an emollient and solvent. It helps products spread more easily and leaves a soft, silky, dry-touch finish without being greasy.
You'll likely see this ingredient in sunscreens because it does a nice job dissolving UV filters and keeping them evenly distributed.
This ingredient has been found to be safe as used in cosmetics, wasn't a skin or eye irritant in clinical patch testing, and wasn't phototoxic.
In a clinical comedogenicity test, this ingredient tested negative so it isn't likely to clog pores.
Typical use levels are about 5-8% for sunscreens + nail products, but can range from 0.005%-8% depending on the product.
Learn more about Dibutyl AdipateWe don't have a description for Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide yet.
Diethylamino 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 Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinLimonene 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 LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolTocopherol 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 Water