Versus

Updated on May 31, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any oils or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant 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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Eight Hour® Cream Sun Defense for Face SPF 50 Sunscreen

Zinc Oxide 11.62%

Cosmetic Colorant
1 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconHelps fight Acne IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.4%

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Antimicrobial

Isodecyl Neopentanoate

Emollient

Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate

Emollient

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate

Absorbent
0 / 0

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PEG-100 Stearate

0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Arachidyl Alcohol

Emollient

Polyhydroxystearic Acid

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Arachidyl Glucoside

Emulsifying

Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Silicon Icon

Behenyl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

BHT

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Disodium EDTA

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Citral

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Citronellol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Geraniol

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Linalool

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Methylparaben

Preservative
0 / 0 Preservative IconParaben IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Eczema Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol

UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter IconMineral UV Filter Icon

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

Emulsifying

Dicaprylyl Carbonate

Emollient

Dibutyl Adipate

Emollient

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

Skin Conditioning
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Ethylhexyl Triazone

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Cetyl Dimethicone

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Triethylhexanoin

Masking

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Acrylates Copolymer

Oryza Sativa

Biosaccharide Gum-4

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Cetyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Cyclohexasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Decyl Glucoside

Cleansing

Dimethicone Crosspolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydrolyzed Soy Protein

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

Skin Conditioning

Phenylpropanol

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Propylene Glycol

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Schizophyllan

Humectant

Sodium Polyacrylate

Absorbent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sorbitan Stearate

Emulsifying
0 / 1 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Triethanolamine

Buffering
2 / 0

Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Benzyl Alcohol

Perfuming
Alcohol IconFragrance IconPreservative IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Ethylparaben

Preservative
Preservative IconParaben IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

O-Cymen-5-Ol

Antimicrobial
Preservative Icon

Propylparaben

Preservative
0 / 0 Preservative IconParaben IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Face Sunscreen-SPF 60

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

UV Absorber, UV Filter

Ethylhexyl 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 Salicylate
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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

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 EDTA
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane
Abrasive, Absorbent

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
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Dicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.

As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Cyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.

Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.

As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.

Learn more about Cyclohexasiloxane
Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol

When to use

2 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day
660 Routines
97% use in am
3% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour® Cream Sun Defense for Face SPF 50 Sunscreen 65 ingredients

Eight Hour® Cream Sun Defense for Face SPF 50 Sunscreen hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

La Roche-Posay La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Face Sunscreen-SPF 60 32 ingredients

2.4 /5
from 9 ratings
Oily (5) Irritating (4) Doesn't Work (3)
maryammohamed1's avatar

Maryam

1 month ago
Review

used to be my fav tinted sunscreen
but they changed the formula now smells like mold 🥲
and broke me out

#broke me out
#irritating
#heavy
#pilling
yow's avatar

yowcza

10 days ago
Review

BURNED MY SKINNNN! tried it and immediately burned my eyes and around my nose, didn’t protect my face from the sun, pills easily, made my face red, broke me out and had little bumps on my forehead, and when i washed my face my skin barrier was so damaged from the spf. poopy product poopy spf poopy

#drying
#broke me out
#irritating
#pilling