CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 - US Versus Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or oils
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
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50 18 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Homosalate 10%
Skin Conditioning
Menthyl Anthranilate 5%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 2%
UV Absorber
Zinc Oxide 6.3%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Dimethicone
Emollient
BHT
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Methylparaben
Preservative
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentDisodium EDTA
Propylparaben
Preservative
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHomosalate 10%, Menthyl Anthranilate 5%, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 5%, Octocrylene 2%, Zinc Oxide 6.3%, Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Dimethicone, BHT, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Methylparaben, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum
Titanium Dioxide 6%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 4.7%
Cosmetic Colorant
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientBeeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
BHT
Antioxidant
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingParaffin
Perfuming
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Titanium Dioxide 6%, Zinc Oxide 4.7%, Aluminum Hydroxide, Beeswax, BHT, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Isostearic Acid, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Ozokerite, Paraffin, Polyethylene, Stearic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane
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 OxideDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50 18 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients
It gave a white cast and did have pilling. It also made my oily skin even more oily.
Regret Buying
I have acne and it definitely didn't help. It left white casts and is very unpleasing to put on. I DON'T recommend.
