What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Diisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientC15-19 Alkane
SolventBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingC20-22 Alcohols
Emulsion Stabilising
Propanediol
Solvent
Tromethamine
BufferingPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
Humectant
C14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion Stabilising
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV Absorber
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingLecithin
Emollient
Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin Conditioning
Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
UV FilterSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
Buffering10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid
Skin ConditioningSebacic Acid
BufferingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Dibutyl Adipate, Silica, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Diisopropyl Sebacate, C15-19 Alkane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, C20-22 Alcohols, Propanediol, Tromethamine, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, CI 77891, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, C14-22 Alcohols, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Mica, Propylene Glycol, Bisabolol, Zinc PCA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Lecithin, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Tin Oxide, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sorbitol, Decyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, Sebacic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Propylene Glycol Laurate
Skin ConditioningButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
PEG-400
Emulsion StabilisingDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingBisabolol
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Dihydroxyethyl Toluidine
Spirulina Maxima Extract
SmoothingZingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Lecithin
Emollient
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Propylene Glycol Laurate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, PEG-400, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Bisabolol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Tocopherol, Dihydroxyethyl Toluidine, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Lecithin
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
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, Asia, Canada, and recently approved for use by the US in mid-2026.
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 TriazineBisabolol is a gentle skin conditioner, antioxidant, and soothing ingredient.
It's primary claim to fame is soothing and research shows topically applied bisabolol can quiet the chemical messengers that cause your skin to become inflamed, helping to sooth any irritation.
A clinical study found that applying 0.5% bisabolol daily for 8 weeks produced an average 9% decrease in skin pigmentation. Researchers found it can also suppress the process that leads to excess melanin production in skin.
In vitro studies found that bisabolol combined with propylene glycol significantly increased skin permeability by increasing lipid fluidity in the stratum corneum.
You'll likely see use concentrations quite low, usually 0.1-0.2%.
Overall, this is a well-tolerated ingredient that works well in formulas designed for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.
Learn more about BisabololButylene 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 BenzoateEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolWater. 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
