Higher Education Skincare Spring Break Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 30 Versus Curology The Sunscreen
Updated on September 13, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any 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
Higher Education Skincare Spring Break Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 30 28 ingredients
Curology The Sunscreen 32 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Higher Education Skincare Spring Break Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 30 28 ingredients
Curology The Sunscreen 32 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 6.9%
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 3%
UV Absorber
Zinc Oxide 4%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Isopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Vp/Eicosene Copolymer
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCyclotetrasiloxane
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycereth-2 Cocoate
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Preservative
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 6.9%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 3%, Zinc Oxide 4%, Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 60, Disodium EDTA, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Glycereth-2 Cocoate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Zinc Oxide 9.4%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialSorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
Cleansing
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract
Skin Conditioning
Polyester-5
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethyl Ferulate
Antioxidant
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingBisabolol
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Urea
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide 9.4%, Water, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract, Polyester-5, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, C14-22 Alcohols, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethyl Ferulate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Bisabolol, Sodium Chloride, Phospholipids, Gluconolactone, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Urea, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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 WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinPropylene 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 GlycolCetearyl 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 AlcoholPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
This is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualaneTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Higher Education Skincare Spring Break Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 30 28 ingredients
Curology The Sunscreen 32 ingredients
