Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - 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 exfoliants and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne and dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 25 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
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 25 ingredients
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 27 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%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 4.7%
Cosmetic Colorant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientParaffin
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 OxideC12-15 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 BenzoateDimethicone 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 DimethiconePolyhydroxystearic 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneIngredient 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
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 27 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen - SPF 50 25 ingredients
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
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.
