What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Synthetic Wax
AbrasiveDiethylhexyl Carbonate
EmollientOctocrylene
UV AbsorberSilica
AbrasiveC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmollientParfum
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningMorinda Citrifolia Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMorinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningFlower Extract
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingCoral Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantIlex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
PerfumingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientDioscorea Villosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningViola Odorata Flower Extract
MaskingMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Synthetic Wax, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Octocrylene, Silica, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Microcrystalline Wax, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Parfum, Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Adenosine, Morinda Citrifolia Leaf Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Coral Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dioscorea Villosa Root Extract, Viola Odorata Flower Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientOctocrylene
UV AbsorberVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Silica
AbrasiveMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingBisabolol
AntioxidantLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningOxygen
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Polyethylene, Dimethicone, Octocrylene, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Silica, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ozokerite, Bisabolol, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Water, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Oxygen, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Dehydroacetic Acid
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
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 GlycolThis is a lightweight diester (caprylic/capric acid + butylene glycol) with emollient and skin conditioning properties.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient can help add a "cushiony" oil phase without making it heavy.
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 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateOctocrylene 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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 ParfumSilica, 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 SilicaThis ingredient is used in makeup and skincare to thicken formulas, reduce shine, and give skin a silky-smooth feel.
Itās a white silicone powder that sits in fine lines and pores to blur their appearance though its effectiveness depends on the particle size.
You'll typically find this ingredient in amounts between 0.1-20%.
Learn more about Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane CrosspolymerWater. 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