Explore Routine Login

Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 versus Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 .

Last updated on January 19, 2024. Published on March 09, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan sunscreens. They have a total of 17 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, niacinamide and SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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 need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen American Brand United States
Sunscreen American Brand United States

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Price

Shop

Buy Porescreen SPF 40

Starts at $55.00
Shop

Buy Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
40
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter
AHA
Vitamin E
Exfoliators (3)
Niacinamide

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (3)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (3)

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter
Exfoliators (2)
Niacinamide

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening

Concerns

Drying
Acne Trigger
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (3)
Join our community

Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.

Join SkinSort

Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

Loading ingredients...

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

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 can be harmful to coral reefs.

More about harmful reef ingredients here.

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

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

C12-15 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 Benzoate

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 3.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Butyloctyl Salicylate is a photostabilizer, 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.

According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.

Learn more about Butyloctyl Salicylate

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 5.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 6.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 36.

5
What it does: Emollient, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Isododecane 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 Isododecane

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 7.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 5.

Lauryl Peg-8 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 8.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.

7
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

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 Propanediol

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 9.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.

8
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

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

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 10.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 9.

9
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Disliked

Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.

It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.

Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.

Learn more about CI 77891

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 12.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 45.

10
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Glycol

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 24.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 25.

11
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.

Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.

Learn more about Allantoin

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 26.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 23.

12
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.

Bisabolol comes from German chamomile essential oil. Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.

Bisabolol helps soothe skin. It does this by blocking the inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.

Bisabolol also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.

Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.

Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.

Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.

Learn more about Bisabolol

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 29.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 19.

13
What it does: Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Lauryl Peg-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 30.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 14.

14
What it does: Abrasive, Absorbent
Community Rating: Disliked

Silica 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 Silica

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 32.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 32.

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted effects and reactions from a product. These metal ions may come from water and are found in miniscule amounts.

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate can also help other preservatives be more effective.

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 35.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 35.

16
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

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

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 37.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 42.

17
What it does: Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Chloride

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 38.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 18.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

31% are loved or liked
16% have mixed ratings
29% are disliked or very disliked
24% have no rating yet
22% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
39% are disliked or very disliked
28% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

Loading routine usage...
Loading routine usage...

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 45 ingredients

Porescreen SPF 40 hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 46 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 3 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Light (1) No Scent (1) Works Well (1)
AllTukeredOut's avatar

AllTukeredOut

12 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

Great option for fair skin
I am very pale, but the Fair colour works well for my complexion, doesn't look orange. I used this, in combination to...

Great option for fair skin
I am very pale, but the Fair colour works well for my complexion, doesn't look orange. I used this, in combination to the Original formula, to even out my skin tone and as a concealer. It is a bit shiny initially, but does settle into a natural finish.

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 35 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40.

See 35 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 21 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50.

See 21 alternatives
Loading similar comparisons...