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Product Comparison

Last updated on October 26, 2023. Published on September 07, 2023

Overview

Cool Features

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

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin

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 need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen American Brand United States

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.

BB, CC, Tinted Moisturizer

A liquid, cream, or powder to help give light coverage in creating an even complexion.

Price

Shop

Buy Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector

Starts at $34.00
Shop

Buy Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Starts at $43.00

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
spf rating
30

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter
Mineral UV Filter (2)
Vitamin E
Exfoliators (3)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Drying
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (2)
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E
Exfoliators (2)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Skin Texture
Brightening (2)

Concerns

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

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

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: Very Disliked

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

Clinique Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector contains this as ingredient number 1.

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Shade 02 contains this as ingredient number 2.

2
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Mixed

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 Dioxide

Clinique Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector contains this as ingredient number 2.

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Shade 02 contains this as ingredient number 4.

3
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 Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector contains this as ingredient number 4.

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Shade 02 contains this as ingredient number 1.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Clinique Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector contains this as ingredient number 5.

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Shade 02 contains this as ingredient number 7.

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 Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector contains this as ingredient number 10.

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Shade 02 contains this as ingredient number 6.

6
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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

Clinique Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector contains this as ingredient number 23.

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Shade 02 contains this as ingredient number 34.

7
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 Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector contains this as ingredient number 30.

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Shade 02 contains this as ingredient number 40.

8
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 Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector contains this as ingredient number 33.

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Shade 02 contains this as ingredient number 42.

9
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 Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector contains this as ingredient number 35.

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Shade 02 contains this as ingredient number 45.

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

18% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
37% are disliked or very disliked
32% have no rating yet
33% are loved or liked
12% have mixed ratings
37% are disliked or very disliked
18% have no rating yet

Usage

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