Versus

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50 Versus Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer Sensitive Skin SPF 15

Sunscreen
Day Moisturizer
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on July 16, 2024

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils or sulfates

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

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

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

UV Absorber, UV Filter

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
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
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA
Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.

Its main roles are:

Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

Learn more about Cetyl Alcohol

When to use

47 Routines
89% use in am
11% use in pm
100% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
123 Routines
76% use in am
24% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50 27 ingredients

1.8 /5
from 4 ratings
Irritating (3) Heavy (2) Oily (2)
iris10's avatar

Iris

27 days ago
Review

It’s an adequate product. My main issue with it is that it feels oily and makes my skin look oily as well. There is a significant white cast that takes time to get rid of. I don’t think I’ll purchase this cream again.

#heavy
#sticky
#oily
RemiShen's avatar

Remi Shen

12 months ago
Review

I was excited to try this sunscreen because it's affordable, and I got it from Costco. However, I have really sensitive, dry skin and I've used it a few times now and it stings and burns my skin really bad. I usually have to wash it off and use something else. I think this might be better suited for people without sensitive skin. I'm disappointed because Cetaphil usually is great for me and Show more

#drying
#irritating
#light
#no scent

Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer Sensitive Skin SPF 15 23 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 3 ratings
Oily (1)
Linaz80's avatar

Linaz80

2 years ago
Review

Consistency, hydration and absorbs fully

tylorsaucedo's avatar

Tylor Saucedo

11 days ago
Review

Okay moisturiser and I like that is has spf in it but does leave my skin somewhat oily.

#oily