Living Koa Anti-Pollution Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45+ Versus PCA Skin Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Updated on August 26, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and fungal acne (malassezia) safe sunscreens. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, sensitive skin and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
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
PCA Skin Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ 25 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
Living Koa Anti-Pollution Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45+ 23 ingredients
PCA Skin Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ 25 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
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
Solvent
Octyldodecyl 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
Octocrylene 4.9%
UV Absorber
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Bran Extract
Abrasive
Bisabolol
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Ethyl Ferulate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingOctyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientOleth-3 Phosphate
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyisobutene
Propanediol
Solvent
Silybum Marianum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Water
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene 4.9%, Ectoin, Avena Sativa Bran Extract, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caffeine, Caprylyl Methicone, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethyl Ferulate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Oleth-3 Phosphate, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Phenoxyethanol, Polyisobutene, Propanediol, Silybum Marianum Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Water
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 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 SalicylatePropanediol 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 PropanediolWe don't have a description for Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate yet.
Caprylyl 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.
Bisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
This ingredient also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Learn more about BisabololPhenoxyethanol 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
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
