Active Sunscreen Filter
Zinc Oxide
A mineral filter that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It is non-nano and helps mitigate the effects of blue light (HEV).
Usually helps with
UV protection, blue light defense
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but ensure even application to avoid missed spots.
The base solvent for the formulation.
Usually helps with
Dissolving other ingredients
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
A chemical sunscreen agent that helps absorb UVB rays and also acts as an emollient.
Usually helps with
Sun protection, skin conditioning
Emollient/Occlusive
Dimethicone
A silicone that provides a smooth feel and helps create a barrier on the skin.
Usually helps with
Smooth texture, skin barrier support
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some very oily skin types.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it's an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, skin conditioning
A powerful humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin barrier support
A lighter alternative to silicones, derived from coconut oil, providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Smooth texture, skin conditioning
Emulsifier/Emollient
Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
A silicone-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water phases while providing a smooth skin feel.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement, stable formulation
Watch for
Some individuals may be sensitive to silicones.
Antioxidant
Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea (Lingonberry) Fruit Extract
Rich in vitamins C and E, it helps protect against UV damage and blue light.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, brightening
A potent antioxidant that enhances the stability and efficacy of other antioxidants like Vitamins C and E.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, anti-aging
Antioxidant
Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Extract
Contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect against free-radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, skin repair
Skin Conditioning
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi (Bearberry) Leaf Extract
Contains arbutin, which can help with skin brightening and evening tone.
Usually helps with
Skin brightening, antioxidant properties
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Known for its soothing and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
A flavonoid antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A form of Vitamin E, it's a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from oxidative stress.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable derivative of Vitamin E, offering antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Xanthophylls (Lutein)
A type of carotenoid antioxidant that helps protect skin from light-induced damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, blue light defense
Humectant/Emulsifier
Sucrose
Can act as a humectant and an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Hydration, formulation stability
Preservative Booster/Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Emulsifier/Skin Conditioning
Lecithin
A phospholipid that helps emulsify ingredients and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, skin conditioning
Humectant
Polyglutamic Acid
A powerful humectant that can hold more water than hyaluronic acid, providing intense hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
A natural starch used to absorb excess oil and provide a smooth finish.
Usually helps with
Oil absorption, texture improvement
Buffering Agent
Calcium Gluconate
Used to adjust pH and stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Emulsifier/Texture Enhancer
Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
A silicone-based cross-polymer that improves texture and provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement, formulation stability
Watch for
Some individuals may be sensitive to silicones.
A synthetic emollient that provides a light, non-greasy feel and improves spreadability.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, spreadability
Thickener/Emulsifier
Xanthan Gum
A common thickening agent derived from fermented sugar.
Usually helps with
Texture, formulation stability
Emulsifier/Dispersing Agent
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Used to help disperse mineral sunscreen particles evenly.
Usually helps with
Even sunscreen distribution
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
A coconut-derived emollient that provides a light, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, smooth texture
Dispersing Agent
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Used to improve the dispersion of mineral pigments.
Usually helps with
Even pigment distribution
Texture Enhancer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
A silicone resin that provides a soft-focus effect and improves texture.
Usually helps with
Smooth finish, texture improvement
Watch for
Some individuals may be sensitive to silicones.
Humectant/Solvent
Propanediol
A humectant that helps draw moisture to the skin and acts as a solvent.
Usually helps with
Hydration, solvent
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that improves spreadability.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, smooth texture
Solvent
Dipropylene Glycol
A solvent that can also help improve the feel of the product.
Usually helps with
Solvent, texture enhancement
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be irritating at high concentrations, but used in small amounts here.
Thickener/Suspending Agent
Disteardimonium Hectorite
A clay-derived ingredient used to thicken the formula and suspend particles.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
Emollient
Isostearyl Lactate
An emollient that provides a smooth feel on the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, smooth texture
Solvent/Antioxidant
Triethyl Citrate
Used as a solvent and can have antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Solvent, formulation stability
Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Used to adjust the viscosity of the product.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Humectant/Exfoliant
Gluconolactone
A PHA that provides gentle exfoliation and hydration.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, hydration
pH Adjuster/Chelating Agent
Sodium Citrate
Used to adjust pH and stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
pH Adjuster/Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Used to adjust pH and can offer mild antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability, mild exfoliation
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
