Bubble Solar Mate SPF 40 Versus Prequel Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++
Updated on January 12, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
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
Bubble Solar Mate SPF 40 22 ingredients
Prequel Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 43 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Bubble Solar Mate SPF 40 22 ingredients
Prequel Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 43 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 12%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningIsoamyl Laurate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil
Emollient
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract
Antioxidant
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentButylene Glycol
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Zinc Oxide 12%, Water, Isoamyl Laurate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Phenoxyethanol
Zinc Oxide 18%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Diisooctyl Succinate
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Olivate
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Bisabolol
Masking
Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
Antioxidant
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Antioxidant
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Antioxidant
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Succinate
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77015
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Zinc Oxide 18%, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diisooctyl Succinate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sorbitan Olivate, Bisabolol, Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Succinate, Lauroyl Lysine, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Arachidyl Alcohol, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Behenyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Arachidyl Glucoside, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetyl Alcohol, Tin Oxide, Isononyl Isononanoate, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Sorbitan Oleate, CI 77891, CI 77015, Iron Oxides
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 OxideWater. 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 WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideButyloctyl Salicylate is similar to octisalate. It a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.
This ingredient is a common sunscreen ingredient carrier and photostabilizer. According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for carrying micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.
According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylatePolyhydroxystearic 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 AcidCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateXanthan 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 GumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Bubble Solar Mate SPF 40 22 ingredients
Prequel Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 43 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Bubble Solar Mate SPF 40 22 ingredients
after trying this for a week i’m gonna be real: it smells BAD. like it smells rancid for a couple seconds. however this is the only sunscreen that doesn’t break me out thank you bubble ily
Very Enjoyable
This sunscreen hits all the boxes. doesn't smell like sunscreen, no white cast, easy to apply, affordable. Only reason it is not 5 starts to me is that it feels heavy. My face sweats all the time and i seem to sweat more easily with this on. otherwise worth getting this over most sunscreens
Prequel Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 43 ingredients
I have sensitive skin, especially with sunscreens. I had one of the worst allergic reactions of my life with this sunscreen. I have no idea what caused it, as I am usually just fine with mineral sunscreens. Definitely recommend patch testing if you are sensitive with sunscreens like I am. Other than that, the finish was beautiful and felt great on my skin at first.
Super lightweight and moisturizing sunscreen!! This is the first sunscreen that has worked so well on my sensitive skin. My new holy grail!!
