Active Sunscreen
Titanium Dioxide
A mineral filter that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It sits on top of the skin to physically block UV rays.
Usually helps with
Broad-spectrum protection
Watch for
Can sometimes leave a white cast on deeper skin tones, though often formulated to minimize this.
Active Sunscreen
Zinc Oxide
Another mineral filter offering excellent broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It's known for being gentle and having anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Broad-spectrum protection, sensitive skin
Watch for
Similar to Titanium Dioxide, formulation is key to avoid a white cast.
Emollient
Ethyl Macadamiate
Derived from macadamia nuts, this provides a smooth, skin-softening feel and helps to improve the spreadability of the formula.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, texture enhancement
Watch for
Nut-derived, though highly purified.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A mix of fatty acids derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It's an excellent emollient that replenishes skin and helps other ingredients penetrate.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, skin barrier support
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Skin Conditioning Agent
Saccharomyces Ferment
A byproduct of yeast fermentation, it can help to condition and improve the skin's texture and appearance.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Watch for
Some individuals may be sensitive to fermented ingredients.
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
A derivative of coconut alcohol and fatty acids. It's a light emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin without feeling greasy.
Usually helps with
Lightweight moisturization, skin softening
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emollient
Behenyl Behenate
A wax ester that helps to thicken the formula and provide a smooth, conditioning feel on the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture, skin conditioning
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emulsifier/Dispersant
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Often used in mineral sunscreens to help disperse the mineral particles evenly, preventing clumping and improving texture.
Usually helps with
Formula stability, even pigment distribution
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emollient/Thickener
Sorbitol/Sebacic Acid Copolymer Behenate
A complex ingredient that contributes to the texture and emollient properties of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture, skin conditioning
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emollient
Octyldodecyl Erucate
A fatty acid ester that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps to moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin softening
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emollient/Thickener
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
A plant-based wax that helps to give the product structure and a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Texture, formula stability
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Skin Conditioning Agent
Lauroyl Lysine
An amino acid derivative that improves the feel of the product on the skin, making it feel smoother and silkier.
Usually helps with
Skin feel, texture enhancement
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Fragrance
Fragrance/Parfum*
Adds a scent to the product. The asterisk indicates it's a component of the overall fragrance blend.
Usually helps with
Sensory experience
Watch for
Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Mineral pigments used to provide the universal tint to the sunscreen, helping it to blend into various skin tones.
Usually helps with
Tinting, color correction
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emulsifier/Thickener
Stearic Acid
A fatty acid that helps to stabilize the emulsion and thicken the product.
Usually helps with
Formula stability, texture
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Opacifier/Viscosity Control
Alumina
Used to control the viscosity and texture of the product, and can also help with the dispersion of active ingredients.
Usually helps with
Texture, formula stability
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emulsifier/Preservative Booster
Glyceryl Caprylate
A fatty acid derived from coconut oil. It helps to emulsify the product and can also boost the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, formula stability
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich butter known for its intense moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties. It helps to soften and soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, moisturization, barrier support
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
Emollient
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
A rich, nourishing oil packed with fatty acids and vitamins. It's excellent for moisturizing and improving skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, mature skin, moisturization
Watch for
Can be heavy for very oily or acne-prone skin.
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
A popular oil rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. It's known for its moisturizing and antioxidant benefits, and is generally well-absorbed.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, antioxidant support, all skin types
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Antioxidant/Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E. It acts as an antioxidant to help protect the skin from free radical damage and also conditions the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, skin conditioning
Watch for
Some individuals may experience sensitivity.
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, formula stability
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Vitamin E. A potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be an allergen for some.
Emollient/Film Former
Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer
A synthetic polymer that can help to improve the texture and feel of the product on the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture, skin feel
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emollient/Preservative Booster
Glyceryl Undecylenate
Derived from castor oil and undecylenic acid. It acts as an emollient and can help boost the preservative system.
Usually helps with
Emollience, formula stability
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Exfoliant/pH Adjuster
Malic Acid
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can help to gently exfoliate the skin and improve texture. It can also help adjust the product's pH.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, skin texture
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; use with caution if skin is already irritated.
Film Former/Emollient
Castor Oil/IPDI Copolymer
A polymer that can help create a smooth film on the skin, contributing to texture and emollience.
Usually helps with
Texture, skin feel
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
A classic humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and plump.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin barrier support
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract. A potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage and has soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Antioxidant
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Goji berry extract. Rich in antioxidants, it helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Antioxidant
Punica Granatum Extract
Pomegranate extract. Contains potent antioxidants that help fight free radicals and support skin health.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Antioxidant
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Grape seed extract. A source of antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Antioxidant/Soothing
Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract
Rooibos leaf extract. Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Preservative/Skin Conditioning
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
A natural preservative derived from fermented radish root. It can also offer skin conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Watch for
Some individuals may be sensitive to fermented ingredients.