What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCera Alba
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterPEG-20 Stearate
EmulsifyingNiacinamide
SmoothingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeButylene Glycol
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMethylparaben
PreservativeAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTriethanolamine
BufferingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingArctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasiveCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantMorus Alba Fruit Extract
Antioxidant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Olivate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSaururus Chinensis Leaf/Root Extract
AntimicrobialTaraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantFructose
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantStephania Tetrandra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientPortulaca Oleracea Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
AntioxidantSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
MaskingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientWater, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cera Alba, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, PEG-20 Stearate, Niacinamide, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Methylparaben, Allantoin, CI 77492, Triethanolamine, Decyl Glucoside, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Alumina, CI 77491, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propylene Glycol, Zinc Oxide, Alpha-Arbutin, Xanthan Gum, Saururus Chinensis Leaf/Root Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Fructose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract, Phosphatidylcholine, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPropylene Glycol
HumectantOctocrylene
UV AbsorberCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingC20-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingIsohexadecane
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTriethanolamine
BufferingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningHydrated Silica
AbrasivePolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingMenthol
MaskingParfum
MaskingBisabolol
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydrogen Dimethicone
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Squalane
EmollientButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicPolyester-7
Skin ConditioningNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantZinc PCA
HumectantPropanediol
SolventZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentMyrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantHydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingBuddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
UV FilterSodium Salicylate
PreservativePhenylethyl Resorcinol
AntioxidantLactic Acid
BufferingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Octocrylene, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, C14-22 Alcohols, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, C20-22 Alcohols, Titanium Dioxide, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Isohexadecane, Hydroxyacetophenone, Triethanolamine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Hydrated Silica, Polysorbate 80, Menthol, Parfum, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sorbitan Oleate, Disodium EDTA, Squalane, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Polyester-7, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Butylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Propanediol, Zea Mays Starch, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract, Sodium Salicylate, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Lactic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic 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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinAlso 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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneButylene 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 ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as āmineralā by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isnāt as strong as zinc oxideās, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTriethanolamine is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.
As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.
PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.
Learn more about TriethanolamineWater. 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. 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