Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ versus ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 .
Last updated on January 04, 2024. Published on February 12, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 16 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, retinoid, SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
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, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain oils and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
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
Ingredient Info
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 45 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 33 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Contains Sulfate
Ingredients in this product that are types of sulfate:
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 45 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 33 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Concerns
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 45 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 33 ingredients
Titanium Dioxide • Zinc Oxide • Water • Cyclopentasiloxane • Dimethicone • Glycerin • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil • Tocopheryl Acetate • Polyurethane-35 • Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Avena Sativa Kernel Extract • Xanthophylls • Retinyl Palmitate • Ascorbic Acid • Bisabolol • Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters • Urea • Yeast Amino Acids • Trehalose • Inositol • Taurine • Betaine • Biosaccharide Gum-4 • Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid • Silica • Tapioca Starch • Sucrose • Pentylene Glycol • Butylene Glycol • Stearic Acid • Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone • Peg-8 Dimethicone • Octyldodecanol • Sodium Propoxyhydroxypropyl Thiosulfate Silica • Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone • Aluminum Hydroxide • Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone • Triethoxycaprylylsilane • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin • CI 77491
Zinc Oxide 22% • Dimethicone • Water • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Dicaprylyl Carbonate • Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone • Silica • Glycerin • Butylene Glycol • Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil • Tocopheryl Acetate • Polysorbate 20 • Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Ethyl Ferulate • Triethoxycaprylylsilane • Bisabolol • Phenoxyethanol • Polymethyl Methacrylate • Caprylyl Glycol • Chlorphenesin • Sodium Chloride • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Sodium Citrate • Melanin • Pentylene Glycol • 1,2-Hexanediol • Ascorbic Acid • Retinyl Palmitate • Beta-Glucan • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract • Tocopherol • Ethylhexylglycerin • CI 77492
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Zinc 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 can be harmful to coral reefs.
More about harmful reef ingredients here.
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 OxideMurad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 WaterMurad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 3.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 5.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinMurad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 6.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 8.
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 BenzoateMurad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 7.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 4.
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil is derived from the kernels of the argania spinosa tree. You may know it as argan oil.
Argan Oil is an antioxidant, hydrating, and soothing ingredient.
Studies have shown argan oil can help fight again radical damage from the sun. This makes it effective at preventing hyperpigmentation.
Large amounts of vitamin E found in argan oil helps the skin retain water. Argan oil also contains fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. It is also a good source of lipids.
Another benefit of argan oil is skin-soothing. It can help reduce inflammation-related skin symptoms.
Argan Oil is effective at regulating sebum production in pores. This can make it effective at treating hormonal acne.
Traditionally, argan oil was used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, argan oil contains fatty acids that may make it not fungal-acne safe.
Argan Trees are native to Morocco.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilMurad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 8.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 10.
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 AcetateMurad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 9.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 11.
Retinyl palmitate is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the superstar class of anti-aging ingredients that include tretinoin and retinol.
This particular ingredient has had a bumpy year with its rise and fall in popularity.
First, Retinyl palmitate is created from palmitic acid and retinol. It is a retinol ester and considered one of the weaker forms of retinoid.
This is because all retinoids have to be converted to Tretinoin, AKA retinoic acid. Retinyl Palmitate is pretty far down the line and has to go through multiple conversions before its effects are seen.
Due to this long and ineffective conversion line, the benefits of Retinyl Palmitate are debated.
Studies show Retinyl Palmitate to help:
Dermatologists say this ingredient is ineffective because it isn't used in high enough concentrations in cosmetics.
This ingredient used to be found in sunscreens to boost the efficacy of sunscreen filters.
The downfall of Retinyl Palmitate was due to released reports about the ingredient being correlated to sun damage and skin tumors.
While there is a study showing this ingredient to cause DNA damage when exposed to UV-A, there is no concrete proof of it being linked to skin cancer. It is safe to use when used correctly.
All retinoids increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun in the first few months of usage. Be especially careful with reapplying sunscreen when using any form of retinoid.
Currently, this ingredient is still allowed in cosmetics all over the world. In Canada, cosmetics must have a warning label stating the product to contain Retinyl Palmitate
Fun fact: This ingredient is often added to low-fat milk to increase the levels of Vitamin A.
Learn more about Retinyl PalmitateMurad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 15.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 28.
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidMurad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 16.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 27.
Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.
Bisabolol comes from German chamomile essential oil. Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Bisabolol helps soothe skin. It does this by blocking the inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
Bisabolol also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Learn more about BisabololMurad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 17.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 16.
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 SilicaMurad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 27.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 7.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can help thicken or emulsify a product. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolMurad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 30.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 25.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 31.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 9.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneMurad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 42.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 15.
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.
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 43.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 17.
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.
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 44.
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 32.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 45 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 33 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 45 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 33 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 43 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++.
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