Garnier Pinea-C Brightening Serum Cream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Versus MDSolarSciences Gleam + Glow SPF 50
Updated on December 23, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, SPF and Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances 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
Garnier Pinea-C Brightening Serum Cream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 33 ingredients
MDSolarSciences Gleam + Glow SPF 50 60 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Garnier Pinea-C Brightening Serum Cream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 33 ingredients
MDSolarSciences Gleam + Glow SPF 50 60 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 5%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 7.2%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingAnanas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Steareth-100
Gel FormingPhenylethyl Resorcinol
Antioxidant
PEG-32
HumectantPalmitic Acid
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPropanediol
Solvent
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Papain
Skin ConditioningMyristic Acid
Cleansing
Disodium EDTA
Parfum
Masking
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 7.2%, Water, Glycerin, Silica, Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Steareth-100, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, PEG-32, Palmitic Acid, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Propanediol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Papain, Myristic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Ceramide AP
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 2.75%
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Zea Mays Oil
Emulsifying
Polyester-8
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Polysilicone-15
UV Filter
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
Smoothing
Tremella Fuciformis Extract
Humectant
Vitis Vinifera Callus Culture Extract
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil
Emollient
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Diatomaceous Earth
Abrasive
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Ferric Hexapeptide-35
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Chamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Rosa Moschata Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Tbhq
Antioxidant
Phenylpropanol
Masking
Lecithin
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTeprenone
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
Humectant
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77015
Cosmetic ColorantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Octocrylene 2.75%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Zea Mays Oil, Polyester-8, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polysilicone-15, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Allantoin, Panthenol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Vitis Vinifera Callus Culture Extract, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Caffeine, Diatomaceous Earth, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ferric Hexapeptide-35, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tbhq, Phenylpropanol, Lecithin, Sodium Hydroxide, Teprenone, Proline, Sorbitol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Cholesterol, Carbomer, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891, CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77015
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneCeramide AP is a type of Ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide NP
Ceramide EOP
Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinOctocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
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