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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 versus Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 .

Last updated on September 12, 2023. Published on June 15, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 18 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin 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 need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen American Brand United States
Sunscreen American Brand United States

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.

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.

Price

Shop

Buy Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30

Starts at $19.99
Shop

Buy Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35

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
35

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (2)
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Reduces Irritation
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Irritating
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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: Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

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 can be harmful to coral reefs.

More about harmful reef ingredients here.

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

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.

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 Triglyceride

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 16.

4
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

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 Propanediol

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 5.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 12.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Butyloctyl Salicylate is a photostabilizer, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.

This ingredient is a common sunscreen ingredient carrier and photostabilizer. According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for carrying micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.

Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.

According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.

Learn more about Butyloctyl Salicylate

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 8.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 3.

6
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopherol (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 Tocopherol

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 24.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 17.

7
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.

Bisabolol comes from German chamomile essential oil. Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.

Bisabolol helps soothe skin. It does this by blocking the inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.

Bisabolol also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.

Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.

Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.

Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.

Learn more about Bisabolol

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 25.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 24.

8
What it does: Cleansing, Foaming
Community Rating: Disliked

Coco-Glucoside is a surfactant, or a cleansing ingredient. It is made from glucose and coconut oil.

Surfactants help gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants from your skin to be rinsed away. Coco-Glucoside is considered gentle and non-comedogenic.

This ingredient is a known skin-irritant.

Learn more about Coco-Glucoside

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 27.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 19.

9
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

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 29.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 14.

10
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

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 30.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 28.

11
What it does:
Community Rating: Liked

Caprylhydroxamic Acid is a chelating agent.

Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted reactions and effects from using the product.

Caprylhydroxamic Acid is often used with natural antimicrobial products as an alternative to preservatives.

Learn more about Caprylhydroxamic Acid

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 32.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 30.

12
What it does: Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

We don't have a description for Arachidyl Alcohol.

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 33.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 13.

13
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

We don't have a description for Arachidyl Glucoside.

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 34.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 23.

14
What it does: Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

A type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as traditional alcohols.

Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.

Behenyl Alcohol is usually derived from the fats in vegetable oils.

In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.

Learn more about Behenyl Alcohol

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 37.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 21.

15
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

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 38.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 9.

16
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

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

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 44.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 25.

17
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 51.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 26.

18
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Glycol

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 56.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 contains this as ingredient number 18.

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

39% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
34% are disliked or very disliked
14% have no rating yet
34% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
29% are disliked or very disliked
26% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 56 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 8 ratings
Drying (1) Great Value (1) Heavy (1) No Scent (1) Sticky (1) Works Well (1)
Mac_R's avatar

Mac_R

8 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

Enjoyable to use
This sunscreen melts into the skin (with a bit of effort) and is mostly undetectable. I do notice if your face gets wet it wipes...

Enjoyable to use
This sunscreen melts into the skin (with a bit of effort) and is mostly undetectable. I do notice if your face gets wet it wipes off and you can see it on your hands, but your face doesn't show transfer. I use a translucent powder after it dries to get rid of any shine. I really enjoy this sunscreen overall.

CyanFlowers's avatar

CyanFlowers

1 year ago · Combination Skin
Review

Decent sunscreen. But application not fun.
This is an ideal suncreen to reduce the redness of any acne. It pairs well with the Hero Cosmetic green...

Decent sunscreen. But application not fun.
This is an ideal suncreen to reduce the redness of any acne. It pairs well with the Hero Cosmetic green cream to further reduce the redness of any acne. It does not cause any breakouts for me as it is a nice cover for any acne I have against the sun.

However, this loses a star for the application. It has a white cast but it was slight for me as in a few minutes it sinks in. But this required rubbing the sunscreen onto my skin. As some areas of my face will have white patches when up close as this is due to not rubbing it in enough. I also recommend to wait a few minutes after the moisturizer to apply as pilling could happen. Overall, a decent sunscreen that works with my oily acne prone skin put the application takes time.

Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 38 ingredients

Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

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