Dermalogica Clear Start Clearing Defense Moisturizer SPF 30 Versus Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Super UV Matte Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberSilica
AbrasiveButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Polyglyceryl-2 Distearate
EmulsifyingSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantTapioca Starch
Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentTerpineol
MaskingThymol
AntimicrobialCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Behenyl Alcohol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Citric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantBisabolol
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingWater, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Silica, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Distearate, Saccharide Isomerate, Tapioca Starch, Coriandrum Sativum Fruit Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Terpineol, Thymol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arachidyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Bisabolol, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol
Water
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberStearic Acid
CleansingNiacinamide
SmoothingDimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPalmitic Acid
EmollientPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantParfum
MaskingSilica
AbrasivePEG-100 Stearate
C13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientTalc
AbrasiveTriethanolamine
BufferingMyristic Acid
CleansingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingTetrasodium EDTA
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingCitral
PerfumingCitrus Junos Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyacrylamide
Benzyl Salicylate
PerfumingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingWater, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Stearic Acid, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, Palmitic Acid, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, CI 77891, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glycerin, Parfum, Silica, PEG-100 Stearate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Potassium Hydroxide, Linalool, Geraniol, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate, Talc, Triethanolamine, Myristic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Laureth-7, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Citral, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyacrylamide, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Alcohol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (typically sourced from plant oils like palm or coconut). It's an emulsifier, emollient, and mild occlusive.
Emulsifiers help ingredients like oil and water stay mixed so your formula stays nicely blended and uniform in texture.
This ingredient is typically used in concentrations between 1-10%. Studies have found it to be non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, and non-photoallergenic.
A close cousin of this ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate SE ("self-emulsifying"). This just has a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate added so it can emulsify without a co-emulsifier.
Since this ingredient is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast can potentially metabolize within the C11-C24 range.
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolOctocrylene 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 OctocrylenePeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.
Learn more about Potassium Cetyl PhosphateSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water