Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ 43 ingredients
Avène Hydrance UV Rich Hydrating Cream 38 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ 43 ingredients
Avène Hydrance UV Rich Hydrating Cream 38 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Ingredients Side-by-side
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.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Houttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
4 Benefits May cause irritation
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UVA absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
Astaxanthin is a carotene pigment and red pigment. It's what makes salmon a pink color.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
Oil Not safe for Fungal Acne
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of the Olive. In other words - olive oil.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is a high molecular weight silicone. It has emulsifying and skin conditioning properties.
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract comes from the fruit known as the fig. Figs are rich in antioxidants and helps hydrate the skin.
Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.
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.
Dibutyl Adipate is an emollient and solvent. It is created from butyl alcohol and adipic acid.
Mineral UV Filter
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M) is a hybrid and broad-spectrum UV ingredient. It is both a UV absorber and filter.
2 Concerns
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
6 Benefits
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
Decyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant. Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
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.
4 Benefits
Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate is a form of Vitamin C. It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, and reduce the visibility of dark spots.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Portulaca Oleracea Extract is an extract of the whole plant of the Purslane, Portulaca oleracea L., Portulacaceae. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.
Non-Reef-Safe
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.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Antioxidant 4 Benefits May cause irritation
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.
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a type of hyaluronic acid. In fact, it is modified version of hyaluronic acid.
Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.
Water, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Astaxanthin, Pentylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polysilicone-15, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Ceramide NP, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propanediol, Dibutyl Adipate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Decyl Glucoside, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Homosalate, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ceteth-10, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Tromethamine
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.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
Diisopropyl Adipate comes from isopropyl alcohol and Adipic Acid.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Mineral UV Filter
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M) is a hybrid and broad-spectrum UV ingredient. It is both a UV absorber and filter.
You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone is a photostable UV absorber. It protects in the UVB and UVA II range. UV absorbers are an agent that absorbs UV rays. They protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
2 Concerns
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
2 Concerns
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Methyl Gluceth-20 is a humectant. Humectants help draw moisture from the air to your skin.
Triethylhexanoin is created from glycerin and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. It is a solvent and emollient.
C10-18 Triglycerides is a skin conditioning and texture-enhancer.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
May worsen Eczema
Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
Decyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant. Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
2 Concerns
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Glyceryl Behenate is a fatty acid created from glycerin and behenic acid. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Polyacrylate-13 is a type of acrylate polymer. Acrylate polymers are commonly used as adhesives in cosmetics.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
Stearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients.
Antioxidant 4 Benefits May cause irritation
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.
Tribehenin comes from glycerin and behenic acid.
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.
Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Glycerin, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Methyl Gluceth-20, Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate, Triethylhexanoin, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, C10-18 Triglycerides, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Benzoic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Glyceryl Behenate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Phytosterols, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Glucoside, Tribehenin, Xanthan Gum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterPropylene 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 deliver a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolYou might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
Bemotrizinol has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. Skin exposed to UV causes free-radical molecules to form. This ingredient works by preventing the UV from reaching your skin.
It is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Bemotrizinol is not approved in the US but is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia.
In fact, it is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted by in the EU.
It is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineGlycerin 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 GlycerinMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M) is a hybrid and broad-spectrum UV ingredient. It is both a UV absorber and filter.
UV absorbers are an agent that absorbs UV rays. They protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy. UV filters physically reduce the amount of UV rays from reaching your skin.
Tinosorb M covers a range of 280-400 nm and is photostable. This ingredient is neither oil or water soluble.
Tinosorb M, similarly to Tinosorb S, is not available in the US. However, it is available in the EU and Asia.
Learn more about Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl TetramethylbutylphenolDecyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant. Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away.
It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.
Decyl Glucoside also helps stabilize the ingredients in a product by preventing them from separating.
This ingredient is biodegradable and non-toxic. This ingredient is commonly found in baby shampoos.
Decyl Glucoside is sometimes used to stabilize the UV filter Tinosorb.
Learn more about Decyl GlucosideXanthan 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 GumTocopherol (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 TocopherolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
When to use
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ 43 ingredients
Avène Hydrance UV Rich Hydrating Cream 38 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ 43 ingredients
rosalind
The sunscreen has a very watery consistency (as the name would suggest) leading to it feeling weightless on the skin, it applies beautifully...
The sunscreen has a very watery consistency (as the name would suggest) leading to it feeling weightless on the skin, it applies beautifully without any white cast, and is cosmetically brilliant under makeup. BE WARNED, this product has a noticeable sunscreen scent that depending on what you’re used to may or may not be tolerable. This sunscreen also has significant shine, it’s perfect for my dry skin as it leaves me with a dewy finish that I appreciate, however anyone desiring a matte finish or those with oily skin will definitely not like this product.
Felixe
sosososoo good!! has so many nice ingredients that hydrate your skin and also protects it from UV rays. And i can't get over how GOOD this works...
sosososoo good!! has so many nice ingredients that hydrate your skin and also protects it from UV rays. And i can't get over how GOOD this works under makeup it's insane, no pilling no white cast, just a great subtle glow and quick drying with no fragrance.
Edit: Felt like adding something, even if this went more viral around 2021 and other more viral sunscreens have come out since then, i've still been coming back to this one because it's just so simple and yet so effective.
Great for my sensitive combo skin and for people that don't have much time in the AM since it can kind of double down as moisturiser <3
