What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
C15-19 Alkane
SolventPropanediol
Solvent
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin Conditioning
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer
StabilisingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera
EmollientHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Bisabolol
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Taraxacum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Polyglycerin-3
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Medicago Sativa Extract
TonicDextrin
AbsorbentChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
HumectantCitric Acid
Buffering
Water, Homosalate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, C15-19 Alkane, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopherol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sclerotium Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Glyceryl Stearate, Jojoba Esters, Parfum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Glycine Soja Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Bisabolol, Sodium Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Taraxacum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Polyglycerin-3, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Medicago Sativa Extract, Dextrin, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Limonene, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDextrin Palmitate
Emulsifying
Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Homosalate
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
Masking
Glyceryl Behenate
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sorbitan Distearate
EmollientStearoyl Glutamic Acid
CleansingArginine
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Citral
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dextrin Palmitate, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Homosalate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Glyceryl Behenate, Sodium Hydroxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Distearate, Stearoyl Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Citral, Geraniol, 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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateGlycerin 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 GlycerinHomosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalateLimonene 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 LimoneneParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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
