Versus

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ - C03 Pure Purple Versus Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ - Lavender

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Japanese Brand Japan
Japanese Brand Japan

Updated on November 12, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

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

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances 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++++

Water

Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Phytic Acid

AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Larix Kaempferi Root Bark Extract

Skin Conditioning

PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Emulsifying
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cucumis Melo Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Polyhydroxystearic Acid

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Silicon Icon

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Houttuynia Cordata Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Trihydroxystearin

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Silver Oxide

Antimicrobial

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Methylheptyl Laurate

Emollient

Jojoba Esters

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Schinus Molle Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Aluminum Hydroxide

Emollient

Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Lactobacillus/Evening Primrose Seed Ferment Extract Filtrate

Skin Conditioning

Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Solanum Lycopersicum Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Arginine

Masking
Good for Scar Healing IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Salix Alba Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Pimpinella Anisum Seed Extract

Astringent

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Populus Nigra Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Titanium Dioxide

Cosmetic Colorant
0 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

Skin Conditioning
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Oenothera Biennis Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Yeast Extract

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract

Skin Conditioning

Blue 1 Lake

Cosmetic Colorant

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Alpha-Glucan

Humectant

Morus Alba Root Extract

Bleaching

CI 45380

Cosmetic Colorant
2 / 0

Beta-Glucan

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Glucosyl Ceramide

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Alumina

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Octyldodecanol

Emollient

Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate

Emollient

Diisostearyl Malate

Emollient

Rosa Rugosa Leaf Extract

Humectant

CI 77492

Cosmetic Colorant

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Zinc Oxide

Cosmetic Colorant
1 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconHelps fight Acne IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Betula Alba Leaf Extract

Astringent

Salvia Officinalis Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon
Tone Up UV Essence 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.

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

This ingredient is a form of glycerin with emulsifying and emollient properties.

As an emulsifier, this ingredient helps keep products together while adding a thick texture. The manufacturer states this ingredient has emollient properties. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated by trapping moisture in.

Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is created by reacting diglycerin and isostearic acid. Due to the isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.

Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate

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
Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter

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.

Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.

With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.

Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.

Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.

Learn more about Titanium Dioxide
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
Cosmetic Colorant

We don't have a description for Blue 1 Lake yet.

Abrasive, Absorbent

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.

Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.

Learn more about Silica
Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 45380 is a synthetic dye that comes from coal or tar sources. Due to this, it is often used in small quantities.

A common name for this dye is Red 22. Red 22 imparts a warm reddish color.

Similar to Red 27, this dye changes color based on pH and moisture levels.

This dye is colorless when dry but turns pink between pH levels 0.0 to ~3.0.

Learn more about CI 45380
UV Absorber, UV Filter

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.

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 Methoxycinnamate
Abrasive, Absorbent

Alumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.

As an absorbent, alumina can give a mattifying effect. It is used in mineral sunscreens to help coat nano-sized filters, such as titanium dioxide. By increasing the size of the UV filters, these ingredients stay on the skin for a longer time. By coating small sized ingredients, alumina helps thicken a product.

Alumina may be used as an abrasive, or exfoliant.

Alumina is naturally occurring in the mineral corundum. Certain varieties of corundum create rubies and sapphires. Corundum is also the crystalline form of alumina.

Learn more about Alumina
Masking, Perfuming

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.

The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.

One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

When to use

3 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day
190 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++++ 60 ingredients

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

Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 33 ingredients

3.3 /5
from 6 ratings
Works Well (4) Light Scent (2) Absorbs Well (2)
daniellevarosa's avatar

danielle varosa

10 months ago
Review

Love this sunscreen- it's so smooth, lightweight, not sticky or drying at all. I also find that the violet color helps my skin not look too sallow and it prevents my makeup from looking yellow.

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#works well
www's avatar

www

1 year ago
Review

It gave me tiny bumps of a broken skin barrier, dried out my cheeks completely, had to focus on barrier health.
One of the first ingredients is alcohol, RUN!
SO IRRITATING
However it doesn't leave a white cast and does color correct skin.

#drying
#broke me out
#irritating
#sticky