Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense UV Fluid SPF 45 Versus Clinique Pep-Start Daily UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Updated on February 25, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 25 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants 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, oils, 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense UV Fluid SPF 45 52 ingredients
Clinique Pep-Start Daily UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50 30 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense UV Fluid SPF 45 52 ingredients
Clinique Pep-Start Daily UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50 30 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Titanium Dioxide 6.3%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 4%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialMethyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDiethylhexyl Succinate
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Emollient
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Hydroxyapatite
Abrasive
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningThermus Thermophillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tuna Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Tigrinum Extract
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Caffeine
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ergothioneine
Antioxidant
Squalane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone Silylate
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer
Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate
Emollient
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIsostearic Acid
Cleansing
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride
Antioxidant
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Propylene Carbonate
SolventBHT
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide 6.3%, Zinc Oxide 4%, Water, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Methyl Trimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Butylene Glycol, Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Silica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Hydroxyapatite, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tuna Extract, Lilium Tigrinum Extract, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Caffeine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ergothioneine, Squalane, Glycerin, Dimethicone Silylate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Caprylyl Glycol, Isostearic Acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Dipropylene Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Cyclodextrin, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Isopropyl Myristate, Propylene Carbonate, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, CI 45410, CI 42090
Titanium Dioxide 6.3%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 4%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Polydiethylsiloxane
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDiethylhexyl Succinate
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Laureth-4
Emulsifying
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientDimethicone Silylate
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide 6.3%, Zinc Oxide 4%, Water, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Polydiethylsiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Methyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Silica, Laureth-4, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone Silylate, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Isostearic Acid, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dipropylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491, CI 77492
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.
Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.
With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.
Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.
Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideZinc 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 may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.
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 OxideWater. 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 WaterDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeButyloctyl Salicylate is similar to octisalate. It a photostabilizer, SPF booster, 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.
Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.
According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateC12-15 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 BenzoateMethyl Trimethicone is a type of silicone. It is a solvent and emulsifier.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Methyl Trimethicone does not get absorbed into the skin.
Learn more about Methyl TrimethiconeIsononyl Isononanoate is a synthetic skin-conditioner and texture enhancer. It is created from nonanoic acid, a fatty acid found in cocoa and lavender oil.
As an emollient, Isononyl Isononanoate helps keep your skin soft and smooth. This is because emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Isononyl Isononanoate helps give products a velvet feel and improves spreadability.
Learn more about Isononyl IsononanoateDiethylhexyl Succinate comes from succinic acid and 2-ethylhexyl alcohol.
It is a synthetic emollient.
We don't have a description for Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate yet.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
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 SilicaThis ingredient is a high molecular weight silicone. It has emulsifying and skin conditioning properties.
We don't have a description for Dimethicone Silylate yet.
We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer yet.
We don't have a description for Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3 yet.
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 GlycolIsostearic 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 AcidPolyhydroxystearic 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 AcidDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.
Dipropylene Glycol helps dissolve and evenly distribute ingredients. It also helps decrease viscosity and thin out texture.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWe don't have a description for Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer yet.
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.
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