Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 versus Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ .
Last updated on March 15, 2024. Published on April 02, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain 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.
Price
Ingredient Info
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 25 ingredients
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ 23 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 🎉
Vegan
This product is 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 Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 25 ingredients
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ 23 ingredients
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:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient 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 Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 25 ingredients
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ 23 ingredients
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
Zinc Oxide • Water • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Squalane • Glycerin • Cetearyl Alcohol • Methyl Dihydroabietate • Sorbitan Olivate • Coco-Glucoside • Cetyl Palmitate • Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate • Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside • Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract • Acacia Senegal Gum • Ethyl Ferulate • Xanthan Gum • Sodium Gluconate • Lecithin • Sodium Palmitoyl Proline • Polyhydroxystearic Acid • Ethylhexylglycerin • Phenoxyethanol • Isostearic Acid
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 Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ contains this as ingredient number 2.
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 Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 8.
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ contains this as ingredient number 4.
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 Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 9.
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ contains this as ingredient number 6.
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 Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ contains this as ingredient number 20.
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 Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 11.
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ contains this as ingredient number 22.
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 Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 22.
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ contains this as ingredient number 23.
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 Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 23.
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ contains this as ingredient number 21.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 25 ingredients
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ 23 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Untinted SPF 50 25 ingredients
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++ 23 ingredients
Alternatives
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See 45 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++.
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