Versus

Mary & May Cica Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ Versus B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Real Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on August 15, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant 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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Cica Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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.

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
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Dibutyl Adipate is an emollient and solvent. It is created from butyl alcohol and adipic acid.

As a solvent, Dibutyl Adipate helps mix and disperse ingredients evenly.

Dibutyl Adipate is soluble in water and organic solvents. It does not absorb UV rays.

Learn more about Dibutyl Adipate

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).

DHHB is well-liked for:

DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.

This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.

Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Absorber, UV Filter

Ethylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.

It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.

Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.

It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Triazone
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

It is a:

  • Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Emollient, helping to soften skin
  • Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
  • Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Skin Conditioning

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.

Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.

In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.

Learn more about Adenosine

When to use

38 Routines
97% use in am
3% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
8 Routines
88% use in am
13% use in pm
100% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Mary & May Cica Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 42 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 3 ratings
Light (3) Works Well (2) Absorbs Well (1)
maria_bg's avatar

Maria

7 months ago
Review

It's light and has no white cast. It didn't broke me out and it's okey to use it around my eyes too. I have sensitive acne prone skin type.

#light
#absorbs well
#works well
AyeChanKhinHtun's avatar

AyeChanKhinHtun

1 year ago
Review

I like the ingredients and the slight scent isn't overwhelming. It feels like a moisturizer so I like using this a lot. However, my skin can get sensitive so it stings on some days and makes my eyes water a little. I liked it but don't think I'll repurchase for these reasons.

#light
#light scent

B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Real Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ 20 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 1 rating
Great Value (1) Heavy (1) No Scent (1)
ahihileuleu77's avatar

ahihileuleu77

11 months ago
Review

i got two of these for really cheap
glides on smoothly, no white cast
the teardrop shape is practical, allows you to get into smaller corners
though oily skin folks shouldnt get this bc itd be heavy n greasy.
feels like isntrees dupe for wayyy cheaper
overall its 4 stars but 5 for the price

#great value
#heavy
#no scent