What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPolysilicone-15
UV FilterNiacinamide
SmoothingButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-2 Caprate
EmulsifyingMethylpropanediol
SolventSucrose Stearate
EmollientAlumina
AbrasiveAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPolyether-1
Tocopherol
AntioxidantGlucose
HumectantInulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantWater, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polysilicone-15, Niacinamide, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Pentylene Glycol, Cetearyl Olivate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, C14-22 Alcohols, Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate, Methylpropanediol, Sucrose Stearate, Alumina, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Glyceryl Caprylate, Xanthan Gum, CI 77492, Adenosine, Squalane, CI 77491, Polyether-1, Tocopherol, Glucose, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Biosaccharide Gum-1
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPropanediol
SolventDibutyl Adipate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV AbsorberVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantCetearyl Olivate
Isohexadecane
EmollientAlumina
AbrasiveStearic Acid
CleansingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingPEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Decastearate
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPolyester-1
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingGarcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning4-Terpineol
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingYeast Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
HumectantPotassium Laurate
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-7
Methylsilanol Tri-PEG-8 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingBHT
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLaurus Nobilis Leaf Extract
MaskingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningZanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCastanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Titanium Dioxide, Propanediol, Dibutyl Adipate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Methicone, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, CI 77499, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, CI 77492, Mica, Cetearyl Olivate, Isohexadecane, Alumina, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Parfum, PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Polyglyceryl-10 Decastearate, CI 77491, Polyester-1, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Polysorbate 80, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Adenosine, Sorbitan Oleate, Disodium EDTA, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract, 4-Terpineol, Carbomer, Arginine, Yeast Ferment Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Potassium Laurate, Polyquaternium-7, Methylsilanol Tri-PEG-8 Glyceryl Cocoate, BHT, Tocopherol, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Laurus Nobilis Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid
Reviews
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.
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 preservatives
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAlumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is a white powder used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.
As an absorbent, alumina can give a mattifying effect. It is used in mineral sunscreens to help coat nano-sized filters, such as titanium dioxide. By increasing the size of the UV filters, these ingredients stay on the skin for a longer time. By coating small sized ingredients, alumina helps thicken a product.
Alumina may be used as an abrasive, or exfoliant.
Alumina is naturally occurring in the mineral corundum. Certain varieties of corundum create rubies and sapphires. Corundum is also the crystalline form of alumina.
Learn more about AluminaCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Sorbitan Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Dibutyl Adipate is an emollient and solvent. It is created from butyl alcohol and adipic acid.
As a solvent, Dibutyl Adipate helps mix and disperse ingredients evenly.
Dibutyl Adipate is soluble in water and organic solvents. It does not absorb UV rays.
Learn more about Dibutyl AdipateDiethylamino 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 Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPolyhydroxystearic Acid is a vegetable-derived soft wax made from castor oil. It's an emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and film former.
You'll likely see it in sunscreens because it helps disperse pigments and UV-reflecting minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide evenly.
Depending on the concentration, it can drastically change the texture of a product from pasty solid (like lipstick) to sprayable liquid.
The CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has concluded this ingredient to be safe in cosmetics. The highest reported use concentration is 14.2% in lipsticks.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” 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 isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, 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 DioxideTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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