Alba Botanical Sheer Mineral Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Versus CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both 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 fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, 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
Alba Botanical Sheer Mineral Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 20 ingredients
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 27 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
Alba Botanical Sheer Mineral Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 20 ingredients
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 27 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 24.1%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Skin Conditioning
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Isoamyl Laurate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSodium Phytate
Squalane
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Zinc Oxide 24.1%, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Isoamyl Laurate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Niacinamide, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sodium Phytate, Squalane, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Titanium Dioxide 6%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 4.7%
Cosmetic Colorant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Emollient
Paraffin
Perfuming
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
Emollient
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ceramide 3
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide 6 Ii
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide 1
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing
BHT
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTitanium Dioxide 6%, Zinc Oxide 4.7%, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Paraffin, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Ozokerite, Dimethicone, Beeswax, Polyethylene, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 Ii, Ceramide 1, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, BHT, Carbomer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Isostearic Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.
Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.
Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.
Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.
Learn more about Zinc OxideButyloctyl Salicylate is similar to octisalate. It a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.
This ingredient is a common sunscreen ingredient carrier and photostabilizer. According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for carrying micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.
According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilanePolyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Alba Botanical Sheer Mineral Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 20 ingredients
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 27 ingredients
