Active Sunscreen
Zinc Oxide
A physical mineral filter providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It's generally well-tolerated and non-comedogenic.
Usually helps with
Sun protection, sensitive skin
Watch for
Can sometimes leave a white cast, though formulations aim to mitigate this.
The base solvent for the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A common humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin that helps to replenish skin and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening skin
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and helps to create a barrier on the skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothing texture, occlusive properties
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones.
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin. It is not drying like some other alcohols.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, emollient
Watch for
Rarely, can cause irritation.
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Olivate
An emulsifier derived from olive oil that helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, skin conditioning
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps to stabilize the formulation.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate
Another emulsifier derived from olive oil, contributing to the formula's texture.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, skin conditioning
Known for its soothing and skin-protecting properties, it helps to calm irritation.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming irritation
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide NP
A type of ceramide that helps to restore the skin's natural barrier function and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier support, hydration
Thickener
Chondrus Crispus Extract
A seaweed extract that can act as a thickener and provide soothing benefits.
Usually helps with
Thickening, skin conditioning
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and holds moisture in the skin for hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping skin
A form of Vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle emulsifier derived from glucose and fatty alcohols, helping to blend ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Coating Agent
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Used to coat mineral pigments like zinc oxide, improving their dispersion and texture.
Usually helps with
Improving texture, pigment dispersion
A common thickening agent that also helps to stabilize emulsions.
Usually helps with
Thickening, stabilizing
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that can help protect the formula and skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant properties
A solvent and humectant that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservative booster
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster with emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, preservative boosting
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be an irritant for some individuals.
Colorant
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Mineral pigments used to provide color and can help with tone correction.
Usually helps with
Coloring, tinting