What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningBHT
Antioxidant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Biosaccharide Gum-2
Skin ConditioningBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Ceteareth-6
EmulsifyingDecyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Glycerin
Humectant
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Neopentyl Glycol
SolventNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientPEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Emulsifying
Pentasodium Pentetate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyacrylic Acid
Emulsion StabilisingPolyester-7
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
Emulsifying
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
PPG-1 Trideceth-6
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Trioleate
Emulsifying
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tapioca Starch
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Water, BHT, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Biosaccharide Gum-2, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Ceteareth-6, Decyl Glucoside, Dibutyl Adipate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Hydroxyacetophenone, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Neopentyl Glycol, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Pentasodium Pentetate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylic Acid, Polyester-7, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Propylene Glycol, Silica, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitan Trioleate, Stearyl Alcohol, Tapioca Starch, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Silica
Abrasive
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Dicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate
UV Absorber
Propanediol
Solvent
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Kaolin
Abrasive
Triacontanyl Pvp
HumectantPEG-75 Stearate
Triethanolamine
BufferingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Ceteth-20
CleansingSteareth-20
CleansingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Powder
Skin Conditioning
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Silica, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Caprylyl Methicone, Dicaprylyl Ether, Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Kaolin, Triacontanyl Pvp, PEG-75 Stearate, Triethanolamine, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Powder
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCaprylyl Methicone is a synthetic and lightweight silicone fluid. It gives products a silky, dry-touch finish without the heaviness of pure oils.
Though the EU CosIng Database lists this ingredient as a skin conditioner, it is also used for sensory reasons. It spreads easily, cuts greasiness, and reduces tackiness.
This ingredient is volatile which means it will mostly evaporate (but it evaporates slower than older cyclomethicones, like Cyclotetrasiloxane).
Typical concentration ranges from 1-30% depending on if it's being used to tweak the feel of a product or acting as the main emollient.
Learn more about Caprylyl MethiconeDicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
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 BenzoateDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, 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 SilicaTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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 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
