What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCI 52015
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Diisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Triacontanyl Pvp
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingC20-22 Alcohols
Emulsion Stabilising
Decylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlucose
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Coco-Glucoside Tartrate
Cleansing
Coconut Alcohol
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Trehalose
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Spirulina Platensis Extract
Skin ProtectingPolyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Water, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, CI 52015, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Silica, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Triacontanyl Pvp, Glycerin, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, C20-22 Alcohols, Decylene Glycol, Glucose, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Coco-Glucoside Tartrate, Coconut Alcohol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Tocopheryl Acetate, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Trehalose, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Tocopherol, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Polyquaternium-51
Water
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV Absorber
Glycerin
Humectant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialEthyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV Absorber
Potassium Phosphate
BufferingMyristyl Alcohol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingWater, Octocrylene, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Potassium Phosphate, Myristyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Potassium Hydroxide, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sclerotium Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneC12-15 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 BenzoateGlycerin (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 GlycerinTocopheryl 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
