A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVA rays.
Usually helps with
Broad spectrum UV protection
Watch for
Can degrade over time, often paired with other filters.
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays.
Usually helps with
UVB protection
Watch for
Can be an endocrine disruptor in high concentrations.
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays.
Usually helps with
UVB protection
Watch for
Can be an environmental concern and may cause skin irritation for some.
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays.
Usually helps with
UVB protection
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
The base of the formula, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Attracts water to the skin, improving hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Generally safe, can be a mild irritant for very sensitive skin.
UV Filter
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
A chemical sunscreen agent that helps stabilize other filters and absorbs UVA rays.
Usually helps with
UV protection
Watch for
Relatively new, generally considered safe.
UV Filter
Butyloctyl Salicylate
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays.
Usually helps with
UVB protection
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emulsifier
Dextrin Palmitate
Helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
Texture
Texture Enhancer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Provides a smooth, silky feel and can help absorb oil.
Usually helps with
Texture, mattifying
A classic humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
A probiotic-derived ingredient that can help support the skin's microbiome.
Usually helps with
Skin health
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Polysaccharides
Derived from aloe vera, known for its calming and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A salt form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and retains moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Can help reduce puffiness and has antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, de-puffing
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Film Former
Sodium Polyaspartate
Helps to create a smooth feel on the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture
Skin Conditioning
7-Dehydrocholesterol
A precursor to Vitamin D, acts as an antioxidant.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Film Former
Acrylates Copolymer
Helps to create a smooth, even film on the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture
A sugar alcohol that helps attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A silicone that provides a smooth feel and helps lock in moisture.
Usually helps with
Emollience, barrier support
Watch for
Can feel heavy for very oily skin.
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Helps to mix oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Texture
A sugar that can help attract moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
A carbohydrate complex that binds to skin cells, providing long-lasting hydration.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Urea
A derivative of urea that effectively hydrates the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Surfactant
PPG-8-Ceteth-20
A surfactant that helps to emulsify and stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Texture
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Emulsifier
Sorbeth-30 Tetraisostearate
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to mix oil and water ingredients, also has emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Texture, emollience
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
Helps to mix oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Texture
pH Adjuster
Potassium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formula.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations.
A thickening agent that gives the product its gel-like consistency.
Usually helps with
Texture
Solvent
Dipropylene Glycol
A solvent that can also act as a humectant.
Usually helps with
Solvency, hydration
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Thickener
Dehydroxanthan Gum
A thickening agent that improves texture and stability.
Usually helps with
Texture
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Thickener
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
A synthetic polymer used as a thickening and emulsifying agent.
Usually helps with
Texture
A solvent that can also act as a humectant.
Usually helps with
Solvency, hydration
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Film Former
Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
Helps to create a smooth, even film on the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A thickening agent that improves texture and stability.
Usually helps with
Texture
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E that provides antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
A synthetic antioxidant used to prevent oxidation.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some and has environmental concerns.
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
pH Adjuster
Sodium Citrate
Used to adjust the pH of the formula.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Used to adjust the pH of the formula.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Watch for
Can be an exfoliant in higher concentrations.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative that prevents the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative that prevents microbial contamination.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some.
A synthetic colorant used to give the product its red hue.
Usually helps with
Appearance
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.