What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberHomosalate 6.8%
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV AbsorberOctocrylene 10%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Butylene Glycol
HumectantMica
Cosmetic ColorantPolyamide-5
Skin ConditioningSteareth-21
CleansingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPetasites Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol Stearate
Skin ConditioningMelanin
Skin ProtectingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantEthyl Linoleate
EmollientOleyl Alcohol
EmollientAcrylates Crosspolymer-4
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPanthenyl Triacetate
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPEG-8 Laurate
EmulsifyingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingSteareth-2
EmulsifyingPolymethyl Methacrylate
Cellulose Acetate
Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Simethicone
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthyl Ferulate
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningEthylene Brassylate
MaskingParfum
MaskingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 6.8%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Water, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Mica, Polyamide-5, Steareth-21, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Petasites Japonicus Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Melanin, Pentylene Glycol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Beta-Glucan, Glycerin, Ethyl Linoleate, Oleyl Alcohol, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Magnesium Stearate, Panthenyl Triacetate, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-8 Laurate, Coco-Glucoside, Steareth-2, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Cellulose Acetate, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Simethicone, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethyl Ferulate, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethylene Brassylate, Parfum, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
Titanium Dioxide 2.7%
Cosmetic ColorantZinc Oxide 10%
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantTriheptanoin
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC13-16 Isoparaffin
SolventArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolyurethane-35
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveBisabolol
MaskingHydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin ConditioningUrea
BufferingYeast Amino Acids
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantInositol
HumectantTaurine
BufferingBetaine
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningHydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantAlumina
AbrasiveEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantMethylpropanediol
SolventDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenylpropanol
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide 2.7%, Zinc Oxide 10%, Water, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Triheptanoin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C13-16 Isoparaffin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyurethane-35, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Tocopherol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Silica, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Stearate, Alumina, Ethylhexylglycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Methylpropanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenylpropanol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, CI 77491, CI 77492
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 may know this ingredient as argan oil. Argan Oil has antioxidant, hydrating, and soothing properties.
Studies have shown argan oil can help fight again radical damage from the sun. This makes it effective at preventing hyperpigmentation.
Large amounts of vitamin E found in argan oil helps the skin retain water. Argan oil also contains fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. It is also a good source of lipids.
Another benefit of argan oil is skin-soothing. It can help reduce inflammation-related skin symptoms.
Argan Oil is effective at regulating sebum production in pores. This can make it effective at treating hormonal acne.
Traditionally, argan oil was used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, argan oil contains fatty acids that may make it not fungal-acne safe.
Argan Trees are native to Morocco.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeThis ingredient is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
This ingredient is a type of elastomer.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateTitanium 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 DioxideTocopherol (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 TocopherolTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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