Aveeno Protect + Soothe Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 - USA Versus Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Updated on April 15, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 15 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 sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any 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
Aveeno Protect + Soothe Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 26 ingredients
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 54 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Aveeno Protect + Soothe Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 26 ingredients
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 54 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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
Titanium Dioxide 4.9%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 4.7%
Cosmetic Colorant
Alumina
Abrasive
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Bisabolol
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Cholesterol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone PEG-8 Laurate
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Hydrated Silica
Abrasive
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentMethicone
Emollient
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Pantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningPEG-100 Stearate
PEG-8
HumectantPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Polyaminopropyl Biguanide
Preservative
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Trisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Vp/Eicosene Copolymer
Water
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTitanium Dioxide 4.9%, Zinc Oxide 4.7%, Alumina, Arachidyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Ascorbic Acid, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Beeswax, Behenyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Carbomer, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Cetyl Dimethicone, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Cholesterol, Dimethicone, Dimethicone PEG-8 Laurate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrated Silica, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Maltodextrin, Methicone, Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-8, Phytosphingosine, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polysorbate 60, Potassium Sorbate, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Stearic Acid, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Trisiloxane, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Water, 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.
Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.
Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.
With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.
Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.
Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideZinc 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 WaterIsohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.
Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.
Learn more about IsohexadecaneA type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as traditional alcohols.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
Behenyl Alcohol is usually derived from the fats in vegetable oils.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneXanthan 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 GumStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinTocopheryl 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 AcetateDisodium 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 EDTAAvena Sativa Kernel Extract is is derived from colloidal oatmeal. Besides being a healthy breakfast, oats have many benefits in skincare too.
This ingredient helps sooth, hydrate, and protect the skin. The starches in colloidal oatmeal are able to bind water, keeping the skin hydrated.
The cellulose and fiber in colloidal oatmeal help reduce inflammation. This can also help the skin feel softer.
Colloidal Oatmeal is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect our skin from free-radical damage.
Oatmeal also contains beneficial compounds:
This ingredient is created by mixing grounded oatmeal and a liquid base.
Learn more about Avena Sativa Kernel ExtractIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Aveeno Protect + Soothe Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 26 ingredients
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 54 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
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.
