La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Hydrating Face Sunscreen SPF 50 With Hyaluronic Acid Versus COOLA Refreshing Water Cream Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Updated on January 11, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones 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
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Hydrating Face Sunscreen SPF 50 With Hyaluronic Acid 29 ingredients
COOLA Refreshing Water Cream Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 59 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
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Hydrating Face Sunscreen SPF 50 With Hyaluronic Acid 29 ingredients
COOLA Refreshing Water Cream Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 59 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 7%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 7%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
C15-19 Alkane
SolventPropanediol
Solvent
C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer
StabilisingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPichia Pastoris/Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate/Tocopherol Ferment Extract Filtrate
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Citric Acid
Buffering
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Polyglycerin-3
Humectant
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 7%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, Water, Glycerin, C15-19 Alkane, Propanediol, C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sclerotium Gum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Glyceryl Stearate, Jojoba Esters, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Pichia Pastoris/Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate/Tocopherol Ferment Extract Filtrate, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglycerin-3
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 5%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 3%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 5%
UV Absorber
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes
Emollient
Adipic Acid/Diglycol Crosspolymer
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Isododecane
EmollientSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Water
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingJasminum Sambac Leaf Cell Extract
Masking
Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract
Antioxidant
Schinus Molle Extract
Skin ProtectingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract
TonicLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSodium Benzoate
Masking
Methylbenzyl Acetate
Masking
Benzyl Acetate
Masking
Juniperus Mexicana Oil
Masking
Propanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Lecithin
Emollient
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Bisabolol
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDelta-Decalactone
Masking
Ethyl Butyrate
Perfuming
Gamma-Nonalactone
Masking
Gamma-Octalactone
Perfuming
Methyl Anthranilate
MaskingMethyl Benzoate
Perfuming
Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingNerolidol
Perfuming
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingHeliotropine
Masking
Anisaldehyde
Masking
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Vanillin
Masking
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 3%, Octocrylene 5%, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes, Adipic Acid/Diglycol Crosspolymer, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Isododecane, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Water, Cocos Nucifera Water, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Jasminum Sambac Leaf Cell Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Schinus Molle Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Benzoate, Methylbenzyl Acetate, Benzyl Acetate, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Lecithin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Gluconolactone, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Xanthan Gum, Delta-Decalactone, Ethyl Butyrate, Gamma-Nonalactone, Gamma-Octalactone, Methyl Anthranilate, Methyl Benzoate, Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract, Nerolidol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Heliotropine, Anisaldehyde, Triethyl Citrate, Vanillin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneHomosalate 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 HomosalateEthylhexyl 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.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateOctocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneWater. 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 GlycerinPropanediol 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 PropanediolSodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an emulsifier and helps condition the skin. It is amino acid-based.
In higher amounts, it may act as a cleansing agent.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateCitric 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 AcidIngredient Ratings
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