Versus

Frudia Ultra UV Shield Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ Versus innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on August 26, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances, oils 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
Ultra UV Shield Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++

Water

Skin Conditioning

Propanediol

Solvent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

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

Dibutyl Adipate

Emollient

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Antimicrobial

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Titanium Dioxide

Cosmetic Colorant
0 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Ethylhexyl Triazone

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Stearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetearyl Olivate

Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polysorbate 60

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Caprylate

Emollient

Aluminum Hydroxide

Emollient

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Sorbitan Olivate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyhydroxystearic Acid

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Methicone

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Myristyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 4 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Sorbitan Isostearate

Emulsifying
1-2 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Lauryl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract

Skin Protecting
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil

Emollient
2-3 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil

Masking
1-2 / 0 Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Propylene Glycol

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

Biosaccharide Gum-4

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Salix Alba Bark Extract

Astringent
Good for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract

Skin Conditioning

Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Solanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

Astringent

Punica Granatum Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Portulaca Oleracea Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Mangifera Indica Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract

Skin Conditioning

Citrus Paradisi Seed Oil

Perfuming
Fragrance IconOil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract

Masking
May worsen Eczema 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

Disodium EDTA

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Chlorphenesin

Antimicrobial
Preservative Icon

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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
Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. 

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol
Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.

Its main roles are:

Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

Learn more about Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient, Emulsifying

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.

As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.

In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.

This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe

Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.

Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene 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 Glycol
Skin Conditioning

This extract comes from Purslane, a succulent. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.

Purslane is very nutritious. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, NMFs, many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The vitamins found in purslane include: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.

Fun fact: Purslane is a succulent with an extensive habitat. It is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat irritated skin.

Nowadays, purslane is becoming a superfood due to its highly nutritious content.

Learn more about Portulaca Oleracea Extract
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
Skin Conditioning

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.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

It is a:

  • Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Emollient, helping to soften skin
  • Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
  • Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 
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.

Masking, Perfuming

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.

The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.

One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

When to use

48 Routines
98% use in am
2% use in pm
98% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
199 Routines
98% use in am
2% use in pm
93% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Frudia Ultra UV Shield Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ 58 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 4 ratings
Absorbs Well (3) Great Value (2) Hydrating (2)
aysx's avatar

ays

20 days ago
Review

it caused tingling on my sensitive skin
did not break me out
doesn't leave white cast
makes you looks oily
burned my skin after using adapalene

#hydrating
#irritating
#light
#absorbs well
jelenavojinovic's avatar

Yelena

23 days ago
Review

Solid, it spreads easily and skin absorbs it pretty quickly
It doesn’t leave white cast, but face looks little bit oily, glowy
It didn’t cause any breakouts on my oily skin

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well
#light scent

innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36 41 ingredients

4.4 /5
from 5 ratings
Hydrating (5) Absorbs Well (4) Great Value (3)
glittertimes's avatar

Ryan 🩷

7 months ago
Review

hydrating but clogs pores. it gave me such a pretty glow but the way it broke me out was horrible. repurposed it for body sunscreen so it wouldnt go to waste (bc its SO expensive) and it works great like that!! its also heavily fragranced which i dont like.

#expensive
#hydrating
#broke me out
#light
xayah's avatar

xayah

2 months ago
Review

My first Korean sunscreen, found it on sale at TJMaxx. Don't have much to compare it to other than Cerave daily moisturizing lotion with spf, but I am loving it compared to that. Absolutely no pilling or white cast. Leaves my skin a bit glowy, which I like. I haven't worn any makeup with it yet, so not sure how that would go, though I have high hopes. And I haven't needed to wear moisturizer with Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well