A mineral sunscreen agent that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It is generally considered safe and effective, and is a good choice for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Sun protection, sensitive skin
Watch for
Can sometimes leave a white cast, though formulations are improving.
The base for many skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A mix of fatty acids derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it helps to replenish the skin's surface and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening skin
A silicone that creates a smooth, protective barrier on the skin, helping to prevent moisture loss. It can give a silky feel.
Usually helps with
Smoothing skin, moisture retention
Watch for
Some people prefer to avoid silicones.
A plant-derived humectant that draws moisture to the skin, improving hydration and product texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A common humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
Hydration, softening skin
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich butter derived from the shea tree nut, known for its intense moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, soothing skin
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
A nourishing oil rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E, known for its moisturizing and antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin conditioning
A solvent and humectant that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the formula.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be less potent than pure tocopherol.
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient derived from glycerin and stearic acid, it helps to stabilize the formula and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, softening skin
Emulsifier
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
An emulsifier used in mineral sunscreens to help disperse the mineral particles evenly.
Usually helps with
Sunscreen dispersion
A general term for plant-based oils that help to moisturize and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, helping to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin, thickening
Emollient
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
A plant-based oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, known for its moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, antioxidant
Derived from jojoba oil, these esters help to condition and soften the skin, mimicking its natural oils.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that helps to protect the formula from degradation and can offer some skin-soothing benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, soothing
A natural gum used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
A liquid wax that closely resembles human sebum, providing excellent moisturization and skin conditioning without clogging pores.
Usually helps with
Hydration, balancing skin
A provitamin of B5, it attracts and retains moisture, helping to hydrate, soothe, and improve skin's barrier function.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
Soothing Agent
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Known for its cooling and soothing properties, it can help calm irritated skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
A polysaccharide used as a thickening and stabilizing agent, improving the texture of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used as an emulsifier and thickener, providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement, stabilization
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients, contributing to a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Emollient
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil that has been hydrogenated to create a more solid or semi-solid texture, used as an emollient.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
A component of chamomile, known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming irritation
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
The non-saponifiable part of sunflower oil, rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, which helps to condition and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, antioxidant
Soothing Agent
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Extract from rice, known for its soothing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Extract
Extract from the germ of rice, containing antioxidants that can help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract
A plant extract with antioxidant properties, potentially offering some photoprotective benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Watch for
Limited research on topical benefits.
Emollient
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
A plant-based wax that helps to thicken the formula and provide a protective barrier on the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture, barrier support
Chelating Agent
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and performance of the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Used to adjust the pH of the formula, ensuring it is optimal for skin and product stability.
Usually helps with
pH balance