Versus

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Face Serum SPF 30 Versus Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Gel

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on October 01, 2024

Overview

What they are

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

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any 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

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 Touch Face Serum SPF 30

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
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
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.

This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.

Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.

Learn more about Propylene Glycol
Cosmetic Colorant, UV Absorber, UV Filter

Titanium Dioxide is a mineral (or physical) sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection by blocking both UV-A and UV-B rays.

It sits on the skin’s surface and primarily reflects and scatters UV light and also absorbs some of it.

This makes the line between “mineral” and “chemical” sunscreens a bit blurry, but in skincare labeling, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are the two ingredients officially classified as mineral filters.

Because it’s non-irritating, Titanium Dioxide is often recommended for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Thanks to modern production methods, nano-scale or fine-grade Titanium Dioxide is now widely used in cosmetics to reduce white cast and improve texture.

Despite its small particle size, studies show that Titanium Dioxide, even in nanoparticle form, is not absorbed into the skin.

Learn more about Titanium Dioxide

When to use

10 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day
36 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Face Serum SPF 30 26 ingredients

Sheer Touch Face Serum SPF 30 hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Gel 24 ingredients

2.3 /5
from 3 ratings
Absorbs Well (2) Great Value (2) Works Well (2)
horaceon's avatar

horaceon

1 year ago
Review

LOVE ittt! really good sunscreen in general, but may not be the best for oily skin types. good to put under makeup as SPF, but will worsen the oilyness in your face if you don't blot excess off every hour of the day.

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well
sarahmeadows's avatar

Sarah Meadows

6 months ago
Review

Hard to rub in and leaves a white cast. It doesn’t leave my skin oily or sticky and keeps my skin well protected.

#great value
#light
#light scent
#works well