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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ 02 White versus Zitsticka MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum .

Last updated on April 29, 2024. Published on September 23, 2021

Overview

What they are

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

Cool Features

They both contain AHA, ceramides, exfoliants, hyaluronic acid and SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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 need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen Brand
Sunscreen American Brand United States

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Price

Shop

Buy Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++

Starts at $8.49
Shop

Buy MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum

Starts at $40.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (3)
Mineral UV Filter (2)
AHA
Exfoliators (3)
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Anti-Aging
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating
Rosacea (2)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (3)
Mineral UV Filter
AHA
Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides (3)

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin (3)
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Irritating (3)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ 02 White contains this as ingredient number 1.

Zitsticka MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum contains this as ingredient number 7.

2
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ 02 White contains this as ingredient number 2.

Zitsticka MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

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.

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ 02 White contains this as ingredient number 3.

Zitsticka MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum contains this as ingredient number 8.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

D5 is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ 02 White contains this as ingredient number 9.

Zitsticka MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum contains this as ingredient number 19.

5
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

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 can be harmful to coral reefs.

More about harmful reef ingredients here.

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

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ 02 White contains this as ingredient number 38.

Zitsticka MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

26% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
41% are disliked or very disliked
21% have no rating yet
39% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
34% are disliked or very disliked
16% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ 39 ingredients

3.8 /5
from 0 ratings
unicorn's avatar

unicorn

1 year ago · Combination Skin
Review

Okay
I prefer a more matte finish, and this does not give me that effect. I found this way too greasy on my skin.

Zitsticka MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum 38 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Light Scent (1)
Stephen's avatar

Stephen

17 days ago · Oily Skin
Review

Love this product, but it’s definitely not for everyone. Finish is very dewey, and there is a minor white cast (from the 3% zinc oxide) that may...

Love this product, but it’s definitely not for everyone. Finish is very dewey, and there is a minor white cast (from the 3% zinc oxide) that may show on darker skin tones. Slight scent from the thyme extract (which may cause allergies for some). On the lighter side, but still has a residual feel — definitely not the feeling of “nothing.”

That said, I’ve appreciated more skincare benefits from this than probably any other sunscreen. I’ll apply it even if I don’t plan to go out in the sun just because it’s very soothing for my skin. It’s especially nice on the rare occasion that my skin is really irritated, and I really like it in the winter when the air is drier.

Definitely on the pricier side. And when you get a fresh bottle in the dropper packaging, it tends to be goopy and won’t suck into the dropper well. I roll it in my hands like a nail polish for a bit to fix that. It’s usually no longer necessary for me after a few uses; the dropper will be able to suck up product without rolling.

So, yeah, not a perfect product by any means, but it’s been a good friend to my skin.

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 48 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ 02 White.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 4 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Zitsticka MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum.

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