Living Koa Anti-Pollution Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45+ Versus Active Nine Intensive UV Shield Mild Sun Relief Cream SPF50+ PA++++
Updated on June 03, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe sunscreens. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain 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
Living Koa Anti-Pollution Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45+ 23 ingredients
Active Nine Intensive UV Shield Mild Sun Relief Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 28 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Living Koa Anti-Pollution Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45+ 23 ingredients
Active Nine Intensive UV Shield Mild Sun Relief Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 28 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 12%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Isododecane
EmollientLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Propanediol
SolventOctyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientC15-19 Alkane
SolventCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTrilaureth-4 Phosphate
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
PEG-10
HumectantZinc Oxide 12%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Isododecane, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Propanediol, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, C15-19 Alkane, Caprylyl Methicone, Niacinamide, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trilaureth-4 Phosphate, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Tocopherol, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, PEG-10
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
SolventPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Keiskei Extract
Antioxidant
Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
Antimicrobial
Magnesium Sulfate
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Water, Zinc Oxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Isododecane, Caprylyl Methicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Angelica Keiskei Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Magnesium Sulfate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Panthenol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Zinc 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 OxideWater. 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 WaterButyloctyl Salicylate is similar to octisalate. It a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.
This ingredient is a common sunscreen ingredient carrier and photostabilizer. According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for carrying micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.
According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
Learn more about IsododecanePolymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxanePropanediol 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 PropanediolCaprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Living Koa Anti-Pollution Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45+ 23 ingredients
Active Nine Intensive UV Shield Mild Sun Relief Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 28 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Living Koa Anti-Pollution Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45+ 23 ingredients
Active Nine Intensive UV Shield Mild Sun Relief Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 28 ingredients
i really loved this sunscreen. i don’t think i’ve ever used a physical sunscreen with such a viscous formula. i’m very pleased however because i dislike runny sunscreens, which i feel is a trait most physical sunscreens share.
i found this fairly easy to blend. it might just be the white cast, but i found this to help with the redness on my fair skin. it didn’t burn my eyes at all. it wears Show more
Such a lovely uncomplicated sunscreen! There's minimal white cast on application that melts in shortly after (fair-medium skin, although my eyebrows will remain ashy). It soothes my skin all day, making it less red with a healthy matte finish (honestly it almost feels like a cosmetic product rather than sunscreen for me). Super comfortable to wear, from someone who 9/10 times wants to scratch her Show more
