Cancer Council Face Day Wear CC Cream Mineral Zinc Oxide SPF 50 - Light Tint Versus Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Facial Moisturiser SPF 50
Updated on February 13, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances and 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
Cancer Council Face Day Wear CC Cream Mineral Zinc Oxide SPF 50 24 ingredients
Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Facial Moisturiser SPF 50 20 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Cancer Council Face Day Wear CC Cream Mineral Zinc Oxide SPF 50 24 ingredients
Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Facial Moisturiser SPF 50 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 27%
Cosmetic Colorant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Colloidal Silver
AntimicrobialDimethicone
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Behenate
Emollient
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantIsohexadecane
EmollientIsopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
Magnesium Sulfate
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Water
Skin ConditioningSorbic Acid
Preservative
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingZinc Oxide 27%, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Benzyl Alcohol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Colloidal Silver, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Behenate, CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492, Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Palmitate, Magnesium Sulfate, Maltodextrin, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Water, Sorbic Acid, Stearic Acid, Xanthan Gum
Zinc Oxide 27%
Cosmetic Colorant
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
Buffering
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingGlyceryl Behenate
Emollient
Isododecane
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientIsopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
Magnesium Sulfate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Propylene Carbonate
SolventWater
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Zinc Oxide 27%, Benzyl Alcohol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Glyceryl Behenate, Isododecane, Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Palmitate, Magnesium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propylene Carbonate, Water, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sorbic Acid, Stearic Acid
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 OxideBenzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholButyloctyl 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 SalicylateCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolGlyceryl Behenate is a fatty acid created from glycerin and behenic acid. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne safe.
Isohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.
Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.
Learn more about IsohexadecaneIsopropyl 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 PalmitateMagnesium 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 SulfatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate is an emulsifer and emollient. It comes from Isostearic Acid and Polyglycerin-3.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize products by preventing oils and water from separating.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 DiisostearatePolyhydroxystearic 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 AcidWater. 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 WaterSorbic Acid is a preservative. It is the most commonly used food preservative in the world.
Sorbic Acid is a natural antibiotic and highly effective at preventing the growth of fungus. It is less effective against bacteria.
Potassium Sorbate, another commonly-used preservative, is the potassium salt of Sorbic Acid.
Sorbic Acid may worsen eczema. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
Learn more about Sorbic AcidStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Cancer Council Face Day Wear CC Cream Mineral Zinc Oxide SPF 50 24 ingredients
Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Facial Moisturiser SPF 50 20 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Cancer Council Face Day Wear CC Cream Mineral Zinc Oxide SPF 50 24 ingredients
Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Facial Moisturiser SPF 50 20 ingredients
So horrible. Destroyed my skin by drying it out severely and also causing horrible acne and blocked pores. Gave me blackheads and closed comedones all over face, and cystic acne
