Versus

Nature Republic California Aloe Fresh Powdery Sun Stick SPF50+ Pa++++ Versus AHC Beauty Natural Perfection Fresh Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on October 27, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 20 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and sensitive skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain common allergens, fragrances and 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
California Aloe Fresh Powdery Sun Stick SPF50+ Pa++++
Natural Perfection Fresh Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer

Polyethylene

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate

Emollient

Homosalate

Skin Conditioning
Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Dicaprylyl Carbonate

Emollient

Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)

Emollient

Ethylhexyl Salicylate

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

UV Filter
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

Skin Conditioning
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Ozokerite

Emulsion Stabilising

Orange Roughy Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil Icon

Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil

Masking
Oil Icon

Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil Icon

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Camellia Japonica Flower Extract

Emollient

Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water

Skin Conditioning

Centella Asiatica Extract

Cleansing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract

Skin Conditioning

Oryza Sativa Bran Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

Emollient
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Emollient
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract

Masking

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract

Masking
Fragrance IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Cocos Nucifera Oil

Masking
4 / 0 Fragrance IconOil IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sea Water

Humectant

Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract

Skin Conditioning

Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract

Humectant
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Salix Alba Bark Extract

Astringent
Good for Oily Skin Icon

Tremella Fuciformis Extract

Humectant

Portulaca Oleracea Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract

Masking
May worsen Eczema Icon

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

Astringent

Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Epilobium Fleischeri Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconFragrance Icon

Nephelium Lappaceum Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract

Skin Conditioning

Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract

Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Emollient
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Bisabolol

Masking
Helps reduce irritation Icon

Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Dehydroacetic Acid

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

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

Dipropylene Glycol

Masking

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Xylitylglucoside

Humectant

Anhydroxylitol

Humectant

Capryloyl Glycine

Cleansing

Sodium Palmitoyl Proline

Skin Conditioning

Hexylene Glycol

Emulsifying
0-2 / 0-1

Xylitol

Humectant

Sarcosine

Skin Conditioning

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

Citric Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Oxygen

Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Citral

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Linalool

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Limonene

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polyethylene, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ozokerite, Orange Roughy Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Water, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Sea Water, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Nephelium Lappaceum Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Capryloyl Glycine, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Hexylene Glycol, Xylitol, Sarcosine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Oxygen, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Citral, Linalool, Limonene

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Abrasive

Polyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.

Polyethylene is also typically used within product formulations to help bind solid ingredients together and thicken oil-based ingredients. When added to balms and emulsions, it helps increase the melting point temperature.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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.

This ingredient has been found to increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients.

Learn more about Dimethicone

We don't have a description for Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer yet.

UV Absorber, UV Filter

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.

UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.

The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.

It is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to products when applied. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Dicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.

As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.

UV Absorber, UV Filter

Ethylhexyl 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 Salicylate

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UVA absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).

DHHB is well-liked for:

DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.

This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.

It is an UV absorber. UV absorbers are an agent that absorbs UV rays to protect your skin. They use chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.

Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter

You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.

Bemotrizinol has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. Skin exposed to UV causes free-radical molecules to form. This ingredient works by preventing the UV from reaching your skin.

It is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.

Bemotrizinol is not approved in the US but is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia.

In fact, it is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted by in the EU.

It is oil-soluble.

Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

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
Emulsion Stabilising

Ozokerite is a naturally occuring mineral wax. In cosmetics, ozokerite is used as a texture enhancer.

Ceresin wax is derived from this ingredient.

The melting point of ozokerite is 58-100 C.

Ozokerite is found all over the world including Scotland, the US, and India.

Learn more about Ozokerite
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.

You may know Aloe to be a good sunburn reliever and inflammation reducer. This is because it contains many components that are known to help reduce irritation and itchiness. These include vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and more. The high water content of aloe also helps give a cooling effect.

Aloe contains the antioxidants Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins neutralize free radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

The aloe plant is naturally abundant in polysaccharides, a carbohydrate made of sugar molecules. Polysaccharides help hydrate your skin by mimicking your skin's natural carbohydrates.

As it is easily absorbed by the skin, aloe is a great moisturizer. It is both a humectant and emollient. Emollients help trap moisture in your skin, keeping your skin soft. Humectants draw water from the air to your skin.

Other components of aloe include sugars such as monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, choline, many common minerals such as calcium, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.

Aloe does not protect against UV rays, despite it soothing sunburns.

There are over 420 species of aloe but Aloe Barbadensis is the most commonly used for topical products.

Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Humectant, Solvent

Sea water is a humectant and solvent. It is purified water from bodies of salt water.

This ingredient contains minerals (such as salt, zinc, and copper), but the amount will vary depending on where it comes from.

Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing

Bisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.

This ingredient 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.

All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.

Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.

Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.

Learn more about Bisabolol

Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Preservative

Dehydroacetic Acid is fungicide and bactericide. It is used as a preservative in cosmetics. Preservatives help elongate the shelf life of a product.

Dehydroacetic Acid is not soluble in water.

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
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

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

Perfuming

Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.

Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.

This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.

Learn more about Linalool
Perfuming, Solvent

Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.

It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".

Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.

When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.

Learn more about Limonene

When to use

36 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
28 Routines
96% use in am
4% use in pm
79% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Nature Republic California Aloe Fresh Powdery Sun Stick SPF50+ Pa++++ 31 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 4 ratings
Works Well (2) Great Value (2) Light Scent (2)
MiroslavaBedrozova_812's avatar

MiroslavaBedrozova_812

11 months ago
Review

Smells nice, but it's very irritating to the eyes.

#light scent
Yawnkun's avatar

Niko Chan

1 year ago
Review

This is the only sunscreen so far that doesn't break me out. I also love the matte, powdery finish it leaves on my skin. Easy to reapply too. I also like the scent, doesn't linger too much though so it's perfect.

#great value
#works well

AHC Beauty Natural Perfection Fresh Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ 73 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 3 ratings
Great Value (1) Works Well (1)
sarahabma's avatar

sarahabma

2 years ago
Review

Broke me out :(
Applies smooth, no white cast, but can't recommend for acne-prone skin

screamadelica's avatar

screamadelica

1 year ago
Review

great sunstick!
this is only the second sunstick i’ve tried after the scinic super active airy sun stick. if i had to pick, i’d probably say i slightly prefer the scinic, but this is another excellent option. like the scinic sunstick, this goes on smooth (even near my eyes), doesn’t leave a whitecast for me (granted my skin is fair), and barely messes with my makeup. i love the angle, too.