Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Versus Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.

Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.

Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:

This ingredient is an emulsifier. It is created from Polyglycerin-3 and Ricinoleic Acid.

As an emulsifier, it prevents waters and oils from separating. According to a manufacturer this ingredient is fully biodegradable.

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. 

It’s often used to:

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.

You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.

Tridecyl salicylate is a non-acidic ester of salicylic acid and is similar to octisalate. It is frequently used in sunscreens and skincare products for its emollient properties.

Unlike salicylic acid, it doesn’t exfoliate the skin but instead improves texture, spreadability, and may boost UV protection of sunscreen.

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.