Bioderma Photoderm XDefense Ultra Fluid SPF 50+ Versus Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Melan 130 Pigment Control SPF 50+
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlycerin
Humectant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin Conditioning
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Diisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Silica
Abrasive
Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingArginine
Masking
Bentonite
Absorbent
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Parfum
Masking
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCitric Acid
Buffering
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Mannitol
Humectant
Methoxyphenylimino Dimethylcyclohexene Glycine
Antioxidant
Sodium Phytate
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingXylitol
Humectant
Rhamnose
HumectantSodium Lauroyl Glutamate
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Lysine
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Chloride
Trimethoxybenzyl Acetylsinapate
BleachingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, CI 77891, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, 1,2-Hexanediol, CI 77492, Polysorbate 60, Silica, Cetyl Phosphate, Arginine, Bentonite, Hydroxyacetophenone, Parfum, CI 77491, CI 77499, Citric Acid, Ectoin, Mannitol, Methoxyphenylimino Dimethylcyclohexene Glycine, Sodium Phytate, Xanthan Gum, Xylitol, Rhamnose, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Lysine, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Magnesium Chloride, Trimethoxybenzyl Acetylsinapate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientOctocrylene
UV Absorber
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Homosalate
Skin Conditioning
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Emulsifying
Polysilicone-15
UV Filter
Styrene
Perfuming
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Bis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate
Antioxidant
Polyamide-5
Skin ConditioningPotassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Hexyl Laurate
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAcacia Decurrens Flower Wax
Emollient
Polyglycerin-3
Humectant
Polyamide-3
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Sodium Chloride
MaskingVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDisodium EDTA
PEG-12 Allyl Ether
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Octocrylene, Cyclopentasiloxane, Homosalate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Alcohol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Titanium Dioxide, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Cyclohexasiloxane, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Polysilicone-15, Styrene, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Silica, Bis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate, Polyamide-5, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Jojoba Esters, Hexyl Laurate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Polyamide-3, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Sodium Chloride, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Decyl Glucoside, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Disodium EDTA, PEG-12 Allyl Ether, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You 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 2026.
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 TriazineAlso 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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumSilica, 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 SilicaWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan 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 Gum
