Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 versus Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 .
Published on October 27, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe sunscreens. They have a total of 22 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
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 need an update? Let us know.
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
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 26 ingredients
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 40 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 26 ingredients
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 40 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.
Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 26 ingredients
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 40 ingredients
Zinc Oxide 12% • Allantoin • Bisabolol • Butyloctyl Salicylate • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Caprylyl Glycol • Caprylyl Methicone • Dimethicone • Dimethiconol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Hexylene Glycol • Isododecane • Lauryl Peg-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone • Lauryl Peg-8 Dimethicone • Niacinamide • Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate • Peg-10 • Phenoxyethanol • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Propanediol • Sodium Chloride • Sodium Hydroxide • Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate • Tocopherol • Trilaureth-4 Phosphate • Water
Zinc Oxide 12% • Water • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Butyloctyl Salicylate • Isododecane • Lauryl Peg-8 Dimethicone • Mica • Propanediol • Dimethicone • Caprylyl Methicone • Niacinamide • Tridecyl Salicylate • Dimethiconol • Trilaureth-4 Phosphate • Lauryl Peg-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone • Synthetic Fluorphlogopite • Maltodextrin • Sodium Chloride • Bisabolol • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates • Ethylhexylglycerin • Allantoin • Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract • Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol • Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract • Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract • Caprylyl Glycol • Hexylene Glycol • Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate • Isoceteth-10 • Silica • Tin Oxide • Sodium Hydroxide • Phenoxyethanol • Dehydroacetic Acid • Sodium Benzoate • Benzoic Acid • Titanium Dioxide • CI 77492
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 can be harmful to coral reefs.
More about harmful reef ingredients here.
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 OxideCetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinCetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 23.
Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.
Bisabolol comes from German chamomile essential oil. Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Bisabolol helps soothe skin. It does this by blocking the inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
Bisabolol also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Learn more about BisabololCetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 19.
Butyloctyl Salicylate is a photostabilizer, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.
This ingredient is a common sunscreen ingredient carrier and photostabilizer. According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for carrying micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateCetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.
C12-15 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 BenzoateCetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 5.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 GlycolCetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 28.
Caprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 7.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 8.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 9.
Dimethiconol is a silicone that resembles the popular dimethicone. Like other silicones, it is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient helps to create a silky texture and improve spreadability. Due to its high molecular weight and thickness, it is often combined with cyclopentasiloxane.
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 9.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 13.
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 Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 22.
Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, Hexylene Glycol helps gather dirt and oil on your skin to be washed away.
As an emulsifier, Hexylene Glycol helps keep water and oil together. This prevents them from separating in a product. Hexylene Glycol also thins out the texture of a product by lessening viscosity.
Hexylene Glycol has a small molecular weight.
Learn more about Hexylene GlycolCetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 11.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 29.
Isododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
Learn more about IsododecaneCetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 12.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 5.
Lauryl Peg-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 13.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 15.
Lauryl Peg-8 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 14.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.
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 NiacinamideCetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 15.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 11.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 18.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 35.
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 PropanediolCetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 20.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 8.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideCetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 21.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 18.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideCetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 22.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 34.
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted effects and reactions from a product. These metal ions may come from water and are found in miniscule amounts.
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate can also help other preservatives be more effective.
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 23.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 30.
We don't have a description for Trilaureth-4 Phosphate.
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 25.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 14.
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterCetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 26.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 26 ingredients
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 40 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 26 ingredients
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 40 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 26 ingredients
It doesn't feel very hydrating and leaves a white cast on my face.
It doesn't feel very hydrating and leaves a white cast on my face.
just ok
Slightly more drying, irritating, clogging, and expensive(lol) than my current US drugstore mineral favorite - Banana Boat Baby/Sensitive. Despite a lovely, runny texture still leaves almost as much of a white cast on my...
just ok
Slightly more drying, irritating, clogging, and expensive(lol) than my current US drugstore mineral favorite - Banana Boat Baby/Sensitive. Despite a lovely, runny texture still leaves almost as much of a white cast on my white/fair-toned skin than BBB which is classically thick & goopy stuff - both are likely incompatible with darker skin tones unfortunately. FA safe and overall probably better option for fungal acne sufferers than most other US drugstore sunscreens, but at less than half the price, a bigger tube, and a formula that works slightly better for my skin, I'll stick with BBB going forward 'til I have more time to research chemical filters. Good luck in your search!
Good as fungal safe. Matte, but I found it to be too drying after a while.
Good as fungal safe. Matte, but I found it to be too drying after a while.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 40 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50.
See 50 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50.
See 50 alternatives