Absidy Beauty Vital Blur Filter Skin Tint SPF 50 Versus Blk Cosmetics Universal Skin Tint Sun Shield SPF30
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Isododecane
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPolysilicone-11
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingMagnesium Sulfate
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
AbrasiveDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSilica Silylate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAlumina
AbrasiveAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearalkonium Bentonite
Gel FormingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Hull Powder
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingPropylene Carbonate
SolventCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantLaureth-12
EmulsifyingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingBHT
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantAngelica Polymorpha Sinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Notoginseng Root Extract
HumectantAstragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
EmollientLigustrum Lucidum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingIsododecane, Water, Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, CI 77492, Silica, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica Silylate, Phenoxyethanol, Alumina, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearalkonium Bentonite, CI 77491, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Niacinamide, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Oryza Sativa Hull Powder, Parfum, Propylene Carbonate, CI 77499, Laureth-12, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, BHT, Tocopherol, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis Root Extract, Panax Notoginseng Root Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Ligustrum Lucidum Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingLaminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentSwertia Chirata Extract
HumectantSqualane
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientArnica Montana Flower Extract
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Synthetic Wax, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Bisabolol, Saccharide Isomerate, Maltodextrin, Swertia Chirata Extract, Squalane, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Titanium Dioxide, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneThis ingredient is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
This ingredient is a type of elastomer.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about Tocopherol