What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterMethylpropanediol
SolventMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberTriethanolamine
BufferingEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingHydrolyzed Algin
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
AntioxidantGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentPropylene Glycol
HumectantDecyl Glucoside
CleansingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSilica
AbrasiveSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Methylpropanediol, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Triethanolamine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Glycine Soja Oil, Tocopherol, BHT, Sodium Polyacrylate, Propylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, T-Butyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberTriethanolamine
BufferingEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberGlycereth-26
HumectantPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Vp/Va Copolymer
PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
SolventDianthus Chinensis Extract
HumectantPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
EmollientGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
EmulsifyingAlumina
AbrasiveTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningStreptococcus Thermophilus Ferment
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Octocrylene, Triethanolamine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Glycereth-26, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Vp/Va Copolymer, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Dianthus Chinensis Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Allantoin, Jojoba Esters, Glyceryl Glucoside, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Streptococcus Thermophilus Ferment, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Potassium 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.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateEthylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneGlycerin (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 GlycerinMethylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolThis ingredient is more commonly known as Ensulizole, a chemical sunscreen ingredient.
Ensulizole mainly protects UV-B (290-340 nm) but offers a little UV-A (320-400 nm) protection. It is often paired with less photo-stable sunscreen ingredients due to its photo-stability.
Due to it being water-soluble, Ensulizole helps give sunscreens a light and non-oily texture.
Ensulizole is approved worldwide:
Learn more about Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic AcidSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTriethanolamine (TEA) is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.
As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.
PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.
If you are looking for the tea leaf ingredient, click here.
Learn more about TriethanolamineWater. 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