What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialOctocrylene
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Homosalate
Skin Conditioning
Benzophenone-3
UV Absorber
Triceteareth-4 Phosphate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Dimethicone
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Myristyl Myristate
Emollient
Beheneth-25
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Silica
Abrasive
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Coumarin
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Benzophenone-3, Triceteareth-4 Phosphate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Myristyl Myristate, Beheneth-25, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Coumarin, Limonene, Linalool, Parfum
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 2.8%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Vp/Eicosene Copolymer
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingPEG-100 Stearate
Dimethyl Capramide
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Emollient
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Citrus Grandis Peel Extract
Astringent
Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAniba Rosaeodora Wood Extract
Masking
Lecithin
Emollient
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Cell Extract
Skin ConditioningDiaminopropionoyl Tripeptide-33
Skin Conditioning
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCitrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract
Cleansing
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Glyceryl Distearate
Emollient
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingIsohexadecane
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Isomalt
HumectantSodium Benzoate
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Octocrylene 2.8%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Glycerin, Silica, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethyl Capramide, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Citrus Grandis Peel Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract, Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Extract, Lecithin, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Cell Extract, Diaminopropionoyl Tripeptide-33, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbitan Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Distearate, Hexylene Glycol, Isohexadecane, Polysilicone-11, Polysorbate 80, Phenoxyethanol, Isomalt, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene, Linalool
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 BenzoateDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexyl 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 GlycerinLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolOctocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocrylenePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaWater. 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 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
