Updated on October 08, 2025

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, SPF and Vitamin C

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, oils, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances 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
City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25

Titanium Dioxide 7.3%

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

Zinc Oxide 6.9%

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

Water

Skin Conditioning

Trioctyldodecyl Citrate

Emollient

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Antimicrobial

Steareth-2

Emulsifying
2 / 2

Stearyl Heptanoate

Emollient
4 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin Icon

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Lecithin

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Gentiana Lutea Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

Emollient

Betula Alba Bark Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

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

Laminaria Saccharina Extract

Skin Protecting

Saccharomyces Lysate Extract

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seedcake

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sorbitan Tristearate

Emulsifying

Linoleic Acid

Cleansing
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyquaternium-51

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Caprylyl Methicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Sorbitol

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Rna

Skin Conditioning

PEG-40 Stearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Phytantriol

Humectant
2 / 2

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Cellulose

Absorbent

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Stearyl Dimethicone

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Maleate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon

Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Linolenic Acid

Cleansing
Fragrance IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Pantethine

Emollient

Bisabolol

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

Ceteth-2

Emulsifying

PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone

Emulsifying
Silicon Icon

Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Steareth-20

Cleansing
2 / 1

Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate

Emollient

Sodium Stearate

Cleansing

Nylon-12

Non-Reef-Safe Icon

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Aluminum Hydroxide

Emollient

Nylon-6

Hexylene Glycol

Emulsifying
0-2 / 0-1

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Disodium EDTA

BHT

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

CI 77891

Cosmetic Colorant

Iron Oxides

DayWear Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Sheer Tint Release Moisturizer SPF 15

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%

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

Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%

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

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2%

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride

Emollient

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Cetyl Ricinoleate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Steareth-2

Emulsifying
2 / 2

Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate

Emollient

Polysilicone-11

Silicon Icon

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Steareth-21

Cleansing

Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Coffea Arabica Seed Extract

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract

Skin Conditioning

Betula Alba Bark Extract

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract

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

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

Emollient

Saccharomyces Lysate Extract

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract

Antimicrobial

Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Phospholipids

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Maltodextrin

Absorbent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Maleate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon

Cyclodextrin

Absorbent

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Trehalose

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer

Skin Conditioning

Pantethine

Emollient

Linolenic Acid

Cleansing
Fragrance IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Oryzanol

Skin Conditioning

Lecithin

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Squalane

Emollient
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Linoleic Acid

Cleansing
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconMay 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

Sodium PCA

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Urea

Buffering
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polyethylene

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Isopropyl Myristate

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

Behenyl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Sodium Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising

Tromethamine

Buffering

Stearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Pvp

Emulsion Stabilising
0 / 0

Polymethyl Methacrylate

Polyquaternium-51

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising
1 / 0

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Disodium EDTA

Sorbic Acid

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Sodium Dehydroacetate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Chlorphenesin

Antimicrobial
Preservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Linalool

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Butylphenyl Methylpropional

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde

Masking
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Benzyl Salicylate

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

CI 77891

Cosmetic Colorant

Iron Oxides

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Antioxidant, Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Maleate is a form of Vitamin C and is an antioxidant. It can help to reduce redness.

Masking, Perfuming

Betula Alba Bark Extract is from the birch tree named Betula Alba.

Extract from Betula Alba tree can help sooth and protect the skin. Betula Alba contains tannins and triterpenes. Tannins have antioxidant and astringent properties. Triterpenes have been shown to help heal wounds.

Betula Alba Bark Extract may also be used to add scent to a product or to cover an unpleasant scent.

Learn more about Betula Alba Bark Extract
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
Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.

It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.

Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.

Learn more about CI 77891
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone 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 Dimethicone

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
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hordeum Vulgare Extract yet.

Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.

This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.

Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.

This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.

As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.

As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.

This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.

Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.

We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.

Some other names for this ingredient include soy lecithin and deoiled soy lecithin.

Learn more about Lecithin
Cleansing, Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Linoleic Acid is also known as Vitamin F. It is a fatty acid with emollient and skin conditioning properties. Our top layer of skin, or epidermis, contains high amounts of linoleic acid naturally.

Your body uses linoleic acid to build ceramides and prostaglandins. Ceramides keep your skin's barrier hydrated and strong while prosaglandins help control inflammation and healing. Needless to say, linoleic acid is crucial for having a strong skin barrier.

One study found applying linoleic acid rich sunflower oil to be more effective at repairing the skin barrier than oleic rich olive oil.

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, meaning our bodies cannot create it on its own. We need to get linoleic acid through foods such as nuts and vegetable oils.

Acne-prone skin tends to have linoleic acid and high levels of oleic acid.

Linoleic acid can also help treat acne by softening sebum to prevent clogged pores. Another study found using 2.5% linoleic acid gel for 4 weeks showed a 25% reduction in small comedones.

This ingredient can also help lighten hyperpigmentation or sun spots by disrupting the melanin production process. It also helps your skin shed melanin pigment from your skin caused by UV exposure.

Due to its role in the production of the fatty acid prostaglandin, linoleic acid can also help reduce inflammation and support wound healing.

Linoleic acid is not always fungal-acne safe; it may trigger flare-ups in sensitive individuals.

Learn more about Linoleic Acid
Cleansing, Emollient, Perfuming

Linolenic Acid is also known as "ALA" or alpha-linolenic acid. It is a fatty acid used to hydrate skin and hair.

This ingredient can help with soothing irritated skin and reducing hyperpigmentation by disrupting the melanin production process.

Fun fact: This ingredient is considered an essential fatty acid for humans. This means our bodies cannot naturally produce it and we must get it from food.

Some foods rich in linolenic acid include: walnuts, fish oils, soy, and canola.

A deficiency in linolenic acid may be linked to skin disorders like eczema.

Another essential fatty acid is Linoleic Acid.

Learn more about Linolenic Acid

Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid is an antioxidant.

Emollient

We don't have a description for Pantethine yet.

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

Skin Conditioning

Polyquaternium-51 is a polymer salt. It helps hydrate the skin by creating a film on top. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Saccharomyces Lysate Extract is from the yeast Saccharomyces. This ingredient is created from the cell walls of Saccharomyces.

As a humectant, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract helps draw moisture to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.

Saccharomyces is also known as brewer's yeast and was traditionally used to make beer.

Learn more about Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate
Emulsifying

Steareth-2 is a waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients. It is created from polyethylene glycol and stearyl alcohol.

The 2 stands for the number of ethylene oxide units used to create this ingredient.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

This ingredient is a combination of red, black, and yellow iron oxide pigments. This combination of colors is usually found in foundation, because it results in a "skin" color.

When to use

13 Routines
92% use in am
8% use in pm
92% use every day
5 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
60% use every day