Versus

ACO Sun Lotion SPF 50 Versus Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Swedish Brand Sweden
American Brand United States

Updated on January 01, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. 

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted effects and reactions from a product. These metal ions may come from water and are found in miniscule amounts.

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate can also help other preservatives be more effective.

Preservative

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.

Masking, Preservative

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.

Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.

It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.

Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.

We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate

When to use

2 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day
208 Routines
99% use in am
1% use in pm
91% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

ACO Sun Lotion SPF 50 24 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 1 rating
Great Value (1) Hydrating (1) Light (1)
juliarnborg's avatar

Julia

6 months ago
Review

I like it it protects me from the uv it may break me out a lil but nothing to bad.

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#oily

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 47 ingredients

3.1 /5
from 12 ratings
Expensive (8) Works Well (3) Broke Me Out (3)
samg2's avatar

Sam G

5 months ago
Review

I really wanted to like this. I think that for someone that isn’t acne prone. It aould be fine but doesn’t have a ton of coverage and left me with a slightly orangey tone. I liked that it was slightly dewy though but didn’t leave me super oily. But unfortunately made me break out in little white heads all over. I’m not sure if I’m just reactive to Nia or what ingredient would have but Nia has Show more

#expensive
#broke me out
#irritating
AllTuckeredOut's avatar

AllTuckeredOut

2 years ago
Review

Great option for fair skin
I am very pale, but the Fair colour works well for my complexion, doesn't look orange. I used this, in combination to the Original formula, to even out my skin tone and as a concealer. It is a bit shiny initially, but does settle into a natural finish.