What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Sodium Chloride
MaskingPropylene Carbonate
SolventPropanediol
Solvent
Methicone
Emollient
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Alumina
Abrasive
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Disodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
UV Filter1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantIsononyl Isononanoate, Water, Isododecane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Sodium Chloride, Propylene Carbonate, Propanediol, Methicone, Chlorphenesin, Alumina, Stearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Maltodextrin, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Sorbitan Oleate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, CI 77492, CI 77163, CI 77491
Water
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientEthyl Palmitate
Emollient
Diisopropyl Adipate
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Silica
Abrasive
Sodium Chloride
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingMica
Cosmetic ColorantTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Iron Oxides
Water, Isohexadecane, Ethyl Palmitate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Mica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together. It's so effective because one end of the molecule loves oil and the other one loves water.
Besides holding formulas together, it also leaves a silky and lightweight feel on skin without the greasiness. A manufacturer also claims it can help with the controlled release of active ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel found this ingredient to not be sensitizing in concentrations up to 15% in human maximazation testing and dimethicone-based compounds were not comedogenic.
It has a high molecular weight well above 1,000 g/mol which means it limits meaningful skin penetration.
A 2019 study specifically tested this ingredient and found no observable Malassezia growth in its presence.
Learn more about Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconePhenoxyethanol 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.
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.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as âmineralâ 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 isnât as strong as zinc oxideâs, 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 DioxideTocopheryl 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 AcetateTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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 Water
