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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream versus Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse .

Published on March 13, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 17 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or parabens

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 American Brand United States
Sunscreen French Brand France

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

Shop

Buy Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream

Starts at $30.00
Shop

Buy Solaire Photo Reverse

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (5)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Redness Reducing
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (3)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Vitamin E (2)
Exfoliators
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Water • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate • Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene • Ethylhexyl Salicylate • Glycerin • Homosalate • Tribehenin Peg-20 Esters • Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer • Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane • Butyloctyl Salicylate • Dipropylene Glycol • Dicaprylyl Carbonate • Caprylyl Methicone • Tocopheryl Acetate • Vp/Eicosene Copolymer • C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate • Creatine • Glyceryl Stearate • Glycyrrhetinic Acid • Mannitol • Peg-100 Stearate • Pentylene Glycol • Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer • C20-22 Alcohols • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Peg-8 Laurate • Caprylyl Glycol • 1,2-Hexanediol • Cerium Oxide • Butylene Glycol • Xanthan Gum • Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol • Disodium EDTA • Sodium Dextran Sulfate • Squalane • Palmaria Palmata Extract • Hydrolyzed Soy Protein • Paraffinum Liquidum • Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein • Phenoxyethanol • Potassium Sorbate • Andrographis Paniculata Leaf Extract • Sodium Hydroxide • Polysorbate 60 • Propylene Glycol • Aminoethanesulfinic Acid • Silica • BHT • Carnosine • Artemia Extract • Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate • Laminaria Digitata Extract • Tocopherol • CI 17200 • Hexapeptide-2

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Disliked

Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.

Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.

The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.

According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Salicylate

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 2.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 4.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.

Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.

(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)

Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.

Learn more about Homosalate

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 3.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 6.

3
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.

Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.

Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.

However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.

Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!

The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.

Learn more about Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 9.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 6.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 1.

5
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 30.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Salicylate

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 9.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 10.

7
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.

Peg-100 Stearate helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. It helps prevent oil and water from separating in a product. By binding oil and water, it helps remove dirt and oil to be rinsed away.

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 12.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 21.

8
What it does: Abrasive, Absorbent
Community Rating: Disliked

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.

Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.

Learn more about Silica

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 13.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 47.

9
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.

As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.

In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.

Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 17.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 18.

We don't have a description for Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer.

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 25.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 8.

11

We don't have a description for Vp/Eicosene Copolymer.

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 28.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 15.

12
What it does: Emulsifying

Peg-8 Laurate isn't fungal acne safe.

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 31.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 26.

13
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 36.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 14.

14
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Glycol

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 37.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 27.

15
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 40.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 31.

16
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 43.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 33.

17
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 44.

Institut Esthederm Solaire Photo Reverse contains this as ingredient number 40.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

11% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
46% are disliked or very disliked
35% have no rating yet
22% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
44% are disliked or very disliked
27% have no rating yet

Usage

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