Versus

Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Versus Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ - 01 Clear

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
Japanese Brand Japan

Updated on June 28, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid and SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils

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
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++

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
Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber

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 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 Oxide
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan 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 Gum

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 Acid

When to use

146 Routines
98% use in am
2% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
243 Routines
98% use in am
2% use in pm
91% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 32 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 3 ratings
Works Well (3) Light (2) No Scent (2)
sabrinakhansantiago's avatar

SABRINA KHAN SANTIAGO

4 months ago
Review

I was so sad when I ran out of this product, it left no white cast, (minimal on my arm as I have arm hair, but really good considering I’m part south Asian, so I’m tan/brown), and super convenient and easy to use. One of my favorite minerals, just wish it was a higher spf and bigger tube/size.

#expensive
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
king.sweetpotato's avatar

Gemini James

1 month ago
Review

Probably one of the best zinc based sunscreens I’ve used. Feels a lot less heavy than the others and over time feels a lot less sticky. Definitely has a white cast though. And I’m pretty pale mind you. Not super noticeable but it is there.

Not my daily sunscreen though. I use it once or twice a week because my acne proneness responds well to zinc.

#works well

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ 35 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 11 ratings
Absorbs Well (4) Hydrating (4) Works Well (4)
Facewasher's avatar

Facewasher

1 year ago
Review

I always come back to this tried and true sunscreen whenever they suddenly discontinue whatever trendy sunscreen I was using. It's way too shiny on me, but otherwise perfect.

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well
#no scent
anemone's avatar

anemone

2 years ago
Review

mixed feelings
i really loved this sunscreen at first. it is moisturizing, blends in well and it doesn’t give me a white cast.
however, i have some problems with this product. firstly, it stings my eyes painfully, even when i try to avoid applying it in that area. there is also some pilling that can occur, especially when another product also containing dimethicone is applied to the Show more