Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 versus Skintific Ultra Light Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ .
Last updated on August 25, 2023. Published on October 22, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain 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
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 34 ingredients
Skintific Ultra Light Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ 45 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 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
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 😥
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 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
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 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 34 ingredients
Skintific Ultra Light Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ 45 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
This product contains 7 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 8 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 34 ingredients
Skintific Ultra Light Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ 45 ingredients
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Water • Acetyl Glucosamine • Butyloctyl Salicylate • Cyclopentasiloxane • Dimethicone • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Glycerin • Butylene Glycol • Glyceryl Stearate • Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate • Cetyl Alcohol • Peg-100 Stearate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract • Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract • Lecithin • Arctium Lappa Root Extract • Tocopheryl Acetate • Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Propylene Glycol • Peg-75 Stearate • Steareth-20 • Xanthan Gum • Ceteth-20 • Ammonium Hydroxide • Carbomer • Disodium EDTA • Caprylyl Glycol • Phenoxyethanol • Chlorphenesin • Sodium Bisulfite
Water • Cyclopentasiloxane • Homosalate • Butylene Glycol • Caprylyl Methicone • Ethylhexyl Salicylate • Dibutyl Adipate • Disiloxane • Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer • Ferulic Acid • Ascorbic Acid • Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine • Ceramide AP • Ceramide As • Ceramide Ns • Ceramide EOP • Sodium Hyaluronate • Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer • Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate • Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate • 1,2-Hexanediol • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Dimethicone • Lauryl Peg-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone • Magnesium Sulfate • Stearic Acid • Aluminum Hydroxide • Sorbitan Caprylate • Silica Dimethyl Silylate • Glyceryl Caprylate • Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Ethylhexylglycerin • Tocopheryl Acetate • Glycerin • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Ceramide NP • Tocopherol • Dipropylene Glycol • Pentylene Glycol • Glyceryl Stearate • Sucrose Distearate • Ficus Carica Fruit Extract • Centella Asiatica Extract • Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate • Cholesterol
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.
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 SalicylateNeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 3.
Skintific Ultra Light Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 6.
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 WaterNeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 4.
Skintific Ultra Light Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.
Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
D5 is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneNeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 7.
Skintific Ultra Light Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.
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.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 8.
Skintific Ultra Light Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 23.
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 GlycerinNeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 10.
Skintific Ultra Light Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 34.
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.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 11.
Skintific Ultra Light Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 4.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateNeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 12.
Skintific Ultra Light Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 40.
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 AcetateNeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 contains this as ingredient number 21.
Skintific Ultra Light Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 33.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 34 ingredients
Skintific Ultra Light Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ 45 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 34 ingredients
Skintific Ultra Light Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ 45 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 34 ingredients
Skintific Ultra Light Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ 45 ingredients
Ericj89
Texture: Very lightweight (lighter than Skin1004 Water-Fit Sun Serum). Absorbed easily. Semi-matte finish.
Scent: No scent
Performance: Slightly...
Texture: Very lightweight (lighter than Skin1004 Water-Fit Sun Serum). Absorbed easily. Semi-matte finish.
Scent: No scent
Performance: Slightly oil controlling.
Pros: Water-resistant
Cons: Powdery residue on fingers after application. Contain PEG.
WRP/WNRP: WRP
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