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Avène Mineral Fluid SPF 50+ Versus Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

Sunscreen
General Moisturizer
French Brand France
American Brand United States

Updated on July 26, 2024

Overview

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients
spf rating
50

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Mineral Fluid SPF 50+
Titanium Dioxide Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter
0 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
Mineral UV FilterMineral UV Filter Icon Non-Reef-SafeNon-Reef-Safe Icon

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.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Zinc Oxide Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber
1 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconHelps fight Acne IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
Mineral UV FilterMineral UV Filter Icon Helps fight AcneHelps fight Acne Icon Non-Reef-SafeNon-Reef-Safe Icon

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.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. 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.

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Unknown Full details ->
Isopropyl Palmitate Emollient, Masking
3-4 / 1 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
3 Concerns

Isopropyl Palmitate is a texture enhancer and emollient. It is an ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid.

3-4 Com. / 1 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Isodecyl Neopentanoate Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Isodecyl Neopentanoate.

Unknown Full details ->
Isododecane Emollient, Solvent

Isododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.

Disliked Full details ->
Isohexadecane Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Isohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.

Ptfe

PTFE is a form of PFAS, or "Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances". This ingredient has been used in commercial applications since the 1940's.

Unknown Full details ->
Triethylhexanoin Masking, Skin Conditioning

Triethylhexanoin is created from glycerin and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. It is a solvent and emollient.

Dicaprylyl Ether Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Dicaprylyl Ether is created from caprylic acid. It is a texture-enhancer and emollient.

Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Unknown Full details ->
Alumina Abrasive, Absorbent
Exfoliant Icon
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon

Alumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Stearic Acid Cleansing, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
2 Concerns

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.

2-3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

Peg-45/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer Emulsion Stabilising

We don't have a description for Peg-45/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer.

Unknown Full details ->
Silica Abrasive, Absorbent
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon 2 Concerns

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Disliked Full details ->
Benzoic Acid Masking, Preservative
Preservative IconMay worsen Eczema Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon May worsen EczemaMay worsen Eczema Icon

Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.

Disliked Full details ->
Caprylic Acid Cleansing, Emulsifying, Masking
1 / 3

Caprylic Acid is a fatty acid commonly found in plant oils, such as palm and coconut oils.

1 Com. / 3 Irr.
Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->
Disteardimonium Hectorite Stabilising

Disteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.

Disliked Full details ->
Hectorite Absorbent

We don't have a description for Hectorite.

Unknown Full details ->
Glyceryl Behenate Emollient, Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Behenate is a fatty acid created from glycerin and behenic acid. It is an emollient and emulsifier.

Disliked Full details ->
Glyceryl Dibehenate Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Dibehenate isn't fungal acne safe.

Unknown Full details ->
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon 2 Concerns

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.

Hydrocinnamyl Cinnamate Perfuming
Fragrance Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon

Hydrocinnamyl Cinnamate is a fragrance.

Unknown Full details ->
Polyamide-3

We don't have a description for Polyamide-3.

Unknown Full details ->
Sodium Chloride Masking
Can worsen Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
3 Concerns

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps brighten skin Icon
Vitamin EVitamin E Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon Helps brighten skinHelps brighten skin Icon

Tocopheryl 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.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Tocopheryl Glucoside Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Tocopheryl Glucoside.

Unknown Full details ->
Tribehenin Emollient, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tribehenin comes from glycerin and behenic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.

Disliked Full details ->
Moisturizing Cream
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. 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.

Petrolatum Emollient
Oil IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon 2 Concerns

Petrolatum is more commonly known as petroleum jelly. It is created by mixing waxes and mineral oils.

Disliked Full details ->
Sorbitol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon
Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a hydrating and moisturizing agent created from the reduction process of glucose.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Fatty AlcoholFatty Alcohol Icon 3 Concerns

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.

2 Com. / 1 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Propylene Glycol Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
0 / 0 May worsen Eczema Icon
May worsen EczemaMay worsen Eczema Icon

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Ceteareth-20 Cleansing, Emulsifying
2 / 3 May worsen Oily Skin Icon
May worsen Oily SkinMay worsen Oily Skin Icon

Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. It is derived from cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol.

2 Com. / 3 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Simethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0 Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Simethicone is a silicone. It is an emollient and used to reduce foaming in a product. It is also often used to coat sunscreen ingredients for better spreadability.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Unknown Full details ->
Glyceryl Stearate Emollient, Emulsifying
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Peg-30 Stearate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-30 Stearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Unknown Full details ->
Sorbic Acid Preservative
Preservative IconMay worsen Eczema Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon May worsen EczemaMay worsen Eczema Icon

Sorbic Acid is a preservative. It is the most commonly used food preservative in the world.

Very Disliked Full details ->
BHT Antioxidant, Masking
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Loved

Water. 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 Water

Ingredient Ratings

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

Mineral Fluid SPF 50+
6
4
14
10
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Moisturizing Cream
2
7
2
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

7 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
86% use every day
542 Routines
38% use in am
62% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Avène Mineral Fluid SPF 50+ 34 ingredients

1.0 /5
from 1 rating
mikkoflam's avatar

mikkoflam

5 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

absolutely not. too greasy and leaves a white cast even after you let it dry down

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream 11 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 4 ratings
Heavy (3) Works Well (2) Hydrating (2)
StanLoona_176's avatar

StanLoona_176

11 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

calming and moisturizing!

AshN.'s avatar

AshN.

7 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

This is a budget-friendly cream that I would recommend to anyone with dry to extremely dry skin for face or body use. Never had any issues with...

This is a budget-friendly cream that I would recommend to anyone with dry to extremely dry skin for face or body use. Never had any issues with irritation regarding it. Given how thick this formulation is you would not need much of it for your face, so it lasts a long time. (I bought this product back in March 2023 and I still have a 1/4 of it left!). I ran into this product because I couldn't find my usual CeraVe Moisturizing Cream so this is a pretty solid dupe. Usually leaves my skin very moisturized, but with a more matte finish. Big fan of the pump dispenser as I find it more sanitary.