Lancer Skincare Sheer Fluid Sun Shield SPF 30 Versus Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50
Updated on January 10, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols 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
Lancer Skincare Sheer Fluid Sun Shield SPF 30 25 ingredients
Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 28 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
Lancer Skincare Sheer Fluid Sun Shield SPF 30 25 ingredients
Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 28 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%
UV Absorber
Zinc Oxide 17.1%
Cosmetic Colorant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Cell Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Tropaeolum Majus Extract
AntimicrobialHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Lecithin
Emollient
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Benzylidene Dimethoxydimethylindanone
Skin ProtectingIsomalt
HumectantHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Zinc Oxide 17.1%, Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Alcohol, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Cell Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Tropaeolum Majus Extract, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Bisabolol, Tocopherol, Lecithin, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, Benzylidene Dimethoxydimethylindanone, Isomalt, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%
UV Absorber
Titanium Dioxide 2%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 17.1%
Cosmetic Colorant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Skin ProtectingEchinacea Purpurea Extract
MoisturisingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentArctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingParfum
Masking
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Titanium Dioxide 2%, Zinc Oxide 17.1%, Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Stearic Acid, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, BHT, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateZinc 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 OxideCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneWater. 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 WaterAlcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying - mostly due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue, constricting pores and leaving your skin dried out.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is if this alcohol is near the end of an ingredients list, it will probably not affect your skin much.
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.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 GlycerinPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, Hexylene Glycol helps gather dirt and oil on your skin to be washed away.
As an emulsifier, Hexylene Glycol helps keep water and oil together. This prevents them from separating in a product. Hexylene Glycol also thins out the texture of a product by lessening viscosity.
Hexylene Glycol has a small molecular weight.
Learn more about Hexylene GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
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.
Ingredient Ratings
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