Explore Routine Login

Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 versus Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 .

Published on November 19, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 21 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and SPF

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 harsh alcohols or parabens

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances, oils and sulfates

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

Sunscreen Brand
Sunscreen American Brand United States

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.

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

Shop

Buy Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Shop

Buy Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45

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
30
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
45

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (4)
Acne Trigger (5)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter (2)
Vitamin C
Exfoliators (3)

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (4)
Acne Trigger (5)
Rosacea
Join our community

Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.

Join SkinSort

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.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

Loading ingredients...

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: Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

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 can be harmful to coral reefs.

More about harmful reef ingredients here.

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 Oxide

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 2.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: 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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 42.

3
What it does: Emollient
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Coco-Caprylate is created from fatty coconut alcohol and caprylic acid.

It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.

Once applied, Coco-Caprylate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel. It may help solubilize other ingredients, or help other ingredients be dispersed evenly.

Coco-Caprylate may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Coco-Caprylate

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 4.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 14.

4
What it does: Emollient

We don't have a description for Cetearyl Nonanoate.

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 5.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 11.

5
What it does: Emollient
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Ethylhexyl Palmitate is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is a fatty acid ester.

The fatty acid content of Ethylhexyl Palmitate makes it an emollient. Emollients help soften and hydrate your skin by trapping moisture within.

Ethylhexyl Palmitate is also used to help improve the texture of cosmetics. It helps other ingredient dissolve in products and help disperse ingredients more evenly. In fact, it is commonly used to evenly mix sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone and ethylhexyl triazone. It can also help stabilize the fragrances in a product as a fragrance fixative.

Ethylhexyl Palmitate can be used to substitute mineral oil.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Palmitate

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 6.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 18.

6
What it does: Emollient, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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

Palmitates are emollients. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by creating a barrier that traps moisture in.

When added to cosmetics, Isopropyl Palmitate creates a silky texture and improves spreadability.

Isopropyl Palmitate may not be fungal acne safe. It can worsen acne prone skin.

Learn more about Isopropyl Palmitate

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 7.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 23.

7
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate isn't fungal acne safe.

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 8.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 32.

8
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

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 9.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 20.

9
What it does: Emollient, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Isopropyl Myristate is an emollient, thickening agent, and texture enhancer. It is created from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.

It is used to help other ingredients be better absorbed. It is also an emollient and may help soften and hydrate the skin.

The comedogenic rating of this ingredient depends on the concentration. Lower amounts results in a lower rating.

Isopropyl Myristate may not be fungal acne safe. It can potentially worsen acne prone skin.

Learn more about Isopropyl Myristate

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 10.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 22.

10
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Magnesium Sulfate is a salt. It can be naturally found in sea water or mineral deposits.

In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.

You might recognize Magnesium Sulfate as epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.

One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.

Learn more about Magnesium Sulfate

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 11.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 28.

11
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Beeswax is natural wax produced by honey bees and can be synthetically created. It consists mainly of fatty acid esters and long-chain alcohols.

In cosmetics, beeswax is a emollient. Due to its waxy structure, it creates a protective barrier. This barrier prevents water from evaporating off the skin.

This may not be a good ingredient for oily skin. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.

Beeswax cannot be removed with water, but can be taken off with an oil cleanser.

Beeswax is also antiseptic and contains vitamin A.

Learn more about Beeswax

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 12.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 7.

12
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.

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 13.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 29.

13
What it does: Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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

This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.

You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.

There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.

The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.

Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.

Learn more about Sodium Chloride

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 15.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 37.

14
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Isostearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Its structure makes it a great surfactant.

Surfactants help decrease the surface tension between two liquids. This property also makes it an effective emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent waters and oils from separating in a product.

Isostearic Acid is created from oleic acid.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Isostearic Acid

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 16.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 24.

15
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.

Lecithin is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.

As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin. The phospholipids in Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.

Learn more about Lecithin

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 17.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 27.

16
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

This ingredient is an emulsifier. It is created from Polyglycerin-3 and Ricinoleic Acid.

As an emulsifier, it prevents waters and oils from separating. According to a manufacturer this ingredient is fully biodegradable.

This ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis due to its Ricinoleic Acid base. Ricinoleic Acid is a fatty acid derived from castor oil.

Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 18.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 31.

17
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

Polyhydroxystearic 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 Acid

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 19.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 33.

18
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Hydrogenated Castor Oil is created by adding hydrogen to castor oil. This helps stabilize the castor oil and raises the melting point. At room temperature, hydrogenated castor oil is solid.

Castor Oil helps moisturize the skin. It is rich in a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid helps prevent moisture loss on the skin. This helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. Ricinoleic acid also has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties.

As a wax-like substance, Hydrogenated Castor Oil acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin stay soft and smooth by creating a barrier. This barrier helps trap moisture.

Hydrogenated Castor Oil may not be fungal-acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 20.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 21.

19
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Decylene Glycol.

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 21.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 16.

20
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.

Aloe is packed with good stuff including Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are antioxidants, which help fight free-radicals and the damage they may cause. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also contains sugars. These sugars come in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, and choline. These sugars are able to help bind moisture to skin.

It also contains minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.

Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 23.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 4.

21
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 24.

Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45 contains this as ingredient number 3.

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

13% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
57% are disliked or very disliked
23% have no rating yet
21% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
40% are disliked or very disliked
24% have no rating yet

Usage

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

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.

See 50 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 10 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Beverly Hills MD Age Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 45.

See 10 alternatives
Loading similar comparisons...