Versus

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ - 01 Clear Versus Kanebo Allie Gel UV EX SPF 50+ PA++++

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Japanese Brand Japan
Japanese Brand Japan

Updated on April 29, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid and SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

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

What's Inside

They both contain 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

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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Mermaid Skin Gel UV 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:

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

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol
Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber

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 Oxide
Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter

You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.

This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.

On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.

Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2025.

Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.

This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.

Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
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

When to use

234 Routines
97% use in am
3% use in pm
91% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
28 Routines
96% use in am
4% 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

3.5 /5
from 11 ratings
Absorbs Well (4) Hydrating (4) Works Well (4)
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
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

Kanebo Allie Gel UV EX SPF 50+ PA++++ 22 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 1 rating
Broke Me Out (1) Expensive (1) Hydrating (1)
Rafaela's avatar

Rafaela

1 year ago
Review

I had to use face powder on top of it every time because it makes my face too greasy and since it has alcohol, it causes my eyes to burn a little when I apply it at first. Also has a strong white cast that I believe is from the "tone-up" properties of this sunscreen.

#expensive
#hydrating
#broke me out
#irritating