MDSolarSciences Solar Stick Mineral Sunscreen SPF40 Versus MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50
Updated on November 06, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, reducing pores and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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
MDSolarSciences Solar Stick Mineral Sunscreen SPF40 23 ingredients
MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 21 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
MDSolarSciences Solar Stick Mineral Sunscreen SPF40 23 ingredients
MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 21 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Titanium Dioxide 8.12%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 6%
Cosmetic Colorant
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Petrolatum
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMethyl Dihydroabietate
Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Behenyl Olivate
Emulsion StabilisingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Isostearate
Emollient
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Benzylidene Dimethoxydimethylindanone
Skin ProtectingIron Oxides
Titanium Dioxide 8.12%, Zinc Oxide 6%, Polyethylene, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Petrolatum, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Octyldodecanol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopherol, Behenyl Olivate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Citric Acid, Benzylidene Dimethoxydimethylindanone, Iron Oxides
Titanium Dioxide 2.1%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 17%
Cosmetic Colorant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Isostearate
Emollient
Polysilicone-15
UV FilterTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Punica Granatum Extract
AstringentVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Silica
Abrasive
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Cyclotetrasiloxane
Emollient
Isoceteth-10
EmulsifyingPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Iron Oxides
Titanium Dioxide 2.1%, Zinc Oxide 17%, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polysilicone-15, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Isoceteth-10, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Iron Oxides
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.
Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.
With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.
Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.
Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideZinc 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 may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.
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 OxideDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeButyloctyl Salicylate is similar to octisalate. It a photostabilizer, SPF booster, 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.
Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.
According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD) is a stable and oil-soluble form of Vitamin C.
THD is special in that it has the ability to travel deeper into skin than traditional ascorbic acid while maintaining the same skin benefits (double win!).
Because it’s oil-soluble, THD dives deep into your skin’s fatty layers (think ceramides and cholesterol) to fight off the kind of free radicals that mess with your skin barrier. This makes it a great pair with water-based vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that mainly works on the surface.
Even at just 0.1%, THD is already showing great antioxidant activity. When used up to 2%, it helps keep your skin happy and calm, especially when it’s stressed from pollution or sun.
Want to fade dark spots or tackle hyperpigmentation? You’ll want 5% or more. Pairing it with brightening buddies like niacinamide or licorice root gives even better results. One study even used 30% THD with other brighteners and saw real results on stubborn discoloration, even in melasma-prone skin.
A note on THD: It’s has a slightly silky, oily texture and usually shows up colorless or pale yellow (though the exact shade can vary by supplier).
While you can sneak it into water-based formulas, it really shines when paired with silicones or oils, which help your skin soak it up better.
THD is pretty stable, but it’s still vulnerable to degradation like ascorbic acid. Too much light or heat (above 113°F / 45°C) can break it down over time. Go for dark and opaque packaging that keeps it safe and shady!
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateGlyceryl Isostearate is a mixture made from glycerin and isostearic acid.
It is an emollient, meaning it helps keep your skin hydrated and soft. This ingredient is also used to make the texture of a product thicker.
Glyceryl Isostearate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Glyceryl IsostearatePolyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidThis ingredient is a combination of red, black, and yellow iron oxide pigments. This combination of colors is usually found in foundation, because it results in a "skin" color.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
MDSolarSciences Solar Stick Mineral Sunscreen SPF40 23 ingredients
MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 21 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
MDSolarSciences Solar Stick Mineral Sunscreen SPF40 23 ingredients
MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 21 ingredients
The consistency of this is pretty nice and it doesn't leave a bad white cast, but one of the ingredient's safety worries me enough that I don't want to use it too often.
Cyclopentasiloxane hazard statements: "Flammable liquid and vapor. Suspected of damaging fertility. May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life. While cyclopentasiloxane is generally safe for human use, it may have a Show more
