Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 Versus Aveeno Protect + Soothe Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 - USA
Updated on April 15, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing
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
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 25 ingredients
Aveeno Protect + Soothe Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 26 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
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 25 ingredients
Aveeno Protect + Soothe Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 26 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 21.6%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Ethyl Methicone
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Cetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Glyceryl Behenate
Emollient
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingAvena Sativa Kernel Flour
Abrasive
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Antioxidant
Zinc Oxide 21.6%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethyl Methicone, Silica, Cetyl Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Behenate, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Chlorphenesin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Avena Sativa Kernel Flour, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Titanium Dioxide 6.5%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 18.7%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Steareth-21
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Titanium Dioxide 6.5%, Zinc Oxide 18.7%, Water, Isohexadecane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Behenyl Alcohol, Steareth-21, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
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 OxideWater. 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 WaterC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateGlycerin 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 GlycerinPolyhydroxystearic 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 AcidTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilanePhenoxyethanol 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.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinTocopheryl 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.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 25 ingredients
Aveeno Protect + Soothe Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 26 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 25 ingredients
Product review:
Way too much white cast but this one is better than the Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen from Aveeno. Also, it breaks me out and gives me whiteheads. and Irritates my eczema so I had to stop using it.
My skin:
Eczmea on the forehead, fungal acne, milia, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and normal to combination skin.
I am one of the whitest caucasians probably in the world besides people with albinism. This sunscreen made me look like I was cosplaying as Casper the ghost. Do not recommend lol
Aveeno Protect + Soothe Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 26 ingredients
So far so good. I have eczema and pretty sensitive dry skin but it hasn’t broken me out or caused a flare up. The application isn’t as smooth as I thought it would be but it still applies well. It does leave a bit of a white cast but not as bad as most mineral sunscreens and it leaves a soft matte finish on the skin. I’m not sure if it would be the best for someone with fungal acne though.
