Versus

MediCube Collagen Firming Sun Cream SPF 50+ Versus Isntree Yam Root Milk Tone Up Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on January 02, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 15 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and SPF

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, oils or parabens

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

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Collagen Firming Sun Cream SPF 50+

Water

Skin Conditioning

Propanediol

Solvent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

CI 77891

Cosmetic Colorant

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Skin Conditioning
Non-Reef-Safe Icon

Isononyl Isononanoate

Emollient

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Antimicrobial

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Acrylates Copolymer

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Diisostearyl Malate

Emollient

Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters

Skin Conditioning

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

C14-22 Alcohols

Emulsion Stabilising

Chlorella Vulgaris Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Soluble Collagen

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Collagen

Moisturising
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Collagen Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Ethylhexyl Triazone

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polyhydroxystearic Acid

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol

UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter IconMineral UV Filter Icon

Aluminum Hydroxide

Emollient

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

Emulsifying

Polyacrylate-13

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside

Emulsifying

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Hydroxyacetophenone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Polyisobutene

Glucose

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate

Emulsion Stabilising
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Fructooligosaccharides

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Fructose

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Decyl Glucoside

Cleansing

Isododecane

Emollient

Octyldodecanol

Emollient

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Sorbitan Isostearate

Emulsifying
1-2 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycine

Buffering
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Serine

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glutamic Acid

Humectant
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Benzyl Glycol

Solvent

Aspartic Acid

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Leucine

Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans

Humectant

Alanine

Masking

Lysine

Skin Conditioning

Arginine

Masking
Good for Scar Healing IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Tyrosine

Masking

Phenylalanine

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Proline

Skin Conditioning

Threonine

Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Valine

Masking

Isoleucine

Skin Conditioning

Histidine

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Cysteine

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Methionine

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate

Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate

Cleansing

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Behenyl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Disodium EDTA

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

CI 77492

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 77491

Cosmetic Colorant

Water, Propanediol, CI 77891, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Isononyl Isononanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Acrylates Copolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Diisostearyl Malate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, C14-22 Alcohols, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Soluble Collagen, Collagen, Collagen Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Ethylhexyl Triazone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Panthenol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Polyacrylate-13, Stearic Acid, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyisobutene, Glucose, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Butylene Glycol, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Decyl Glucoside, Isododecane, Octyldodecanol, Adenosine, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Ceramide NP, Benzyl Glycol, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Cysteine, Methionine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Behenyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, CI 77492, CI 77491

Yam Root Milk Tone Up 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
Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. 

It’s often used to:

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
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Butyloctyl 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 Salicylate
Smoothing

Niacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.

And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.

You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.

In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.

If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.

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.

When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.

In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).

Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.

Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.

The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.

Learn more about Niacinamide
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate
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 
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Protecting

Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.

As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.

According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.

In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.

There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.

Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.

Learn more about Aluminum Hydroxide
Skin Conditioning

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.

There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.

D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.

Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):

Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.

This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.

Learn more about Panthenol
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol

Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Emollient, Solvent

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
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
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.

Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.

Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.

Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.

Learn more about CI 77492
Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.

Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.

Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.

Learn more about CI 77491

When to use

3 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day
13 Routines
92% use in am
8% use in pm
92% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

MediCube Collagen Firming Sun Cream SPF 50+ 84 ingredients

Collagen Firming Sun Cream SPF 50+ hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Isntree Yam Root Milk Tone Up Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 40 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 5 ratings
Pilling (2) Light Scent (2) Heavy (1)
Lapaki's avatar

Lapaki

6 months ago
Review

I am trying out and comparing tinted and tone-up sunscreens and had high hopes for the Isntree Yam Root Milk Tone Up Sun Cream, but unfortunately, it didn’t meet my expectations. While the formula is moisturizing, the texture is quite thick and takes some time to settle into the skin. On initial application, it provides a decent finish with a nice tone, but when reapplying, it starts to look cakey Show more

#hydrating
#broke me out
#heavy
#sticky
Zaphort's avatar

Zaphort

1 year ago
Review

Has a strong white cast when applied but dries down to a matte finish