3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ Versus Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++
Updated on January 13, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ 29 ingredients
Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ 19 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ 29 ingredients
Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Glycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Paraffinum Liquidum
Emollient
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
PEG-100 Stearate
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Morus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Extract
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Betaine
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingDisodium EDTA
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
Masking
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Paraffinum Liquidum, Titanium Dioxide, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Zinc Oxide, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Beeswax, Ethylhexyl Triazone, PEG-100 Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Panax Ginseng Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Betaine, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, CI 19140, CI 15985, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Lysine Lauroyl Glutamate
CleansingAkebia Quinata Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingBeer Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Taeda Bark Extract
TonicHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingBHT
Antioxidant
Methylparaben
Preservative
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol Denat., Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Lysine Lauroyl Glutamate, Akebia Quinata Seed Extract, Beer Extract, Pinus Taeda Bark Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, BHT, Methylparaben
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateEthylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ 29 ingredients
Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ 19 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++ 29 ingredients
It broke me out
Cheap but not worth it. Made my oily skin shiny and greasy. Also clogged my pores and gave me comedones.
Nivea Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ 19 ingredients
Nivea uv super watery gel spf 50
Good for oily skin! Watery base... absorbs quickly ..... ingredients are on point! But not waterproof!
Too much alcohol. Very drying.
Applies really nicely but at the end of the day I find my skin really dry and irritated.
