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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen versus Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ .

Published on May 11, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 18 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain niacinamide, SPF and Vitamin E

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, 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 need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen American Brand United States
Sunscreen American Brand United States

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.

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 Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen

Shop

Buy The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+

Starts at $62.00

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
45
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

Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E
Niacinamide

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
Acne Trigger
Irritating
Rosacea

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting (3)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)
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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.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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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: Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: 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

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 1.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

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

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.

As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.

This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.

Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 2.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 3.

3
What it does: Emollient, Solvent
Community Rating: 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

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 4.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 7.

Lauryl Peg-8 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 5.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 5.

5
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Polymethylsilsesquioxane 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 Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 6.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 12.

6
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: 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

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 7.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 10.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 10.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 11.

8
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

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 Niacinamide

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 11.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 13.

9
What it does: Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

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

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 12.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 38.

10
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.

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 13.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 6.

11
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 14.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 32.

12
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

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

Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.

Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.

Learn more about Allantoin

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 16.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 21.

13
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

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

Bisabolol comes from German chamomile essential oil. Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.

Bisabolol helps soothe skin. It does this by blocking the inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.

Bisabolol 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.

Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.

Learn more about Bisabolol

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 17.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 20.

14
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 18.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 22.

15
What it does: Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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

This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.

You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.

There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.

The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.

Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.

Learn more about Sodium Chloride

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 19.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 43.

16
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.

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 20.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 46.

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.

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate can also help other preservatives be more effective.

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 21.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 34.

18
What it does: Humectant, Solvent

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

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 22.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 35.

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

27% are loved or liked
0% have mixed ratings
41% are disliked or very disliked
32% have no rating yet
38% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
28% are disliked or very disliked
23% have no rating yet

Usage

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Living Koa Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen 22 ingredients

Anti-Pollution SPF45+ Reef-safe sunscreen hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Shield SPF 50+ 47 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 1 rating

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