Versus

innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Versus The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Korean Brand South Korea
British Brand United Kingdom

Updated on August 26, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free 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 anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils 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

About this product

About this product

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
Polyglutamic Acid Dewy 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, 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
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

It is a:

  • Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Emollient, helping to soften skin
  • Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
  • Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 
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.

Solvent

Propanediol 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 Propanediol
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent

Camellia 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 Extract
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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
Masking, Preservative

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.

Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.

It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.

Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.

We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate

When to use

187 Routines
99% use in am
2% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
96 Routines
99% use in am
1% use in pm
95% 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 🩷

7 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

1 month 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

The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 40 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Hydrating (2) Great Value (1) Light Scent (1)
Valerija's avatar

Valerija

1 year ago
Review

I bought it as a moisturizing and priming sunscreen for colder months, but even in winter it would make my skin so sticky and oily after a few hours. Moreover, during application the texture feels a little bit grainy even when shaken well before use.

If you use a toner and a serum underneath, get ready for pilling when applying makeup. I tried it with a lot of different serums and can tell that Show more

#hydrating
#sticky
#pilling
#oily
karlaestrada2's avatar

Karla Estrada

4 months ago
Review

I enjoyed this sunscreen. My skin took to it very well and it is very moisturizing. I just wish it had a higher SPF, If you have dry or combo skin. I would give this a try.

#great value
#hydrating