Versus

Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Spf 30 Broad Spectrum Versus Panoxyl Oil Control Moisturizer

General Moisturizer
Day Moisturizer
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on July 16, 2024

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

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

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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Spf 30 Broad Spectrum

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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

Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is a synthetic powder used as an absorbent, thickener, and anti-caking agent.

As an absorbent, it is great at mattifying skin by soaking up the oil. This is why you'll find it in a range of products from makeup to moisturizers.

This ingredient is considered a modified starch. Starch can also be found naturally in plants.

One study from 1991 found that 5% of this ingredient enhanced titanium dioxide SPF by as much as 40%. The study found 1% titanium dioxide had a 5.6 SPF and adding 5% of aluminum starch octenylsuccinate boosted it to an SPF of 8.1

Although “aluminum” in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly. For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic “aluminum overload.”

Learn more about Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

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

When to use

115 Routines
85% use in am
15% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
25 Routines
84% use in am
16% use in pm
100% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Spf 30 Broad Spectrum 29 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 1 rating
Heavy (1)
itspola's avatar

Pola 🐛

12 months ago
Review

It actually absorbed the oil but felt pretty heavy. Have mixed feelings about it and probably won't use it again

#heavy

Panoxyl Oil Control Moisturizer 23 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 1 rating
Strong Scent (1)
babana2591's avatar

babana2591

1 year ago
Review

I fell for the promise of no white cast :( definitely noticeable on darker skin. So far oil is controlled, as usually 1-2 hours after my morning routine, I'm a little greaseball. But skin is currently very matte which explains the 2 stars instead of 0. This moisturizer might be best used for when makeup will be applied on top (it's giving milk of magnesia). I will try it again with makeup, but on Show more

#strong scent