Clinique Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector Versus Clinique City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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 Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector 38 ingredients
Clinique City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25 60 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Clinique Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector 38 ingredients
Clinique City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25 60 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 5%
UV Absorber
Titanium Dioxide 3.2%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 3.6%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polydecene
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin ConditioningHydrated Silica
Abrasive
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer
Hydroxyapatite
Abrasive
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Sodium Rna
Skin ConditioningQuaternium-90 Bentonite
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3
Skin ConditioningStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPEG-8 Laurate
Emulsifying
Propylene Carbonate
SolventSilica
Abrasive
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 5%, Titanium Dioxide 3.2%, Zinc Oxide 3.6%, Water, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Polydecene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Hydrated Silica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer, Hydroxyapatite, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Sodium Rna, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-8 Laurate, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Tocopherol, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77491, CI 77492
Titanium Dioxide 7.3%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 6.9%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningTrioctyldodecyl Citrate
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialSteareth-2
EmulsifyingStearyl Heptanoate
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Lecithin
Emollient
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Gentiana Lutea Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientBetula Alba Bark Extract
Masking
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingSaccharomyces Lysate Extract
Humectant
Helianthus Annuus Seedcake
Abrasive
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sorbitan Tristearate
EmulsifyingLinoleic Acid
Cleansing
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitol
Humectant
Sodium Rna
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Phytantriol
HumectantStearic Acid
Cleansing
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Cellulose
AbsorbentMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Stearyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Maleate
Antioxidant
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
Antioxidant
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Pantethine
EmollientBisabolol
Masking
Ceteth-2
EmulsifyingPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Steareth-20
CleansingIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
Emollient
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientSodium Stearate
CleansingNylon-12
Citric Acid
Buffering
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientNylon-6
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Titanium Dioxide 7.3%, Zinc Oxide 6.9%, Water, Trioctyldodecyl Citrate, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Steareth-2, Stearyl Heptanoate, Silica, Lecithin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Tristearate, Linoleic Acid, Polyquaternium-51, Caprylyl Methicone, Sorbitol, Sodium Rna, PEG-40 Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phytantriol, Stearic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cellulose, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Stearyl Dimethicone, Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Maleate, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Pantethine, Bisabolol, Ceteth-2, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Steareth-20, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Sodium Stearate, Nylon-12, Citric Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Nylon-6, Hexylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, 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.
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 DimethiconeButylene 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 GlycolWe don't have a description for Sodium Rna yet.
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 HyaluronateCaprylyl 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 GlycolSilica 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 SilicaDisodium 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 EDTABHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTPhenoxyethanol 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 Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector 38 ingredients
Clinique City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25 60 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Clinique Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector 38 ingredients
First of all I don’t like the texture, it’s too liquid, almost watery. It feels heavy on my skin and leaves an oily feeling on it. It wasn’t that bad in the cold wintertime though but definitely bad in the summertime when it was melting away on my face. The colour is not really noticeable on my skin, just a hint of improvement on my complexion. Now suddenly a severe eczema hit me on my face and I Show more
