Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 versus Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 .
Published on October 09, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 22 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne and dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
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.
Ingredient Info
Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 28 ingredients
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 25 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 28 ingredients
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 25 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 28 ingredients
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 25 ingredients
Water • Zinc Oxide • Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate • Niacinamide • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Phenoxyethanol • Squalane • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Sodium Hyaluronate • Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Lactic Acid • Carbomer • Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate • Polysorbate 60 • 1,2-Hexanediol • Disodium EDTA • Isostearic Acid • Ethylhexylglycerin • Sorbitan Isostearate • Biosaccharide Gum-4 • Citric Acid
Water • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Zinc Oxide • Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate • Titanium Dioxide • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer • Squalane • Cetearyl Alcohol • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Phenoxyethanol • Aluminum Stearate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Citric Acid • Polysorbate 60 • Alumina • Carbomer • Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate • Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate • 1,2-Hexanediol • Disodium EDTA • Isostearic Acid • Ethylhexylglycerin • Sorbitan Isostearate • Biosaccharide Gum-4
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterDr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 OxideDr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.
We don't have a description for Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.
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 TriglycerideDr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 9.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 9.
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterDr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.
This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 11.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 7.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 12.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 11.
Squalane 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".
Learn more about SqualaneDr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 13.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 8.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidDr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 14.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateDr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 15.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 13.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an emulsifier and helps condition the skin. It is amino acid-based.
In higher amounts, it may act as a cleansing agent.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 16.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 19.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 19.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 17.
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is a preservative.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 20.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 18.
Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 21.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 15.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 22.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 20.
Disodium 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 EDTADr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 23.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 21.
Isostearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Its structure makes it a great surfactant.
Surfactants help decrease the surface tension between two liquids. This property also makes it an effective emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent waters and oils from separating in a product.
Isostearic Acid is created from oleic acid.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Isostearic AcidDr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 24.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 22.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 25.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 23.
Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateDr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 26.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 24.
This is a fermented gum derived from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient's high molecular weight makes it an effective emollient.
Emollients help keep the skin hydrated by preventing water from evaporating.
Learn more about Biosaccharide Gum-4Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 27.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 25.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 28.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 14.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 28 ingredients
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 25 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 28 ingredients
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 25 ingredients
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See 50 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 45 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50.
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