Dr. Althea Cica Relief Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ Versus HELIOCARE 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF50 PA++++
Updated on June 12, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens, fragrances and 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
Dr. Althea Cica Relief Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ 48 ingredients
HELIOCARE 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF50 PA++++ 55 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
Dr. Althea Cica Relief Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ 48 ingredients
HELIOCARE 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF50 PA++++ 55 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientPhenethyl Benzoate
Emollient
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Hexyl Laurate
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract
AntimicrobialMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Chlorella Ferment
Skin ConditioningIsoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Polysilicone-15
UV Filter1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Urea
Humectant
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientDibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingC30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane
Methylpropanediol
SolventPolyether-1
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Lecithin
Emollient
Xanthophylls
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Guaiazulene
Antimicrobial
Water, Alcohol, Dibutyl Adipate, Phenethyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Caprylyl Methicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Hexyl Laurate, Niacinamide, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Chlorella Ferment, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-15, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Methylpropanediol, Polyether-1, Adenosine, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Lecithin, Xanthophylls, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Linalool, Guaiazulene
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialArginine
Masking
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate
UV Absorber
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Nylon-12
Myristyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
EmollientDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV Absorber
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polypodium Leucotomos Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingEthylhexyl Ferulate
Antioxidant
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Caffeic Acid
Antioxidant
Physalis Angulata Extract
Skin ProtectingCeteareth-25
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMelanin
Skin ProtectingMyristyl Glucoside
CleansingEthylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer
Glycerin
Humectant
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Alumina
Abrasive
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate
EmollientDisodium Ethylene Dicocamide PEG-15 Disulfate
Cleansing
Camellia Sinensis Extract
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhytosphingosine Hcl
Skin ConditioningArabidopsis Thaliana Extract
Antioxidant
Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate Hcl
Skin ConditioningPanthenyl Triacetate
Parfum
Masking
Simethicone
Emollient
Oxothiazolidine
Skin ProtectingDisodium EDTA
Silica
Abrasive
Ethyl Linoleate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Oleyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Lecithin
Emollient
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Arginine, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Titanium Dioxide, Hexylene Glycol, C14-22 Alcohols, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Nylon-12, Myristyl Alcohol, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Phenoxyethanol, Polypodium Leucotomos Leaf Extract, Ethylhexyl Ferulate, Ferulic Acid, Caffeic Acid, Physalis Angulata Extract, Ceteareth-25, Caprylyl Glycol, Melanin, Myristyl Glucoside, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Caprylyl Methicone, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer, Glycerin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Alumina, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate, Disodium Ethylene Dicocamide PEG-15 Disulfate, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Phytosphingosine Hcl, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate Hcl, Panthenyl Triacetate, Parfum, Simethicone, Oxothiazolidine, Disodium EDTA, Silica, Ethyl Linoleate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oleyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Lecithin, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Linalool, Limonene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2025.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCaprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateDisodium 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 EDTAEthylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinLimonene 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 LinaloolWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Dr. Althea Cica Relief Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ 48 ingredients
HELIOCARE 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF50 PA++++ 55 ingredients
Reviews
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