Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ - 01 Clear Versus AHC Beauty Natural Perfection Fresh Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++
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 and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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
Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ 35 ingredients
AHC Beauty Natural Perfection Fresh Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ 73 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ 35 ingredients
AHC Beauty Natural Perfection Fresh Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ 73 ingredients
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Concerns
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Ingredients Side-by-side
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.
2 Concerns
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UVA absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
Helps fight Acne Non-Reef-Safe
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.
Non-Reef-Safe
Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.
We don't have a description for Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer.
Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil comes from hydrogenated castor oil. It is a solubilizer and emulsifier.
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
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.
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
Jojoba Esters is a wax created from Jojoba oil. It is an emollient and film-forming ingredient. In bead form, it is an exfoliator.
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.
Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.
4 Benefits May cause irritation
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
Helps brighten skin May worsen Rosacea
Phytic Acid is a gentle AHA and antioxidant. The chemical makeup makes it classified as an AHA, such as lactic acid.
4 Benefits
Glucosyl Ceramide is a ceramide. It can be good for be good for dry skin and be good for sensitive skin. It can help to reduce redness and reduce the effects of aging.
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract comes from the bilberry plant. This plant is native to Eurasia.
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Zinc Oxide, Methylheptyl Isostearate, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, Diisostearyl Malate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Jojoba Esters, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha-Glucan, Phytic Acid, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Glucosyl Ceramide, Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Oil, Morus Alba Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis Seed Extract, Silver Oxide, Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Polyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
Non-Reef-Safe
Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
2 Concerns
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
Hydrogenated Polydecene is an emollient. It creates a non-occlusive film on the skin that offers extra protection for your skin barrier.
2 Concerns
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Antioxidant Helps brighten skin
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.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UVA absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
Ozokerite is a naturally occuring mineral wax. In cosmetics, ozokerite is used as a texture enhancer.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil is oil from the peel of an orange fruit.
5 Benefits
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract comes from the Japanese Camellia plant. This plant is native to East Asia and known as "Tsubaki" in Japanese.
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract comes from the lavender plant. Lavender extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
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.
This ingredient comes from the stem of the Prickly Pear cactus. The stem is rich in polyphenols, a potent source of antioxidants. It is anti-aging and soothing properties.
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract comes from the outer layer of a rice kernel. It is a byproduct of milling rice, or the operation to produce a whole grain rice product.
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Not safe for Fungal Acne
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil is derived from the kernels of the argania spinosa tree. You may know it as argan oil.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract is more commonly known as the bitter orange. Native to Southeast Asia, this extract is commonly found in both cosmetics and foods.
2 Benefits
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract comes from the common Marigold plant. This ingredient is a skin conditioner.
Oil 2 Concerns
Cocos Nucifera Oil is obtained from the kernels of the coconut fruit. In other words, this is coconut oil.
Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract comes from the vanilla plant now cultivated in the South Pacific.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Lactobacillus is a type of bacteria. It makes up most of the food fermenting lactic acid bacteria. It is used to create wine, yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, pickles, beer, cider, kimchi, cocoa, kefir.
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract comes from the Asian Mountain Yam. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract isn't fungal acne safe.
Salix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
Tremella Fuciformis Extract comes from the tremella fuciformis mushroom, also known as snow mushroom or white jelly mushroom.
Portulaca Oleracea Extract is an extract of the whole plant of the Purslane, Portulaca oleracea L., Portulacaceae. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract comes from the Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap plant. This plant is native to Northeast Asia and can be found in China, Mongolia, Korea, and Siberia.
Fragrance
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract is an antioxidant and is a fragrance.
We don't have a description for Nephelium Lappaceum Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract.
Helps hydrate Dry Skin 2 Concerns
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.
Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Dehydroacetic Acid is fungicide and bactericide. It is used as a preservative in cosmetics. Preservatives help elongate the shelf life of a product.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
This ingredient is created from dehydrating xylitol in acidic conditions. Xylitol is a famous sugar and humectant.
Capryloyl Glycine is created by adding an acyl group to glycine and caprylic acid chloride.
Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
Oxygen is a highly reactive chemical element. It is used by all living organisms for cellular respiration.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
Antioxidant 4 Benefits May cause irritation
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
EU Allergen
Citral is a fragrance and used to add a lemon-like scent to products. It is both naturally found in plants and created synthetically. In plants, it is commonly occurring in lemon myrtle, lemongrass, lemon tea-tree, lemon verbena, and other citruses.
2 Concerns
Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ozokerite, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Water, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Sea Water, Lactobacillus, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Nephelium Lappaceum Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Capryloyl Glycine, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Hexylene Glycol, Xylitol, Sarcosine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Oxygen, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Citral, Linalool, Limonene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateButylene 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.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UVA 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.
It is an UV absorber. UV absorbers are an agent that absorbs UV rays to protect your skin. They use chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateDimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
Bemotrizinol has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. Skin exposed to UV causes free-radical molecules to form. This ingredient works by preventing the UV from reaching your skin.
It is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Bemotrizinol is not approved in the US but is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia.
In fact, it is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted by in the EU.
It is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ 35 ingredients
AHC Beauty Natural Perfection Fresh Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ 73 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ 35 ingredients
Facewasher
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...
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.
screamadelica
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...
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 skin.
overall, while this certainly isn’t the worst sunscreen i’ve tried, i won’t be repurchasing after i run out.
AHC Beauty Natural Perfection Fresh Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ 73 ingredients
screamadelica
great sunstick!
this is only the second sunstick i’ve tried after the scinic super active airy sun stick. if i had to pick, i’d probably say i...
great sunstick!
this is only the second sunstick i’ve tried after the scinic super active airy sun stick. if i had to pick, i’d probably say i slightly prefer the scinic, but this is another excellent option. like the scinic sunstick, this goes on smooth (even near my eyes), doesn’t leave a whitecast for me (granted my skin is fair), and barely messes with my makeup. i love the angle, too.
