Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face Versus PCA Skin Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Updated on March 30, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne
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
Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face 30 ingredients
PCA Skin Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45 24 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face 30 ingredients
PCA Skin Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Titanium Dioxide 6.3%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 4%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Polydiethylsiloxane
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDiethylhexyl Succinate
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Emollient
Laureth-4
Emulsifying
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Dimethicone Silylate
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3
Skin ConditioningIsostearic Acid
Cleansing
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide 6.3%, Zinc Oxide 4%, Water, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Polydiethylsiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Methyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Silica, Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate, Laureth-4, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Silylate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Isostearic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77492, CI 77491
Titanium Dioxide 7.6%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 8%
Cosmetic Colorant
Alumina
Abrasive
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingHydrogen Dimethicone
Iron Oxides
Isododecane
EmollientJojoba Esters
Emollient
Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Octyldodecanol
EmollientPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide 7.6%, Zinc Oxide 8%, Alumina, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Iron Oxides, Isododecane, Jojoba Esters, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Octyldodecanol, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium Chloride, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Water
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.
Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.
With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.
Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.
Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideZinc 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 may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.
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 OxideWater. 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 WaterDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeButyloctyl Salicylate is similar to octisalate. It a photostabilizer, SPF booster, 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.
Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.
According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateC12-15 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 BenzoateWe don't have a description for Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer yet.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneCaprylyl 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 GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face 30 ingredients
PCA Skin Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face 30 ingredients
Triggered perioral dermatitis
