Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Versus CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion
Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, sensitive skin, 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
Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 34 ingredients
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion 46 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
Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 34 ingredients
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion 46 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 10%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Isododecane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Propanediol
Solvent
Tridecyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningC13-15 Alkane
SolventPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Silica
Abrasive
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
Emulsifying
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Bisabolol
Masking
Lecithin
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Zinc Oxide 10%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Methicone, Isododecane, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Propanediol, Tridecyl Salicylate, C13-15 Alkane, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Silica, Maltodextrin, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Sodium Chloride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phenoxyethanol, Bisabolol, Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate
Titanium Dioxide 9%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 7%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDimethicone
Emollient
Isododecane
EmollientStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Niacinamide
Smoothing
PEG-8 Laurate
Emulsifying
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingSodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
CleansingMyristic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Cholesterol
Emollient
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
Buffering
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide 9%, Zinc Oxide 7%, Water, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Propanediol, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Niacinamide, PEG-8 Laurate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Sorbitan Isostearate, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethiconol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Myristic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Palmitic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Tocopherol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Phytosphingosine, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin
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 WaterC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateButyloctyl Salicylate is similar to octisalate. It a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.
This ingredient is a common sunscreen ingredient carrier and photostabilizer. According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for carrying micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.
According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
Learn more about IsododecanePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolPhenoxyethanol 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.
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.
Caprylyl 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 GlycolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 34 ingredients
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion 46 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 34 ingredients
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion 46 ingredients
works okay as sunscreen but it has a bad white cast and irritates me sometimes
One of the worst I've ever used. Dollar store sunscreen is arguably better. Horrible smell, white caste and just overall a pain and disappointment
