CVS Health Clear Zinc Broad Spectrum Sun Lotion SPF 50 Versus Banana Boat Light As Air Face SPF 50
Updated on August 19, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens 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
CVS Health Clear Zinc Broad Spectrum Sun Lotion SPF 50 23 ingredients
Banana Boat Light As Air Face SPF 50 28 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CVS Health Clear Zinc Broad Spectrum Sun Lotion SPF 50 23 ingredients
Banana Boat Light As Air Face SPF 50 28 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Octocrylene 4%
UV Absorber
Zinc Oxide 5%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Stearate
Emollient
Diisopropyl Adipate
EmollientCetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Hexyl Laurate
Emollient
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Isohexadecane
EmollientSodium Chloride
Masking
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Dimethicone
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Methylparaben
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
Octocrylene 4%, Zinc Oxide 5%, Water, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Hexyl Laurate, Beeswax, Isohexadecane, Sodium Chloride, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Silica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethicone, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 9%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 5%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningDiisopropyl Adipate
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tapioca Starch
Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCeteth-10 Phosphate
CleansingDicetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Parfum
Masking
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 9%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4%, Octocrylene 5%, Water, Diisopropyl Adipate, Silica, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Tapioca Starch, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Coco-Glucoside, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneWater. 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 WaterDiisopropyl Adipate comes from isopropyl alcohol and Adipic Acid.
It is a solvent and emollient. As a solvent, it is used to help other ingredients dissolve into the solution. It is also often used to soften hard ingredients.
Emollients help hydrate the skin by creating a thin barrier. This thin barrier prevents moisture from escaping.
Learn more about Diisopropyl AdipateSilica 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 EDTASodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a form of Vitamin C. It is the salt of ascorbic acid.
This ingredient is more gentle than ascorbic acid. It is also more stable when exposed to light and oxygen.
Vitamin C helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Your skin uses Vitamin C to produce collagen and collagen production plays a role in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. As an antioxidant, this ingredient also helps reduce the signs of aging such as fine-lines and wrinkles.
VItamin C helps brighten skin by blocking the process of skin darkening.
In a 2011 study, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate was found to have antibacterial properties. This may help treat acne.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphatePhenoxyethanol 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
CVS Health Clear Zinc Broad Spectrum Sun Lotion SPF 50 23 ingredients
Banana Boat Light As Air Face SPF 50 28 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CVS Health Clear Zinc Broad Spectrum Sun Lotion SPF 50 23 ingredients
Banana Boat Light As Air Face SPF 50 28 ingredients
I use this for my body. It absorbs well and leaves my skin feeling liked I applied a light, regular lotion. I have a lot of sensory issues with other sunscreens, since they tend to feel thick and greasy. I love that this actually absorbs and doesn’t just leave a greasy layer on my skin. It has a sun lotion smell, but I actually like it. May not be the best for you if you don’t want any Show more
