Versus

CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30 Versus Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on February 03, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or 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
Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30

Titanium Dioxide 5.5%

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

Zinc Oxide 10%

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

Water

Skin Conditioning

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Antimicrobial

Isohexadecane

Emollient

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber

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 Oxide
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
Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl 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 Glycol
Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
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

Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.

It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.

Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic Acid

When to use

104 Routines
99% use in am
1% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
51 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30 50 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 1 rating

Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 24 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 5 ratings
Oily (1)
SabrinaPorteous_27's avatar

SabrinaPorteous_27

3 years ago
Review

Clean product but still left my face feeling greasy
An affordable, no-nonsense mineral sunscreen, free of most allergens and irritants, great for those with sensitive skin. The sunscreen separates a bit so you must shake it before dispensing it into your hands. Unfortunately, my face still feels greasy and a bit sticky after I apply it, but I haven't yet found a sunscreen that doesn't feel this Show more

hydrationplease's avatar

hydrationplease

1 year ago
Review

Extremely greasy. Even as someone with dry skin who enjoys a glowy look, this is way too much for me. I only wore it once, and I had to use a mattifying powder to feel ok going outside. I suppose it's usable if you powder your face every time, but I don't want to have to do that.

On the positive side it is a very affordable mineral sunscreen that leaves only a very minimal white cast, while Show more

#oily