CAY SKIN Universal Mineral Face Moisturizer with SPF 55 and Squalane Versus Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Updated on February 14, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
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
CAY SKIN Universal Mineral Face Moisturizer with SPF 55 and Squalane 47 ingredients
Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ 23 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CAY SKIN Universal Mineral Face Moisturizer with SPF 55 and Squalane 47 ingredients
Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 12%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsoamyl Laurate
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCyclodextrin
AbsorbentJojoba Esters
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin Conditioning
PEG-75 Stearate
Methylpropanediol
SolventPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Rutin
Antioxidant
Lysolecithin
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingLecithin
EmollientCeteth-20
CleansingPhenylpropanol
Masking
Steareth-20
CleansingPullulan
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Masking
Iron Oxides
Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Sodium Lactate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingZinc Oxide 12%, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isoamyl Laurate, Squalane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Cyclodextrin, Jojoba Esters, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Silica, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, PEG-75 Stearate, Methylpropanediol, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Allantoin, Rutin, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Ceteth-20, Phenylpropanol, Steareth-20, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Bisabolol, Iron Oxides, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Maltodextrin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Lactate, Phenoxyethanol, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Sodium PCA, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide
Zinc Oxide 12%
Cosmetic Colorant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDimethiconol
Emollient
Glyceryl Behenate
Emollient
Glyceryl Dibehenate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Isodecyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Isostearate
Emollient
Lecithin
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyester-7
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Propanediol
SolventSilica Silylate
EmollientSodium Chloride
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Tribehenin
Emollient
Tridecyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide 12%, Allantoin, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethiconol, Glyceryl Behenate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Glyceryl Stearate, Isodecyl Salicylate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Lecithin, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyester-7, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Propanediol, Silica Silylate, Sodium Chloride, Squalane, Tribehenin, Tridecyl Salicylate, Water
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 OxideWater. 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 WaterSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualaneButyloctyl Salicylate is similar to octisalate. It a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.
This ingredient is a common sunscreen ingredient carrier and photostabilizer. According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for carrying micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.
According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateAllantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateIngredient Ratings
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