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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 versus Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 50 .

Published on February 01, 2021

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, oils or parabens

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols, fragrances and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

General Moisturizer French Brand France
Sunscreen French Brand France

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Price

Shop

Buy UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50

Starts at $33.99
Shop

Buy UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 50

Starts at $34.41

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (5)
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (4)
Rosacea (5)
Eczema (5)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (3)
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (3)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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

Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Octocrylene 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 Octocrylene

Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.

Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter

You probably know this ingredient as Oxybenzone, a sunscreen ingredient. It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredient, meaning it can protect the skin against UVB and short UVA rays. The absorption range is 270-350 nm with peak absorption at 288 and 350 nm.

This chemical ingredient protects your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy. UV absorbers may absorb both UVA and UVB rays. It is often combined with other sunscreen ingredients to help with stability.

Ongoing research is looking into whether oxybenzone causes skin irritation and sensitivity. However, it has been shown to trigger contact dermatitis in some studies.

Oxybenzone is allowed in certain concentrations by many countries. It is allowed up to 6% in the US, and Canada, 5% in Japan, and 10% in Australia. Other countries and regions of the US have banned this ingredient to protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems. These places include Hawaii, Key West, US Virgin Islands, marine parks in Thailand, Aruba, and Palau.

The EU currently allows the following maximum concentrations:

Studies show conflicting results about oxybenzone being absorbed into the human body. The Swedish Research Institute has advised careful use of this ingredient by pregnant women and children. We always recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns about this ingredient and your health.

Learn more about Benzophenone-3

Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 5.

Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.

Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.

5
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 7.

Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 5.

6
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 15.

Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 15.

7
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 26.

Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 20.

8
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

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.

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 look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 29.

Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 32.

9
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate

Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 30.

Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 31.

10
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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

Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 31.

Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 17.

11
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 32.

Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 16.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

19% are loved or liked
6% have mixed ratings
52% are disliked or very disliked
23% have no rating yet
16% are loved or liked
16% have mixed ratings
49% are disliked or very disliked
19% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Lancôme UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 50.

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