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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 versus CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US .

Last updated on January 17, 2024. Published on April 03, 2022

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or oils

What's Inside

They both contain parabens and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen American Brand United States
Day Moisturizer Canadian Brand Canada

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Day Moisturizer

Day Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin during the daytime.

Price

Shop

Buy Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Starts at $10.07
Shop

Buy Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Starts at $13.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
30
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
30

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Irritating
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (4)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (3)
Mineral UV Filter
Niacinamide
Ceramides (3)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (5)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Irritating
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.

Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.

(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)

Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.

Learn more about Homosalate

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Octocrylene 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 Octocrylene

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 4.

3
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 6.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 9.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 11.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 11.

5
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin 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 Glycerin

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 12.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 8.

6
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Methylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben. It is used to prevent the growth of fungus, mold, and other harmful bacteria. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in both cosmetics and food.

Methylparaben can be synthetically created. It can also be found naturally in some fruits, such as blueberries.

Oftentimes, Methylparaben is combined with other parabens to help increase the shelf life.

The safety of Methylparaben is currently being studied. While ongoing studies are looking into the safety of parabens, the results have been very mixed. Some studies have not found Methylparaben to be harmful.

Learn more about Methylparaben

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 17.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 18.

7
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Propylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben with antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

This ingredient can be naturally found in plants and insects, but most of it is synthetically manufactured for human use. In cosmetics, it is usually created by reacting para-aminobenzoic acid and propanol (an alcohol).

You can usually find this ingredient in water-based products.

Parabens have come under controversy due to the claim they are hormone disruptors. Studies show conflicting results. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Propylparaben is commonly found in food, medicine, and cosmetics.

Learn more about Propylparaben

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 21.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 23.

8
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 23.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 22.

9
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

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

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 25.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 27.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

17% are loved or liked
5% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
29% have no rating yet
41% are loved or liked
4% have mixed ratings
52% are disliked or very disliked
4% have no rating yet

Usage

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 42 ingredients

Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients

2.3 /5
from 4 ratings
Doesn't Work (2) Heavy (2) Oily (1) Sticky (1) Strong Scent (1) No Scent (1)
Diorgirl's avatar

Diorgirl

2 years ago · Dry Skin
Review

Waste of money
This irritated my skin, I had little red dots all over my chin after using this. I wouldn't recommend if you are acne-prone or...

Waste of money
This irritated my skin, I had little red dots all over my chin after using this. I wouldn't recommend if you are acne-prone or sensitiv, cause this can really cause irritation!

Erika's avatar

Erika

3 years ago · Oily Skin
Review

Regret Buying
I have acne and it definitely didn't help. It left white casts and is very unpleasing to put on. I DON'T recommend.

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