Versus

Blue Lizard Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 30+ Versus Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on March 10, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging and sensitive skin

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain silicones

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

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber

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 may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.

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
Preservative

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

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.

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
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

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.

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

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.

As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.

Learn more about Triethoxycaprylylsilane

When to use

12 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
92% use every day
10 Routines
90% use in am
10% use in pm
100% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Blue Lizard Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 30+ 21 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Hydrating (1)
ZA_769's avatar

ZA_769

4 months ago
Review

Feels cooling, love tbag it’s zinc only, didn’t break me out. Sad it’s discontinued!!

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 39 ingredients

2.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Heavy (2) Drying (1) Light Scent (1)
ClaireEstelle's avatar

Claire L.

10 months ago
Review

I usually use Korean sunscreen for daily wear, but wanted something with a stated water resistance for wearing to the pool, that I could grab at a local store. I settled on this one because it has ceramides. If you apply the recommended amount, it's going to leave a white cast, which I'm fine with. I want high protection, I don't really care how it looks. I do not love how it feels (not elegant) Show more

#heavy
#works well
jellyfaceriri's avatar

Riri ♡

29 days ago
Review

The most god awful sunscreen ever. Try it if you can't find white face paint for halloween - its even got the same greasy texture. Somehow oily and drying at the same time? Nothing "sheer" about this.

#drying
#heavy
#oily
#light scent