What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasivePanthenol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingAluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientGossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPolymethyl Methacrylate
Hydroxystearic Acid
CleansingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingAlumina
AbrasiveXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol
CleansingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTrisodium EDTA
Behenic Acid
CleansingStearic Acid
CleansingMyristic Acid
CleansingIsohexadecane
EmollientSodium PCA
HumectantParfum
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Tromethamine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Silica, Panthenol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Alcohol Denat., 1,2-Hexanediol, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Aluminum Stearate, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Hydroxystearic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Alumina, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Trisodium EDTA, Behenic Acid, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Isohexadecane, Sodium PCA, Parfum, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientLauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
EmollientDextrin
AbsorbentButylene Glycol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventGlyceryl Behenate
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientAgar
MaskingSorbitan Distearate
EmollientIsoceteth-20
EmulsifyingPolyvinyl Alcohol
Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer
Stearoyl Glutamic Acid
CleansingArginine
MaskingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingWater, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Isopropyl Palmitate, Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Palmitic Acid, Dextrin, Butylene Glycol, Xylitol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Propanediol, Glyceryl Behenate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Agar, Sorbitan Distearate, Isoceteth-20, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer, Stearoyl Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Royal Jelly Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying - mostly due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue, constricting pores and leaving your skin dried out.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is if this alcohol is near the end of an ingredients list, it will probably not affect your skin much.
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.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 2025.
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 GlycolC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDiethylamino 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 MethoxycinnamateGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneParfum 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 “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” 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 ParfumWater. 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 Water