Versus

Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective Cream SPF 50+ Versus Atomy Absolute Essence Sun SPF 50+

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Japanese Brand Japan
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on June 23, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols, fragrances, oils and 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

What's inside

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
UV Protective Cream SPF 50+

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.4%

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Octocrylene 3%

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Zinc Oxide 16.4%

Cosmetic Colorant
1 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconHelps fight Acne IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

Dipropylene Glycol

Humectant

Isohexadecane

Emollient

Isopropyl Myristate

Emollient
3-5 / 3 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Sd Alcohol 40-B

Astringent
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin Icon

Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Polymethyl Methacrylate

Disteardimonium Hectorite

Stabilising

Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Silicon Icon

PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether

Skin Conditioning

Polybutylene Glycol/PPG-9/1 Copolymer

Skin Conditioning

Macadamia Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters Behenate

Emollient
Oil Icon

PEG-6

Humectant

PEG-32

Humectant

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Trehalose

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Polyquaternium-51

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Humectant
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract

Skin Conditioning

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation Icon

Thymus Serpyllum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Silk

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

Skin Conditioning
Vitamin C IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

Astringent

Uncaria Gambir Extract

Astringent

Garcinia Mangostana Bark Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Panax Ginseng Root Extract

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein

Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Polydecene

Emollient

Hydrogen Dimethicone

Silicon Icon

Isostearic Acid

Cleansing
Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Trisodium EDTA

Talc

Abrasive
1 / 0 Exfoliant Icon

Alcohol

Antimicrobial
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

BHT

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Silicon Icon

Theanine

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Iron Oxides

Titanium Dioxide

Cosmetic Colorant
0 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Mica

Cosmetic Colorant
May worsen Eczema Icon
Absolute Essence Sun SPF 50+

C9-15 Alkyl Phosphate

Cleansing

C20-22 Alcohols

Emulsion Stabilising

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Caprylyl Methicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Curcuma Longa Root Water

Masking

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Ethylhexyl Salicylate

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Antimicrobial

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Homosalate

Skin Conditioning
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Octocrylene

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Titanium Dioxide

Cosmetic Colorant
0 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Alcohol

Antimicrobial
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract

Emollient

Portulaca Oleracea Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Centella Asiatica Extract

Cleansing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Houttuynia Cordata Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Pichia Ferment Lysate Filtrate

Humectant

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract

Skin Protecting
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract

Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Behenyl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Aluminum Stearate

Cosmetic Colorant

Polyhydroxystearic Acid

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Tromethamine

Buffering

Isohexadecane

Emollient

Polysorbate 80

Emulsifying
0 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Propanediol

Solvent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Saccharide Hydrolysate

Humectant

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

Emulsion Stabilising

Alumina

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Glyceryl Caprylate

Emollient

Octyldodecanol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Raffinose

Skin Conditioning

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein

Skin Conditioning

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer

Skin Conditioning

Polyvinyl Alcohol

Glycine

Buffering
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glutamic Acid

Humectant
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Glutamine

Skin Conditioning

Lysine

Skin Conditioning

Leucine

Skin Conditioning

Valine

Masking

Serine

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Aspartic Acid

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Alanine

Masking

Arginine

Masking
Good for Scar Healing IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Isoleucine

Skin Conditioning

Tyrosine

Masking

Tryptophan

Masking

Palmitic Acid

Emollient
2 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Phenylalanine

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Proline

Skin Conditioning

Histidine

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

CI 77492

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 77491

Cosmetic Colorant

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking

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 Alcohol
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol
UV Absorber, UV Filter

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 Methoxycinnamate
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Isohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.

Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.

Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.

Learn more about Isohexadecane
UV Absorber, UV Filter

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
Masking, Perfuming

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.

The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.

One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum
Abrasive, Absorbent

Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.

The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and smoothness of textures. It also works as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.

Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter

Titanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.

It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.

Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.

While its UVA protection isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, the difference is minor.

A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).

Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.

A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.

To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.

There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.

There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.

Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.

Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.

Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).

You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.

Learn more about Titanium Dioxide

When to use

6 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
83% use every day
5 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day