Higher Education Skincare Spring Break Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 30 Versus Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF50 (Tint 01-Fair or Pale)
Updated on September 13, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne and dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens 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
Higher Education Skincare Spring Break Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 30 28 ingredients
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF50 (Tint 01-Fair or Pale) 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
Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF50 (Tint 01-Fair or Pale) 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
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Squalane
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Alumina
Abrasive
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
Preservative
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPropylene Carbonate
SolventCitric Acid
Buffering
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Zinc Oxide, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Titanium Dioxide, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Squalane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polysorbate 60, Alumina, Aluminum Stearate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Isostearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Citric Acid, CI 77492, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77499
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 TriglycerideCetearyl 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 SqualanePolysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Disodium 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 EDTACitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
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 even out skin tone.
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.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateIngredient Ratings
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