Versus

innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Versus Neutrogena Clear Face Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 30

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Korean Brand South Korea
American Brand United States

Updated on August 26, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain common allergens, fragrances and 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36
Clear Face Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 30

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

UV Absorber, UV Filter

Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.

Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.

Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.

However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.

Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!

The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.

Learn more about Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter

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
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

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
Skin Conditioning

This extract comes from Purslane, a succulent. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.

Purslane is very nutritious. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, NMFs, many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The vitamins found in purslane include: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.

Fun fact: Purslane is a succulent with an extensive habitat. It is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat irritated skin.

Nowadays, purslane is becoming a superfood due to its highly nutritious content.

Learn more about Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

When to use

222 Routines
98% use in am
2% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
105 Routines
96% use in am
4% use in pm
99% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36 41 ingredients

4.4 /5
from 5 ratings
Hydrating (5) Absorbs Well (4) Great Value (3)
glittertimes's avatar

Ryan 🩷

8 months ago
Review

hydrating but clogs pores. it gave me such a pretty glow but the way it broke me out was horrible. repurposed it for body sunscreen so it wouldnt go to waste (bc its SO expensive) and it works great like that!! its also heavily fragranced which i dont like.

#expensive
#hydrating
#broke me out
#light
xayah's avatar

xayah

3 months ago
Review

My first Korean sunscreen, found it on sale at TJMaxx. Don't have much to compare it to other than Cerave daily moisturizing lotion with spf, but I am loving it compared to that. Absolutely no pilling or white cast. Leaves my skin a bit glowy, which I like. I haven't worn any makeup with it yet, so not sure how that would go, though I have high hopes. And I haven't needed to wear moisturizer with Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well

Neutrogena Clear Face Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 30 35 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 1 rating
Broke Me Out (1) Doesn't Work (1) Great Value (1)
sleepylilwolf's avatar

sleepylilwolf

26 days ago
Review

It gave decent sunscreen coverage and didn't leave much of a white cast,but it pilled a lot and made skin feel oily

#great value
#broke me out
#heavy
#pilling