Active Sunscreen Filter
Titanium Dioxide
A mineral filter that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It's generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.
Usually helps with
Sun protection, sensitive skin
Watch for
Can sometimes leave a white cast, though formulation aims to minimize this.
Active Sunscreen Filter
Zinc Oxide
Another mineral filter offering excellent broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It also has soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Sun protection, sensitive skin, calming inflammation
Watch for
Similar to titanium dioxide, can contribute to a white cast.
The base for most cosmetic formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Draws water into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Helps to soften and smooth the skin, and can also act as a solvent for UV filters.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Watch for
Generally considered safe, but some sources list it as potentially comedogenic.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin, it's an excellent emollient that helps replenish the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, skin barrier support
Emollient
Ethyl Macadamiate
An ester derived from macadamia nut oil, it provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin conditioning
Watch for
Derived from nuts, so potential allergen for some.
Emollient
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*
Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, argan oil is known for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, anti-aging, skin barrier
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing excellent moisturization without clogging pores.
Usually helps with
All skin types, hydration, balancing oil
Emollient
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
A rich source of linoleic acid, it helps to moisturize and improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Dryness, skin barrier
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to blend oil and water ingredients, and can also act as a skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, skin conditioning
A stable, hydrogenated form of squalene, it's a highly effective moisturizer that mimics the skin's natural lipids.
Usually helps with
Dryness, all skin types, skin barrier
A component of chamomile, it's known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Irritation, redness, sensitivity
UV Filter Stabilizer
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Helps to stabilize UV filters and can offer antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
UV protection stability
Watch for
Generally considered safe and effective.
Emollient
Diheptyl Succinate
A plant-derived emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin conditioning
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be an irritant for some sensitive individuals.
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
An emulsifier derived from castor oil that helps to mix oil and water components.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Generally considered safe.
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
A popular emollient known for its moisturizing properties, but can be comedogenic for some.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening skin
Watch for
Can clog pores for acne-prone individuals.
Emollient
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, it's a good moisturizer.
Usually helps with
Dryness, antioxidant support
A polysaccharide used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
A fatty acid that helps to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, skin conditioning
Emulsifier
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
An emulsifier that helps to stabilize oil and water mixtures.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation for optimal stability and efficacy.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Watch for
Can be an exfoliant at higher concentrations, but used here for pH adjustment.
Soothing Agent
Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract
Known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Irritation, redness, calming skin
Soothing Agent
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Extracted from marigold flowers, it has anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming, skin repair
Emulsifier
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
An emulsifier that helps to disperse mineral sunscreen particles evenly.
Usually helps with
Mineral sunscreen dispersion
Emollient
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
A rich emollient that helps to moisturize and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening
Fragrance
Fragrance (Parfum)
Adds a scent to the product.
Usually helps with
Sensory experience
Watch for
Can be a potential irritant or allergen for sensitive skin.
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Surface Modifier
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
A coupling agent that can help improve the dispersion and adhesion of mineral pigments.
Usually helps with
Pigment dispersion
Watch for
Can be a concern for some due to potential for titanium dioxide nanoparticles if not properly processed, though this is a non-nano formulation.
Antioxidant
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Leaf Extract
Contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Can help absorb excess oil and improve the texture of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Mattifying effect (in some formulations), texture
Watch for
Can be drying if used in high concentrations.
Surface Modifier
Aminopropyl Triethoxysilane
Used to improve the adhesion and dispersion of mineral sunscreen actives.
Usually helps with
Pigment dispersion
Watch for
Can be a concern for some due to potential for titanium dioxide nanoparticles if not properly processed, though this is a non-nano formulation.
A fatty acid that can act as an emollient and emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances the efficacy of preservatives and has some skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
A natural emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water, and can also moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, skin conditioning
A natural gum used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Antioxidant
Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract
Extremely rich in Vitamin C, it's a potent antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, brightening
A polysaccharide that can form a film on the skin, providing a tightening effect and helping to reduce moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Film forming, skin smoothing
Emollient
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
A biodegradable emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Pleiogynium Timoriense (Burkedin Plum) Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants that help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Podocarpus Elatus (Illawarra Plum) Fruit Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Fragrance Ingredient
Linalool
A naturally occurring fragrance compound found in many plants.
Watch for
Can be a potential allergen for sensitive individuals.
Skin Conditioning Agent
Biosaccharide Gum-4
A polysaccharide that can help hydrate and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin protection
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice
Known for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration, calming irritation
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Watch for
Generally considered safe, but some may find fatty alcohols drying.
Fragrance Ingredient
Limonene
A common fragrance compound found in citrus peels.
Watch for
Can be a potential allergen for sensitive individuals.
Fragrance Ingredient
Cinnamal
A fragrance compound with a cinnamon-like scent.
Watch for
Can be a potential allergen or irritant for sensitive individuals.
A form of Vitamin E, it's a well-known antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, skin conditioning