Alastin Skinshield All Mineral SPF30 Versus SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35
Updated on September 20, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
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, oils, parabens 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
Alastin Skinshield All Mineral SPF30 20 ingredients
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 17 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Alastin Skinshield All Mineral SPF30 20 ingredients
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 17 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 19.95%
Cosmetic Colorant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Polysilicone-11
Squalane
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Dunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningEctoin
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Propylene Carbonate
SolventZinc Oxide 19.95%, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysilicone-11, Squalane, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Ectoin, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Propylene Carbonate
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Caffeine
Skin ConditioningCamellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentSodium Citrate
BufferingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTriethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Caffeine, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Sodium Citrate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 DimethiconeCyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxanePolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Alastin Skinshield All Mineral SPF30 20 ingredients
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 17 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Alastin Skinshield All Mineral SPF30 20 ingredients
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 17 ingredients
Repurchased 8 times.
My favorite holy grail sunscreen. The zinc buffs into the skin if you rub it for a minute. The zinc also calms down my acne and redness. Great for my dry and reactive skin. I try other famous sunscreens and come back to this one.
