Versus

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ - 01 Clear Versus Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Japanese Brand Japan
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on April 29, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid and SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils and 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
Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++
Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).

DHHB is well-liked for:

DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.

This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.

Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.

When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.

Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.

If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan 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
Humectant, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.

This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.

What makes hyaluronic acid so hydrating? It has the capacity to bind or hold large amounts of water.

Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.

Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing.

Hyaluronic acid can be irritating if the molecule has a low-molecular weight, or if the molecules are small.

One study found low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be pro-inflammatory, meaning some people may experience irritation. This is because our bodies use hyaluronic acid in the wound-healing process to signal to our bodies, via irritation, that something needs healing.

The same study found high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be anti-inflammatory.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Hyaluronic Acid

When to use

231 Routines
97% use in am
3% use in pm
90% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
2,210 Routines
97% use in am
3% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ 35 ingredients

3.8 /5
from 9 ratings
Absorbs Well (4) Hydrating (4) Works Well (4)
anemone's avatar

anemone

2 years ago
Review

mixed feelings
i really loved this sunscreen at first. it is moisturizing, blends in well and it doesn’t give me a white cast.
however, i have some problems with this product. firstly, it stings my eyes painfully, even when i try to avoid applying it in that area. there is also some pilling that can occur, especially when another product also containing dimethicone is applied to the Show more

Facewasher's avatar

Facewasher

1 year ago
Review

I always come back to this tried and true sunscreen whenever they suddenly discontinue whatever trendy sunscreen I was using. It's way too shiny on me, but otherwise perfect.

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well
#no scent

Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ 40 ingredients

3.9 /5
from 59 ratings
Light (25) Absorbs Well (24) Works Well (22)
Alllisda_idiot's avatar

Alllisda_idiot

10 months ago
Review

It's not the most hydrating sunscreen I've ever used and its texture is reminiscent of a slightly thick serum or an emulsion. It feels good on my skin and did not break me out. No white cast whatsoever, didn't require any blending in, and applied without a tacky finish. One of the sunscreens with the least pilling I've tried, but did very very very slightly pill on the area around the eyes after a Show more

#light
#absorbs well
#no scent
#works well
Lapaki's avatar

Lapaki

1 year ago
Review

This reef-safe chemical sunscreen stands out with its naturally glowy and non-greasy finish. It has the texture of a medium moist cream, spreads nicely and dries quickly in just a few minutes, making it easy to apply. It leaves no greasy or sticky residue, and there's no white cast or pilling to worry about. Notably, this sunscreen is highly moisturizing and can effectively replace the need for an Show more

#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent