What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPropanediol
SolventEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPEG-12 Dimethicone/PPG-20 Crosspolymer
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningSargassum Fluitans / Natans Extract
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAllantoin
Skin ConditioningMenthone Glycerin Acetal
RefreshingDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV AbsorberPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantVp/Acrylates/Lauryl Methacrylate Copolymer
Water, Caprylyl Methicone, Dibutyl Adipate, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, PEG-12 Dimethicone/PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Sargassum Fluitans / Natans Extract, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Allantoin, Menthone Glycerin Acetal, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Phospholipids, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Polyacrylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vp/Acrylates/Lauryl Methacrylate Copolymer
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberNiacinamide
SmoothingSilica
AbrasiveButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantHomosalate
Skin ConditioningTapioca Starch
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientAmps/Hema Crosspolymer
C13-15 Alkane
SolventCoco-Glucoside
CleansingOctyldodecanol
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveZinc PCA
HumectantSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Eos
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Niacinamide, Silica, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Homosalate, Tapioca Starch, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Amps/Hema Crosspolymer, C13-15 Alkane, Coco-Glucoside, Octyldodecanol, Polysorbate 20, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Zinc PCA, Sorbitan Olivate, Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Eos, Panthenol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hyaluronic Acid, Citric Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Also 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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Niacinamide 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 NiacinamidePhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Tocopheryl 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. 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