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Updated on July 01, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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.

Living Koa Anti-Pollution Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45+
Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients
spf rating
45
spf rating
30

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Anti-Pollution Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45+
Zinc Oxide Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber
1 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconHelps fight Acne IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
Mineral UV FilterMineral UV Filter Icon Helps fight AcneHelps fight Acne Icon Non-Reef-SafeNon-Reef-Safe Icon

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.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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.

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.

Disliked Full details ->
Butyloctyl Salicylate Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Non-Reef-Safe Icon
Non-Reef-SafeNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Butyloctyl Salicylate is a photostabilizer, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.

Disliked Full details ->
Isododecane Emollient, Solvent

Isododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.

Disliked Full details ->
Lauryl Peg-8 Dimethicone
Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Lauryl Peg-8 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Unknown Full details ->
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.

Disliked Full details ->
Propanediol Solvent

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate Emollient

We don't have a description for Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate.

Unknown Full details ->
C15-19 Alkane Solvent

C15-19 alkane is a mixture of alkanes. Alkanes are hydrocarbons with carbon atoms held together by single bonds.

Unknown Full details ->
Caprylyl Methicone Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Caprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Niacinamide Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Dark Spots IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon
NiacinamideNiacinamide Icon 6 Benefits

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

Lauryl Peg-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Lauryl Peg-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Unknown Full details ->
Dimethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
1 / 0 Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

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.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Dimethicone Crosspolymer Emulsion Stabilising

Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Trilaureth-4 Phosphate Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Trilaureth-4 Phosphate.

Unknown Full details ->
Allantoin Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
0 / 0 Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon
3 Benefits

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Bisabolol Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Helps reduce irritation Icon
Helps reduce irritationHelps reduce irritation Icon

Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.

Tocopherol Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation Icon
Vitamin EVitamin E Icon AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon 4 Benefits May cause irritationMay cause irritation Icon

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

0-3 Com. / 0-3 Irr.
Sodium Chloride Masking
Can worsen Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
3 Concerns

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

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.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted effects and reactions from a product. These metal ions may come from water and are found in miniscule amounts.

Unknown Full details ->
Peg-10 Humectant, Solvent

We don't have a description for Peg-10.

Unknown Full details ->
Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30
Zinc Oxide Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber
1 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconHelps fight Acne IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon
Mineral UV FilterMineral UV Filter Icon Helps fight AcneHelps fight Acne Icon Non-Reef-SafeNon-Reef-Safe Icon

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.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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.

Isododecane Emollient, Solvent

Isododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.

Disliked Full details ->
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Masking, Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Butyloctyl Salicylate Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Non-Reef-Safe Icon
Non-Reef-SafeNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Butyloctyl Salicylate is a photostabilizer, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.

Disliked Full details ->
Propanediol Solvent

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Squalane Emollient, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon
Helps hydrate Dry SkinHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Trioctyldodecyl Citrate Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Trioctyldodecyl Citrate.

Unknown Full details ->
Polyglycerin-3 Humectant

Polyglycerin-3 is a 3-unit glycerin polymer.

Glyceryl Lactate
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Lactate isn't fungal acne safe.

Unknown Full details ->
Polysilicone-11

We don't have a description for Polysilicone-11.

Disliked Full details ->
Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Fatty AlcoholFatty Alcohol Icon 3 Concerns

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

2 Com. / 1 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Glyceryl Stearate Emollient, Emulsifying
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate Cleansing, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an emulsifier and helps condition the skin. It is amino acid-based.

Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

Disliked Full details ->
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Emulsion Stabilising

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a texture enhancer and pH adjuster.

Disliked Full details ->
Isostearic Acid Cleansing, Emulsifying
Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
2 Concerns

Isostearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Its structure makes it a great surfactant.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Lecithin Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.

Disliked Full details ->
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

This ingredient is an emulsifier. It is created from Polyglycerin-3 and Ricinoleic Acid.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Polyhydroxystearic Acid Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.

Disliked Full details ->
Caprylhydroxamic Acid

Caprylhydroxamic Acid is a chelating agent.

Citric Acid Buffering, Masking
AHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AHAAHA Icon 4 Benefits 2 Concerns

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

Disliked Full details ->
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
2 Benefits

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.

Lespedeza Capitata Leaf/Stem Extract Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

We don't have a description for Lespedeza Capitata Leaf/Stem Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Maltodextrin Absorbent, Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning

Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide. It is derived from starch such as rice, corn, wheat, or potato starch.

Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber
Liked

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 can be harmful to coral reefs.

More about harmful reef ingredients here.

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 Oxide
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Disliked

Butyloctyl Salicylate is a photostabilizer, 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.

According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.

Learn more about Butyloctyl Salicylate
Emollient, Solvent
Disliked

Isododecane 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 Isododecane
Solvent
Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

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 Propanediol

Ingredient Ratings

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

Anti-Pollution Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45+
7
9
7
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30
10
3
12
3
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

6 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
83% use every day
31 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Living Koa Anti-Pollution Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45+ 23 ingredients

Anti-Pollution Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45+ hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30 28 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Expensive (1) Hydrating (1)
Jacob's avatar

Jacob

1 year ago · Dry Skin
Review

Love it
Started using this product recently as chemical sunscreens were stinging my eyes.

Overall, it's pretty great. No eye stinging and it...

Love it
Started using this product recently as chemical sunscreens were stinging my eyes.

Overall, it's pretty great. No eye stinging and it doesn't seem to irritate my skin. It does leave a white cast however.

It's a bit pricy, so I might look into cheaper alternatives going forward.

AshN.'s avatar

AshN.

5 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

(Tried May 2021) Came across this product back when I was actively searching for a sunscreen. My initial thoughts were that I found this to be a...

(Tried May 2021) Came across this product back when I was actively searching for a sunscreen. My initial thoughts were that I found this to be a rather expensive purchase, considering the amount of product as well as it not being at least 50 SPF. However, I did find this to be very moisturizing, but didn't leave a dewy finish as much as I was hoping to. There was minimal white cast, but honestly there are other sunscreens that I'd rather recommend that are worth the price point.