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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ versus mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide .

Published on June 21, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 25 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen Indian Brand India
Sunscreen Indian Brand India

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 Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++

Starts at $62.99
Shop

Buy Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide

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
50
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

Chemical UV Filter (3)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (4)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (3)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (3)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Irritating (3)
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.

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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: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: 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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Diisopropyl Adipate comes from isopropyl alcohol and Adipic Acid.

It is a solvent and emollient. As a solvent, it is used to help other ingredients dissolve into the solution. It is also often used to soften hard ingredients.

Emollients help hydrate the skin by creating a thin barrier. This thin barrier prevents moisture from escaping.

Learn more about Diisopropyl Adipate

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 2.

Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate is a mixture of Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate and Propylene Glycol Dicaprate.

It is an emollient and helps hydate the skin.

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 3.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
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

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 4.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

We don't have a description for Diisopropyl Sebacate.

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 5.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 5.

6
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.

UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.

The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 6.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 6.

7
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.

Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.

Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.

However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.

Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!

The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.

Learn more about Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 7.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 7.

8
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.

Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.

Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.

The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:

Learn more about Octocrylene

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 8.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 8.

9
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.

In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.

Learn more about Hydrogenated Polyisobutene

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 9.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 9.

10
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.

As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.

Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.

Learn more about Methylpropanediol

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 10.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 10.

11
What it does:

Polyacrylate-13 is a type of acrylate polymer. Acrylate polymers are commonly used as adhesives in cosmetics.

Polyacrylate-13 creates a film to protect the skin. It is also used to thicken and stabilize a product. It works by making water a gel-like consistency. This gel consistency helps suspend particles.

Polyacrylate-13 is a copolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide, sodium acrylate, sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate monomers

Learn more about Polyacrylate-13

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 11.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 19.

12
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.

It is a film-forming agent and helps bind ingredients together.

Polyisobutene is not absorbed by the skin.

Learn more about Polyisobutene

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 12.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 20.

13
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.

Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.

The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.

Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 20

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 13.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 21.

14
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.

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 14.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 16.

15
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 15.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 17.

16
What it does: Antimicrobial

We don't have a description for Octenidine Hcl.

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 16.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 18.

17
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and anti-aging.

Caffeine is an antioxidants, which help with the signs of aging. This is because antioxidants help fight skin-damaging free radical molecules.

While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.

Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.

Learn more about Caffeine

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 17.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 13.

18
What it does: Humectant, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.

Hyaluronic Acid has the capacity to bind to large amounts of water. This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.

Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.

Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing,

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Hyaluronic Acid

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 19.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 14.

19
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

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 21.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 15.

20
What it does:
Community Rating: Mixed

Acrylates Copolymer is used as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer.

After applied, Acrylates Copolymer forms a thin film cover that helps skin feel more soft. It can help sunscreens become more water-resistant.

It is also used to make a product more thick.

Learn more about Acrylates Copolymer

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 29.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 22.

21
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 30.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 26.

22
What it does: Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

We don't have a description for Acacia Senegal Gum.

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 31.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 24.

23
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

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.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 32.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 25.

24
What it does: Skin Conditioning

This is the synthetic salt of gluconic acid, a form of PHA and mild exfoliant.

It is mainly used to stabilize oil and butter formulations from going bad. Sodium gluconate is a humectant, pH regulator, and chelating agent.

Chelating agents help neutralize unwanted metals from affecting the formulation.

Sodium gluconate is water-soluble.

Learn more about Sodium Gluconate

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 34.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 23.

25
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 35.

mCaffeine Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ with Niacinamide contains this as ingredient number 30.

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

25% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
33% are disliked or very disliked
28% have no rating yet
26% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
42% are disliked or very disliked
19% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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