Nature Republic California Aloe Fresh Powdery Sun Stick SPF50+ Pa++++ Versus Sun Does Matter Sun Buddy Help Me Sun Stick SPF 50+
Updated on July 26, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, sensitive skin and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
Nature Republic California Aloe Fresh Powdery Sun Stick SPF50+ Pa++++ 31 ingredients
Sun Does Matter Sun Buddy Help Me Sun Stick SPF 50+ 40 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Nature Republic California Aloe Fresh Powdery Sun Stick SPF50+ Pa++++ 31 ingredients
Sun Does Matter Sun Buddy Help Me Sun Stick SPF 50+ 40 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPolyethylene
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Silica
Abrasive
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Morinda Citrifolia Extract
AstringentSea Water
HumectantHibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Masking
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Parfum
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Polyethylene, Dimethicone, Octocrylene, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Silica, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ozokerite, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Extract, Sea Water, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower/Leaf Extract, Bisabolol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dehydroacetic Acid, Water, Butylene Glycol, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Diethylhexyl Carbonate
EmollientOctocrylene
UV Absorber
Silica
Abrasive
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion Stabilising
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmollientParfum
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Ficus Indica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Indica Flower Extract
Antioxidant
Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Coral Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Zea Mays Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDioscorea Villosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningViola Odorata Flower Extract
MaskingLaminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Synthetic Wax, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Octocrylene, Silica, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Microcrystalline Wax, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Parfum, Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract, Adenosine, Ficus Indica Leaf Extract, Rosa Indica Flower Extract, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Coral Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Zea Mays Leaf Extract, Dioscorea Villosa Root Extract, Viola Odorata Flower Extract, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.
Aloe is one of the most well-known natural soothing ingredients, and for good reason. It’s full of water and has a cooling, calming effect on the skin, especially when it’s sunburned, itchy, or irritated. Aloe also helps your skin stay hydrated and smooth by mimicking what healthy skin naturally produces. On top of that, it contains vitamins and nutrients that support skin recovery.
It doesn’t protect you from the sun, but it can help your skin bounce back after too much time in it.
Let’s get into the details:
Aloe contains antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight off free radicals (unstable molecules from things like pollution that can damage your skin).
It’s also rich in polysaccharides, which are natural sugars that help hydrate the skin by acting like the skin’s own moisturizing agents. These, along with other sugars like monosaccharides, help form a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
Aloe works as both a humectant and an emollient. That means it draws water into the skin (humectant) and helps trap it there (emollient), making it an effective natural moisturizer.
You’ll also find a mix of other skin-supporting ingredients in aloe, including folic acid, choline, calcium, amino acids, fatty acids, and even Vitamin B12.
Out of the 420+ species of aloe, Aloe barbadensis is the most widely used in skincare products thanks to its gentle yet effective properties.
There are over 420 species of aloe but Aloe Barbadensis is the most commonly used for topical products.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractYou might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2025.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineButylene 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 GlycolWe don't have a description for Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate yet.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A 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.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexyl 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 OctocryleneParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumSilica 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 SilicaWe don't have a description for Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer yet.
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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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Nature Republic California Aloe Fresh Powdery Sun Stick SPF50+ Pa++++ 31 ingredients
Sun Does Matter Sun Buddy Help Me Sun Stick SPF 50+ 40 ingredients
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