Chanel CC Cream Super Active Complete Correction Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Versus The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This hybrid sunscreen covers the full UV range and blocks ~98% of UVB at SPF 50.
This oil-control serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Zinc PCA to balance excess oil and refine the look of pores.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 6.8%
UV Absorber
Titanium Dioxide 4%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 15.2%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Sodium Chloride
MaskingAlumina
Abrasive
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSodium Lauroyl Glutamate
SurfactantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lysine
Skin ConditioningPropylene Carbonate
SolventHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Silanetriol
Magnesium Chloride
Citric Acid
Buffering
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantSorbic Acid
Preservative
BHT
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ultramarines
Iron Oxides
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 6.8%, Titanium Dioxide 4%, Zinc Oxide 15.2%, Water, Caprylyl Methicone, Glycerin, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Alcohol, Methyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Phenoxyethanol, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Alumina, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lysine, Propylene Carbonate, Hyaluronic Acid, Silanetriol, Magnesium Chloride, Citric Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Sorbic Acid, BHT, Tocopherol, Ultramarines, Iron Oxides, Mica
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Phenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!).
It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome.
On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive.
Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10).
You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU.
Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages.
Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon.
Learn more about PhenoxyethanolWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
