CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30 Versus Cetaphil Sun SPF 50 Light Gel
Updated on April 28, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, fragrances, oils or parabens
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 Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30 50 ingredients
Cetaphil Sun SPF 50 Light Gel 24 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
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30 50 ingredients
Cetaphil Sun SPF 50 Light Gel 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Titanium Dioxide 5.5%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 10%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialIsohexadecane
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Emulsifying
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientEthylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingSilica
Abrasive
Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantAlumina
Abrasive
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientIron Oxides
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
P-Anisic Acid
MaskingChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPropylene Carbonate
SolventCitric Acid
Buffering
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide 5.5%, Zinc Oxide 10%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isohexadecane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dicaprylyl Ether, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Triethylhexanoin, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Triethanolamine, Silica, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Stearic Acid, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Chloride, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Aluminum Stearate, Alumina, Aluminum Hydroxide, Iron Oxides, Phenoxyethanol, P-Anisic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Propylene Carbonate, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Xanthan Gum, Phytosphingosine, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Vp/Eicosene Copolymer
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentEthylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingTriethanolamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingBHT
Antioxidant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dibutyl Adipate, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Cyclodextrin, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Tocopherol, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Silica, Decyl Glucoside, Triethanolamine, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Lauryl Glucoside, BHT, Propylene Glycol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 DioxideWater. 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 WaterC12-15 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 BenzoateTriethanolamine is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.
As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.
PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.
Learn more about TriethanolamineSilica 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 SilicaTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolXanthan 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 GumIngredient Ratings
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When to use
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30 50 ingredients
Cetaphil Sun SPF 50 Light Gel 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
