What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Synthetic Wax
AbrasiveCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialSilica
AbrasiveHomosalate
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningSilica Silylate
EmollientOctocrylene
UV AbsorberCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningEpilobium Angustifolium Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Acacia Macrostachya Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLepidium Meyenii Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningViola Mandshurica Flower Extract
AntioxidantGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract
EmollientCnidium Monnieri Fruit Extract
HumectantCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSolidago Virgaurea Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmollientSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingOctyldodecanol
EmollientOctyldodecyl Oleate
EmollientOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingSynthetic Wax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Silica, Homosalate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Silica Silylate, Octocrylene, Cetyl Alcohol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Water, Epilobium Angustifolium Extract, Hydrolyzed Acacia Macrostachya Seed Extract, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Maltodextrin, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Madecassoside, Centella Asiatica Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract, Cnidium Monnieri Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Solidago Virgaurea Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Adenosine, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Octyldodecanol, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingNiacinamide
SmoothingVinyldimethicone
Polysilicone-15
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAgave Tequilana Leaf Extract
AstringentLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientViola Mandshurica Flower Extract
AntioxidantDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingGlyceryl Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-5 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Synthetic Wax, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Ozokerite, Niacinamide, Vinyldimethicone, Polysilicone-15, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Sodium Chloride, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Glycol, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-5 Polyricinoleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol
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.Β
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 preservativesΒ
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 AdenosineAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.
Aloe is one of the most well-known natural soothing ingredients, and for good reason.Β Itβs full of water and has a cooling, calming effect on the skin, especially when itβs sunburned, itchy, or irritated.Β Aloe also helps your skin stay hydrated and smooth by mimicking what healthy skin naturally produces.Β On top of that, it contains vitamins and nutrients that support skin recovery.Β
It doesnβt protect you from the sun, but it can help your skin bounce back after too much time in it.
Letβs get into the details:
Aloe contains antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight off free radicals (unstable molecules from things like pollution that can damage your skin).
Itβs also rich in polysaccharides, which are natural sugars that help hydrate the skin by acting like the skinβs own moisturizing agents. These, along with other sugars like monosaccharides, help form a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
Aloe works as both a humectant and an emollient. That means it draws water into the skin (humectant) and helps trap it there (emollient), making it an effective natural moisturizer.
Youβll also find a mix of other skin-supporting ingredients in aloe, including folic acid, choline, calcium, amino acids, fatty acids, and even Vitamin B12.
Out of the 420+ species of aloe, Aloe barbadensis is the most widely used in skincare products thanks to its gentle yet effective properties.
There are over 420 species of aloe but Aloe Barbadensis is the most commonly used for topical products.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractYou 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 GlycolButyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.
According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateDiethylamino 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 BenzoateDioscorea Japonica Root Extract comes from the Asian Mountain Yam. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants help neutralize free-radical molecules. These molecules may damage your skin cells and DNA.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinLaminaria Japonica Extract comes from a kelp more commonly known as 'sweet kelp'. It is commonly eaten in Japan, Korea, and China.
Sweet kelp is a humectant and helps hydrate your skin. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin.
Studies show Laminaria Japonica has antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging. Kelp also contains magnesium and zinc, making it great for calming inflammation and redness.
Learn more about Laminaria Japonica ExtractSynthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.
It may also be used as an abrasive ingredient to exfoliate the skin.
Synthetic Wax may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxThis tree is also known as the David Elm. It contains the ingredient bakuchiol.
Other great compounds found in this ingredient include galactose, glucose, and phenolics. The sugar content gives it great skin hydrating properties. Phenolics are potent antioxidants commonly found in fruits and veggies.
A 2020 study found the phenolics of this root to have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Fun fact: This ingredient is used in traditional Asian medicine.
Learn more about Ulmus Davidiana Root ExtractThis ingredient is used in makeup and skincare to thicken formulas, reduce shine, and give skin a silky-smooth feel.
Itβs a white silicone powder that sits in fine lines and pores to blur their appearance though its effectiveness depends on the particle size.
You'll typically find this ingredient in amounts between 0.1-20%.
Learn more about Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane CrosspolymerViola Mandshurica Flower Extract is an antioxidant.
Water. 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