Explore Routine Login

Product Comparison

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

Published on January 05, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common

Cool Features

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

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, 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 SPF 50 PA++++ Sunscreen

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)
Mineral UV Filter
Retinoid
Vitamin E
Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

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

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (3)
Join our community

Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.

Join SkinSort

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

Loading ingredients...

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.

Minimalist SPF 50 PA++++ Sunscreen 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

6
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.

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

7
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.

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

8
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.

Minimalist SPF 50 PA++++ Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 26.

9
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.

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

10
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.

Minimalist SPF 50 PA++++ Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 33.

11
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.

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

12
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 24.

Minimalist SPF 50 PA++++ Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 24.

13
What it does: Abrasive, Absorbent
Community Rating: Disliked

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.

Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.

Learn more about Silica

mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ contains this as ingredient number 28.

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

14
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.

Minimalist SPF 50 PA++++ Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 28.

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

28% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
36% are disliked or very disliked
25% have no rating yet
26% are loved or liked
21% have mixed ratings
41% are disliked or very disliked
12% have no rating yet

Usage

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

When to use

Loading routine usage...

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 15 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to mCaffeine Coffee Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++.

See 15 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 43 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Minimalist SPF 50 PA++++ Sunscreen.

See 43 alternatives
Loading similar comparisons...