bondi sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid Versus Natio Rosewater Hydration Moisture Balance Day Cream SPF 50+
This chemical sunscreen covers the full UV range and blocks ~98% of UVB at SPF 50.
This chemical sunscreen covers most of the UV range, lighter on the deep UVA that drives aging.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberDibutyl Adipate
EmollientButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterSilica
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingTapioca Starch
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
UV AbsorberGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingAcrylates Copolymer
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Disodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Carrageenan
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Chloride
MaskingWater, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Dibutyl Adipate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Butylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Silica, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Tapioca Starch, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Acrylates Copolymer, Decyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Triethanolamine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Decylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Carrageenan, Sodium Chloride
4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberOctocrylene
UV AbsorberAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTetrasodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol
SolventNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningRosa Centifolia Flower
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveStearic Acid
CleansingTriethanolamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
Emulsifying4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Octocrylene, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Parfum, Isopropyl Palmitate, Neopentyl Glycol, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Propylene Glycol, Water, Rosa Centifolia Flower, Silica, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Xanthan Gum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is an oil-soluble used to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays (peak 357 nm).
It's one of the most effective UVA filters available but has a major caveat of photostability: avobenzone is susceptible to photodegradation.
This means it can lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight without the help of a stabilizing agent.
Studies show antioxidants (like vitamin E or vitamin C) and some UV filters (like octocrylene and Tinosorb S) can meaningfully improve its stability in a formulation.
The maximum allowable concentration according to regulation is 3% in the US + Canada, and 5% in the EU, Australia, China, Korea, and ASEAN countries.
It has a well-support safety profile: a comprehensive 2025 review found minimal toxicity with no evidence of carcinogenicity.
Overall, avobenzone is a safe and regulated ingredient used in sunscreen for over 40 years.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneEthylhexyl Triazone (aka Octyl Triazone) is an oil-soluble organic UVB filter. It has peak absorption around 314 nm, right in the middle of the UVB range.
This ingredient is described as one of the most effective UVB filters available and small concentrations are enough to deliver a high SPF thanks to its strong UV absorbing power.
Formulators love it for its stability; its ability to filter UV stays practically unchanged even under intense radiation and it can also help boost the photostability of less stable filters like avobenzone.
It's also a great pick for water resistant products because it's insoluble in water and has a good affinity for keratin.
Because it's a big, heavy molecule, the European Scientific Committee has found to to have very low dermal penetration and negative results for allergenicity.
In vitro testing also showed a low absorption rate and clean results on irritation.
Typical use levels are 1-5% with 5% being the maximum in the EU, Japan, and other markets that allow it. However, this ingredient is not approved yet in the US or Canada.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneOctocrylene is an oil-soluble organic UV filter that mainly absorbs UVB and short wave UVA II light.
Its real superpower is teamwork: octocrylene is remarkably photostable and is most famous for stabilizing avobenzone (the workhorse UVA filter).
This ingredient is commonly used to enhance both UVB and UVA protection due to its unique property in stabilizing avobenzone. It also pulls double duty by boosting water resistance and giving formulas a smooth, spreadable feel.
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has deemed octocrylene to be safe as a UV-filter at concentrations up to 10% (capped at 9% in propellant sprays). The US also permits it up to 10%.
Two things worth knowing:
You'll usually see this ingredient used in concentrations between 2-10% (higher amounts when used as a stabilizer for avobenzone).
Learn more about OctocrylenePropylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSilica, 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 a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateTriethanolamine (TEA) is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.
As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.
PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.
If you are looking for the tea leaf ingredient, click here.
Learn more about TriethanolamineWater. 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