APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ Versus VT Cosmetics Essence Sun Pact SPF50+ PA+++
Updated on September 07, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, fragrances, oils, 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
APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ 50 ingredients
VT Cosmetics Essence Sun Pact SPF50+ PA+++ 45 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
APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ 50 ingredients
VT Cosmetics Essence Sun Pact SPF50+ PA+++ 45 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Squalane
Emollient
C14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Emulsifying
Propanediol
Solvent
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMelaleuca Cajaputi Extract
TonicHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingUncaria Sinensis Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientGlutathione
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Tropolone
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Squalane, C14-22 Alcohols, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Carbomer, Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Uncaria Sinensis Extract, Glycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucose, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sucrose Stearate, Glutathione, Cyclodextrin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Tropolone, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Ceresin
Emulsion StabilisingOctyldodecanol
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Helichrysum Italicum Extract
AntiseborrhoeicHydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
Cleansing
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Caviar Water
Skin ConditioningSea Water
HumectantDimethicone
Emollient
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77015
Cosmetic ColorantStearic Acid
Cleansing
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract
EmollientAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Lecithin
Emollient
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
CI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Zinc Oxide, Ceresin, Octyldodecanol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, CI 77891, Centella Asiatica Extract, Octocrylene, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Helichrysum Italicum Extract, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Caviar Water, Sea Water, Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77015, Stearic Acid, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract, Adenosine, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, CI 77007
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineYou might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2025.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolThis 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 TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinOctocrylene 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 OctocryleneWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
