Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Cetaphil SPF 30 Light Gel versus Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ .
Published on December 21, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, fragrances, oils or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols and 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 SPF 30 Light Gel 24 ingredients
Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ 19 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
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 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
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 😥
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
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 🎉
Contains Parabens
Ingredients in this product that are types 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 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Cetaphil SPF 30 Light Gel 24 ingredients
Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ 19 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 5 ingredients 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:
Benefits
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 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 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 3 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:
Benefits
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 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Cetaphil SPF 30 Light Gel 24 ingredients
Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ 19 ingredients
Water • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate • Alcohol • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate • Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine • Dibutyl Adipate • Titanium Dioxide • Dimethicone • Vp/Eicosene Copolymer • Cyclodextrin • Ethylhexyl Triazone • Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol • Tocopherol • Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate • Silica • Decyl Glucoside • Triethanolamine • Xanthan Gum • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate • Lauryl Glucoside • BHA • Propylene Glycol
Water • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate • Alcohol • Propylene Glycol • Dimethicone • Ethylhexyl Triazone • Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate • Butylene Glycol • Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine • Pyrus Cydonia Seed Extract • Geranium Robertianum Extract • Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract • Sodium Hyaluronate • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Carbomer • Tocopheryl Acetate • Sodium Hydroxide • BHA • Methylparaben
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.
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 SPF 30 Light Gel contains this as ingredient number 1.
Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 MethoxycinnamateCetaphil SPF 30 Light Gel contains this as ingredient number 2.
Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 2.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholCetaphil SPF 30 Light Gel contains this as ingredient number 3.
Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 3.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UVA absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm) and photostability.
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%.
UV absorbers are an agent that absorbs UV rays. They protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UV rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation from the sun. Other sources include tanning beds and welding torches. Radiation is the emission of energy. UV Rays are divided into 3 groups. UVA (320-400 nm) contains the least amount of energy. They are linked to long term skin damage such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA in skin cells. UVB causes sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer. UVC (200-280 nm) contains the highest amount of energy. Our ozone blocks UVC. UVC can also originate from welding torches, mercury lamps, and sanitizing bulbs.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateCetaphil SPF 30 Light Gel contains this as ingredient number 5.
Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 7.
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 SPF 30 Light Gel contains this as ingredient number 9.
Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 5.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneCetaphil SPF 30 Light Gel contains this as ingredient number 12.
Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 6.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is also an emulsifier. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Cetaphil SPF 30 Light Gel contains this as ingredient number 20.
Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 14.
This BHA stands for butylated hydroxyanisole. If you are looking for the beta-hydroxy acid, aka as Salicylic Acid, click here.
In cosmetics, butylated hydroxyanisole is used as a perservative. It also has antioxidant properties. The concentrations usually used in skincare are low and do not penetrate through skin.
However, it is considered a carcinogen when ingested.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole is a synthetic and waxy petrochemical. It is used as a preservative in foods and cosmetics.
Learn more about BHACetaphil SPF 30 Light Gel contains this as ingredient number 23.
Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 18.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may deliver a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolCetaphil SPF 30 Light Gel contains this as ingredient number 24.
Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 4.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Cetaphil SPF 30 Light Gel 24 ingredients
Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ 19 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Cetaphil SPF 30 Light Gel 24 ingredients
Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++ 19 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Cetaphil SPF 30 Light Gel 24 ingredients
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