Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 Versus Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair
Updated on January 01, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and fungal acne (malassezia) safe sunscreens. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and reducing pores
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
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 47 ingredients
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair 23 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 47 ingredients
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 12%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Isododecane
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tridecyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTrilaureth-4 Phosphate
EmulsifyingDimethiconol
Emollient
Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Polyester-1
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentSodium Chloride
Masking
Bisabolol
Masking
Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIsoceteth-10
EmulsifyingZein
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingDimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Zea Mays Starch
AbsorbentSilica
Abrasive
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Zinc Oxide 12%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Isododecane, Propanediol, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Tridecyl Salicylate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trilaureth-4 Phosphate, Dimethiconol, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Mica, Polyester-1, Maltodextrin, Sodium Chloride, Bisabolol, Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Allantoin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Isoceteth-10, Zein, Hexylene Glycol, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zea Mays Starch, Silica, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
Titanium Dioxide 22.5%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 22.5%
Cosmetic Colorant
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
Emollient
Lycopodium Clavatum Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Quercus Robur Wood Extract
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentMethicone
Emollient
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Laureth-4
Emulsifying
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
CI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Titanium Dioxide 22.5%, Zinc Oxide 22.5%, Mica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Lycopodium Clavatum Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Glycerin, Water, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Quercus Robur Wood Extract, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Maltodextrin, Methicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Laureth-4, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77288, 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.
Zinc 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 WaterThis ingredient is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
This ingredient is a type of elastomer.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerDimethiconol is a silicone that resembles the popular dimethicone. Like other silicones, it is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient helps to create a silky texture and improve spreadability. Due to its high molecular weight and thickness, it is often combined with cyclopentasiloxane.
Mica refers to a group of silicate minerals. Mica crystals are easily split to give products a shimmer. These crystals are able to reflect light to temporarily give your skin a glowy look.
Mica is found to be safe. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Mica can be naturally found throughout the world. However, some sources of mica may be controversial. In 2016, mica mined in the Jharkhand state in India was found to be using child labor. However, companies are able to source ethical mica affiliated with international organizations that monitor the mica supply chain.
Learn more about MicaMaltodextrin is a polysaccharide. It is derived from starch such as rice, corn, wheat, or potato starch.
In food, Maltodextrin is used to improve the texture and thicken a product. Due to its structure, it can help create a gel texture. As an emulsion stabilizer, it helps keep the ingredients in a product together.
As a polysaccharide, Maltodextrin has moisturizing properties. Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate. The top layer of skin uses polysaccharides to retain water, keeping the skin hydrated.
Maltodextrin is water soluble and has a sweet taste.
Learn more about MaltodextrinWe don't have a description for Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract yet.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateThis 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 47 ingredients
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair 23 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 47 ingredients
I really wanted to like this. I think that for someone that isn’t acne prone. It aould be fine but doesn’t have a ton of coverage and left me with a slightly orangey tone. I liked that it was slightly dewy though but didn’t leave me super oily. But unfortunately made me break out in little white heads all over. I’m not sure if I’m just reactive to Nia or what ingredient would have but Nia has Show more
Great option for fair skin
I am very pale, but the Fair colour works well for my complexion, doesn't look orange. I used this, in combination to the Original formula, to even out my skin tone and as a concealer. It is a bit shiny initially, but does settle into a natural finish.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50 - Fair 23 ingredients
i don’t use this as my primary sunscreen as i do go in with a different one when doing my morning skincare, but this is really good to have in my bag to touch up during the day. it doesn’t disrupt my makeup. i brought this with me when i went to gov ball where i spent all day in the sun and it provided good protection + my skin hasn’t reacted badly to it- don’t love that it has mica but what can Show more
