ACO Sun Protect Water SPF25 Versus COOLA Full Spectrum 360° Refreshing Water Mist Sunscreen SPF 18
Updated on December 05, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and fungal acne (malassezia) safe sunscreens. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and SPF
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
ACO Sun Protect Water SPF25 24 ingredients
COOLA Full Spectrum 360° Refreshing Water Mist Sunscreen SPF 18 33 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
ACO Sun Protect Water SPF25 24 ingredients
COOLA Full Spectrum 360° Refreshing Water Mist Sunscreen SPF 18 33 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 6 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
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Ingredients Side-by-side
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.
Dicaprylyl Ether is created from caprylic acid. It is a texture-enhancer and emollient.
2 Concerns
Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
5 Concerns
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
2 Concerns
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
2 Concerns
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UVA absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
Ethylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
Diglycerin is a humectant. It is derived from glycerin, which is naturally found in your skin.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
Antioxidant Helps brighten skin
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
Antioxidant 4 Benefits May cause irritation
Tocopherol (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.
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.
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.
2 Concerns
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Water, Dicaprylyl Ether, Octocrylene, Alcohol Denat., Propylheptyl Caprylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Glycerin, Propanediol, Diglycerin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglycerin-3, Polyglycerin-4, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum
2 Concerns
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Non-Reef-Safe
Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
2 Concerns
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
2 Concerns
Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
Coconut water is the liquid found inside coconuts with hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Preservative
Methyl Benzoate is a fragrance and is a preservative.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Sodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract comes from the Theobroma cacoa, or Cacao tree. Cacao trees are native to tropical landscapes.
Tridecane is a lightweight emollient and fragrancing ingredient. It is a paraffin and often called a silicone alternative.
Vanillin is the main compound of the vanilla bean. It is naturally occuring but can also be artificially created.
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.
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2%, Homosalate 10%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 5.5%, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Anisaldehyde, Benzyl Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Cocos Nucifera Water, Delta-Decalactone, Didecyldimonium Chloride, Ethyl Butyrate, Gamma-Nonalactone, Gamma-Octalactone, Heliotropine, Jasminum Sambac Leaf Cell Extract, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Methyl Benzoate, Methylpropanediol, Nerolidol, Polyquaternium-80, Propanediol, Schinus Molle Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Phytate, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Tridecane, Triethyl Citrate, Undecane, Vanillin, Water
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 WaterOctocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneAlso known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneEthylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylatePropanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
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 PropanediolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
ACO Sun Protect Water SPF25 24 ingredients
COOLA Full Spectrum 360° Refreshing Water Mist Sunscreen SPF 18 33 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
ACO Sun Protect Water SPF25 24 ingredients
COOLA Full Spectrum 360° Refreshing Water Mist Sunscreen SPF 18 33 ingredients
Alyssa Klein
This is a perfect way to top off my SPF before going outside! Also a great way to cover weird areas like my ears with a mist instead of trying to...
This is a perfect way to top off my SPF before going outside! Also a great way to cover weird areas like my ears with a mist instead of trying to rub liquid sunscreen on my piercings. Nice glass bottle, sustainable. I just wish it was mineral, didn’t smell like chemical sunscreens, and that it was higher coverage than 18spf. EDIT - the nozzle clogged after only using a few times.
