Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 Versus First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide SPF 30
Updated on February 12, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 56 ingredients
First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide SPF 30 35 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 56 ingredients
First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide SPF 30 35 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 17.53%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC13-15 Alkane
SolventPropanediol
SolventC15-19 Alkane
SolventBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningHarungana Madagascariensis Extract
Skin ConditioningIpomoea Batatas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Seed Oil
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Hull Extract
MoisturisingSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Bisabolol
Masking
Amber Powder
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingGlucose
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Lecithin
EmollientPolyglycerin-3
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Lactate/Laurate
CleansingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Silica
Abrasive
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantSodium Phytate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Inositol
HumectantLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces Lysate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientZinc Oxide 17.53%, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C13-15 Alkane, Propanediol, C15-19 Alkane, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ectoin, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Harungana Madagascariensis Extract, Ipomoea Batatas Root Extract, Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Curcuma Longa Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Hull Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Amber Powder, Coco-Glucoside, Glucose, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Arachidyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglycerin-3, Polyglyceryl-3 Lactate/Laurate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, T-Butyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Inositol, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Lysate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol
Zinc Oxide 22%
Cosmetic Colorant
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Skin Conditioning
Isododecane
EmollientCoconut Alkanes
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Cellulose
AbsorbentStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingSodium Chloride
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Iron Oxides
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Propanediol
SolventSorbic Acid
Preservative
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Silica
Abrasive
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Alumina
Abrasive
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide 22%, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Isododecane, Coconut Alkanes, Water, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Mica, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Jojoba Esters, Cellulose, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Squalane, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Iron Oxides, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Trihydroxystearin, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Propanediol, Sorbic Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Silica, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Alumina, Tocopherol, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 OxideWater. 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 WaterThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglyceridePropanediol 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 PropanediolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractTocopherol (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 TocopherolGlycerin 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 GlycerinThis ingredient is an emulsifier. It is created from Polyglycerin-3 and Ricinoleic Acid.
As an emulsifier, it prevents waters and oils from separating. According to a manufacturer this ingredient is fully biodegradable.
This ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis due to its Ricinoleic Acid base. Ricinoleic Acid is a fatty acid derived from castor oil.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 PolyricinoleatePolyhydroxystearic 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 AcidSilica 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 SilicaButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 56 ingredients
First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide SPF 30 35 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 56 ingredients
This is the sunscreen I repurchase over and over. It works for my sensitive skin, cancels out my redness, and doesn’t break me out. The zinc/mineral base is great. I find that it leaves no white cast at all.
liked it originally but..
i like the green color and consistency, it feels smooth and cancels out redness really well. i like the smell of it too, it reminds me of cinnamon or something? it’s hard to describe. i previously left a more positive review on it but found that it pills super bad on me. no matter how well my skin is hydrated beforehand it pairs awfully with makeup and on its own. the Show more
First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide SPF 30 35 ingredients
Pilled over moisturizer, even after moisturizer was fully absorbed. Tried multiple times.
