What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPropanediol
SolventZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientMaleated Soybean Oil Glyceryl/Octyldodecanol Esters
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Behenyl Alcohol
EmollientBisabolol
MaskingButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-20
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
Allantoin
Skin ConditioningAmodimethicone
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSilica
AbrasiveTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingBHT
AntioxidantHaberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Polyacrylate
StabilisingTrideceth-9
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingTranexamic Acid
AstringentEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingOligopeptide-68
BleachingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Oleate
CleansingWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propanediol, Zinc Oxide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dimethicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Titanium Dioxide, Arachidyl Alcohol, Maleated Soybean Oil Glyceryl/Octyldodecanol Esters, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Arachidyl Glucoside, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycereth-20, Pentylene Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Amodimethicone, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Silica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, BHT, Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract, Ammonium Polyacrylate, Trideceth-9, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tranexamic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Oligopeptide-68, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Oleate
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTranexamic Acid
AstringentDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDecyl Glucoside
CleansingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTriethanolamine
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHexylglycerin
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Propylene Glycol
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Tranexamic Acid, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polysorbate 60, Cetearyl Alcohol, Silica, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Decyl Glucoside, Titanium Dioxide, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You 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 GlycolDiethylamino 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 BenzoateDisodium 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 MethoxycinnamatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneSilica, 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 SilicaTitanium 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 DioxideTranexamic Acid is best used for treating hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and melasma. It can also help build a stronger skin barrier.
Once applied, Tranexamic Acid starts decreasing inflammation from UV exposure. Tranexamic Acid also prevents our skin cells from meeting the pigment production cells.
Its brightening property makes it great at reducing the appearance of acne scars and marks.
Fun fact: Tranexamic Acid is also a medication used to reduce heavy bleeding.
This acid is derived from lysine, an amino acid.
Learn more about Tranexamic AcidWater. 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