Curology The Sunscreen Versus Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50
Updated on October 07, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
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
Curology The Sunscreen 32 ingredients
Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 38 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
Curology The Sunscreen 32 ingredients
Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 38 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 9.4%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialSorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
Cleansing
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract
Skin Conditioning
Polyester-5
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethyl Ferulate
Antioxidant
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingBisabolol
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Urea
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide 9.4%, Water, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract, Polyester-5, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, C14-22 Alcohols, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethyl Ferulate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Bisabolol, Sodium Chloride, Phospholipids, Gluconolactone, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Urea, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 10%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientPolymethyl Methacrylate
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates Copolymer
Saccharomyces Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
C24-28 Alkyldimethylsiloxy Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Skin ProtectingPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin Conditioning
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSodium Chloride
Masking
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Raspberry Ketone
Masking
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingTriethyl Citrate
Masking
Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate
Emulsifying
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingOctyldodecanol
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Phytate
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 10%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Water, Isododecane, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Acrylates Copolymer, Saccharomyces Ferment, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, C24-28 Alkyldimethylsiloxy Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Glycine Soja Oil, Squalane, Raspberry Ketone, Lauroyl Lysine, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Triethyl Citrate, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Octyldodecanol, Tocopherol, Sodium Phytate, Polysorbate 60, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is an alkyl glucoside. This just means it is creating by reacting alcohol and sugar. It is a cleansing and foaming ingredient.
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside helps remove the dirt, oil, and other pollutants from your skin.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium 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 BenzoatePhenoxyethanol 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
Curology The Sunscreen 32 ingredients
Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 38 ingredients
