Minimalist Invisible Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ Versus APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
Updated on June 17, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
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
Minimalist Invisible Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ 26 ingredients
APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ 50 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Minimalist Invisible Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ 26 ingredients
APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ 50 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Diisopropyl Adipate
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Isododecane
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Homosalate
Skin Conditioning
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion Stabilising
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Silica Silylate
EmollientQuaternium-90 Sepiolite
Emulsion StabilisingQuaternium-90 Montmorillonite
EmulsifyingBHT
Antioxidant
Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Isododecane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Squalane, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Homosalate, Microcrystalline Wax, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica Silylate, Quaternium-90 Sepiolite, Quaternium-90 Montmorillonite, BHT
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing
Squalane
Emollient
C14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Emulsifying
Propanediol
Solvent
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMelaleuca Cajaputi Extract
TonicHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingUncaria Sinensis Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientGlutathione
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Tropolone
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Squalane, C14-22 Alcohols, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Carbomer, Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Uncaria Sinensis Extract, Glycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucose, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sucrose Stearate, Glutathione, Cyclodextrin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Tropolone, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneEthylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateOctocrylene 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 OctocryleneSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Minimalist Invisible Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ 26 ingredients
APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ 50 ingredients
