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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 versus Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen .

Published on May 05, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, niacinamide, SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, oils or parabens

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen American Brand United States
Sunscreen Brand

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Price

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
35
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
30

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Vitamin E (2)
Exfoliators
Niacinamide

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (4)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (4)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (5)
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.

Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.

Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.

However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.

Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!

The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.

Learn more about Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.

Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.

(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)

Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.

Learn more about Homosalate

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Disliked

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.

Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.

The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.

According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Salicylate

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 3.

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.

Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.

Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.

The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:

Learn more about Octocrylene

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 4.

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 5.

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 7.

6
What it does: Abrasive, Absorbent
Community Rating: Disliked

Silica 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 Silica

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 10.

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 21.

7
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 11.

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 13.

8
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 13.

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 11.

9
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 17.

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 16.

10
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 18.

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 42.

11
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 21.

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 40.

12
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.

It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 26.

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 41.

13
What it does: Masking, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.

Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.

Sodium Benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.

Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.

We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 30.

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 36.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

26% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
51% are disliked or very disliked
14% have no rating yet
26% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
33% are disliked or very disliked
35% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 35 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 1 rating
EmilyLennox_898's avatar

EmilyLennox_898

1 year ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

citric acid
My skin is so irritated and burns as soon as this goes on

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen 43 ingredients

TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen hasn't been rated yet.
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