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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 versus Novaclear Urban Sunblock Protective Cream Sensitive Skin SPF50+ .

Published on July 26, 2023

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any oils or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Day Moisturizer American Brand United States
Sunscreen Polish Brand Poland

Day Moisturizer

Day Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin during the daytime.

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Price

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
15
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (3)

Benefits

Hydrating
Reduces Irritation
Brightening

Concerns

Drying (3)
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (4)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (5)
Mineral UV Filter

Benefits

Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.

Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.

Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.

However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.

Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!

The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.

Learn more about Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Novaclear Urban Sunblock Protective Cream Sensitive Skin SPF50+ contains this as ingredient number 2.

2
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Ethylhexyl 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 Methoxycinnamate

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Novaclear Urban Sunblock Protective Cream Sensitive Skin SPF50+ contains this as ingredient number 1.

3
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Disliked

Ethylhexyl 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 Salicylate

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 3.

Novaclear Urban Sunblock Protective Cream Sensitive Skin SPF50+ contains this as ingredient number 5.

4
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 6.

Novaclear Urban Sunblock Protective Cream Sensitive Skin SPF50+ contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 7.

Novaclear Urban Sunblock Protective Cream Sensitive Skin SPF50+ contains this as ingredient number 11.

6
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

D5 is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 8.

Novaclear Urban Sunblock Protective Cream Sensitive Skin SPF50+ contains this as ingredient number 13.

7
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycerin

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 9.

Novaclear Urban Sunblock Protective Cream Sensitive Skin SPF50+ contains this as ingredient number 23.

8
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Cyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.

Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.

As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.

Learn more about Cyclohexasiloxane

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 10.

Novaclear Urban Sunblock Protective Cream Sensitive Skin SPF50+ contains this as ingredient number 22.

9
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 13.

Novaclear Urban Sunblock Protective Cream Sensitive Skin SPF50+ contains this as ingredient number 15.

10
What it does: Perfuming, Preservative, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.

Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.

Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.

Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.

Other types of astringent alcohols include:

According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.

Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.

Learn more about Benzyl Alcohol

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 16.

Novaclear Urban Sunblock Protective Cream Sensitive Skin SPF50+ contains this as ingredient number 25.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

16% are loved or liked
3% have mixed ratings
68% are disliked or very disliked
13% have no rating yet
16% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
60% are disliked or very disliked
16% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 38 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 1 rating
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cgi

4 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

Not my favorite
This was my first moisturizer. For my personal preferences, I’m not too fond of this one. Many people say it’s light-weight, and it...

Not my favorite
This was my first moisturizer. For my personal preferences, I’m not too fond of this one. Many people say it’s light-weight, and it was at first, but over time it started to feel very heavy and greasy on my skin to the point where I just used it as hand lotion. And sometimes, not everyday, it irritated my skin. It felt a little tingly sometimes. It’s also not clear, it has a white cast when you apply it on and it takes like 30 minutes to absorb so I had to walk around looking like a pale zombie. It also did not have enough moisture even though I have very oily skin, so in the day I felt like my face was burning. I even used extra SPF to top it off but I felt like sweating all the time? I also broke out more due to the greasy feel. It was a weird experience, but if you’re reading this review it really doesn’t hurt to try this moisturizer! It’s not bad for sensitive skin, but if you don’t want to feel heavy during the day, I really don’t recommend this.

Novaclear Urban Sunblock Protective Cream Sensitive Skin SPF50+ 25 ingredients

Urban Sunblock Protective Cream Sensitive Skin SPF50+ hasn't been rated yet.
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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15.

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