Versus

Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 Versus DRMTLGY Broad Spectrum SPF 45

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on April 03, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and fungal acne (malassezia) safe sunscreens. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain niacinamide and SPF

Suited For

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

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber

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 Oxide
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
Smoothing

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide
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.

When to use

24 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day
134 Routines
97% use in am
3% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Glow SPF 50 42 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Expensive (2) Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1)
mariobsmh's avatar

Mario Baez

2 months ago
Review

Overall a great product. Has light coverage and gives a natural makeup look to the skin with its sheer. It is a mineral sunscreen so it takes a bit longer than a chemical sunscreen to absorb, but does it very well.

#great value
#expensive
#hydrating
#absorbs well

DRMTLGY Broad Spectrum SPF 45 22 ingredients

2.9 /5
from 9 ratings
Absorbs Well (4) Great Value (4) Works Well (4)
EstEstEst's avatar

EstEstEst

1 year ago
Review

Excellent, fungal acne safe SPF for sensitive skin. Has a slightly odd smell, but if applied correctly (not layered immediately over other products, and only once toners and serums have dried down) it does not pill and leaves a fresh, dewy non-greasy glow. Can be delivered direct to the UK on a subscription.

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well
#light scent
SkincareJay's avatar

SkincareJay

8 months ago
Review

Leaves a white cast on darker skin tones, pills horribly, the eye sting is terrible, and it makes my skin feel dry. Would not recommend!

#drying
#pilling
#doesn't work