Banila Co Hello Sunny Essence Sun Stick SPF 50+ Versus Nature Republic California Aloe Fresh Powdery Sun Stick SPF50+ Pa++++
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Isopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Vinyldimethicone
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Silica
Abrasive
Dicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingBisabolol
Masking
Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
Masking
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
Masking
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil
Masking
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientCopaifera Officinalis Resin
MaskingArtemisia Absinthium Extract
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Jasminum Officinale Oil
Masking
Myrtus Communis Oil
Masking
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ferula Galbaniflua Resin Oil
Antimicrobial
Rose Flower Oil
Masking
Betula Alba Juice
AstringentMentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
TonicTocopherol
Antioxidant
Citrus Nobilis Fruit Extract
MaskingBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentPropanediol
Solvent
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Hypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingEcklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningCodium Tomentosum Extract
Skin ProtectingGelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Skin ProtectingAgarum Cribrosum Extract
Skin ConditioningEnteromorpha Compressa Extract
Skin ProtectingLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin Protecting
Dunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Cloustoni Extract
Skin ProtectingSargassum Fulvellum Extract
Skin ConditioningSargassum Muticum Extract
Skin ProtectingUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningPorphyra Yezoensis Extract
Skin ConditioningFucus Vesiculosus Extract
Emollient
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingSpirulina Platensis Extract
Skin ProtectingJania Rubens Extract
Skin ConditioningCladosiphon Okamuranus Extract
Skin ConditioningEuglena Gracilis Extract
Skin ConditioningMacrocystis Pyrifera Protein
Skin ConditioningMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ulva Lactuca Extract
Skin ConditioningCodium Fragile Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorella Minutissima Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorella Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Hizikia Fusiforme Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningPikea Robusta Extract
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Enteromorpha Compressa
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract
Skin ConditioningHaematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Antioxidant
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Polyethylene, Isopropyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Vinyldimethicone, Octocrylene, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Silica, Dicaprylyl Ether, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ozokerite, Bisabolol, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Diisostearyl Malate, Titanium Dioxide, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Copaifera Officinalis Resin, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Jasminum Officinale Oil, Myrtus Communis Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Ferula Galbaniflua Resin Oil, Rose Flower Oil, Betula Alba Juice, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Citrus Nobilis Fruit Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Propanediol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Codium Tomentosum Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Agarum Cribrosum Extract, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Laminaria Cloustoni Extract, Sargassum Fulvellum Extract, Sargassum Muticum Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Porphyra Yezoensis Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Jania Rubens Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Euglena Gracilis Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Protein, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Ulva Lactuca Extract, Codium Fragile Extract, Chlorella Minutissima Extract, Chlorella Ferment, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Plankton Extract, Pikea Robusta Extract, Hydrolyzed Enteromorpha Compressa, Hydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Citral, Geraniol
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPolyethylene
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Silica
Abrasive
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Morinda Citrifolia Extract
AstringentSea Water
HumectantHibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Masking
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Parfum
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Polyethylene, Dimethicone, Octocrylene, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Silica, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ozokerite, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Extract, Sea Water, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower/Leaf Extract, Bisabolol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dehydroacetic Acid, Water, Butylene Glycol, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.
Aloe is one of the most well-known natural soothing ingredients, and for good reason. It’s full of water and has a cooling, calming effect on the skin, especially when it’s sunburned, itchy, or irritated. Aloe also helps your skin stay hydrated and smooth by mimicking what healthy skin naturally produces. On top of that, it contains vitamins and nutrients that support skin recovery.Â
It doesn’t protect you from the sun, but it can help your skin bounce back after too much time in it.
Let’s get into the details:
Aloe contains antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight off free radicals (unstable molecules from things like pollution that can damage your skin).
It’s also rich in polysaccharides, which are natural sugars that help hydrate the skin by acting like the skin’s own moisturizing agents. These, along with other sugars like monosaccharides, help form a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
Aloe works as both a humectant and an emollient. That means it draws water into the skin (humectant) and helps trap it there (emollient), making it an effective natural moisturizer.
You’ll also find a mix of other skin-supporting ingredients in aloe, including folic acid, choline, calcium, amino acids, fatty acids, and even Vitamin B12.
Out of the 420+ species of aloe, Aloe barbadensis is the most widely used in skincare products thanks to its gentle yet effective properties.
There are over 420 species of aloe but Aloe Barbadensis is the most commonly used for topical products.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractYou might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2025.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineBisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
This ingredient also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Learn more about BisabololCetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Dehydroacetic Acid is fungicide and bactericide. It is used as a preservative in cosmetics. Preservatives help elongate the shelf life of a product.
Dehydroacetic Acid is not soluble in water.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl 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 DimethiconeEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolThis ingredient comes as a powder made up of small, porous, microbeads. It is used to add a silky feel to products and also helps absorb oil.
Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneOzokerite is a naturally occuring mineral wax. In cosmetics, ozokerite is used as a texture enhancer.
Ceresin wax is derived from this ingredient.
The melting point of ozokerite is 58-100 C.
Ozokerite is found all over the world including Scotland, the US, and India.
Learn more about OzokeritePolyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
It is also typically used within product formulations to help bind solid ingredients together and thicken oil-based ingredients. When added to balms and emulsions, it helps increase the melting point temperature.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaTocopheryl 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 Acetate
