Nihon Water Gel UV Sunscreen Versus Clinique Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector
Updated on March 07, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 15 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne and dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
Nihon Water Gel UV Sunscreen 25 ingredients
Clinique Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector 38 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Nihon Water Gel UV Sunscreen 25 ingredients
Clinique Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector 38 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDiethylhexyl Succinate
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Emollient
Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentYeast Extract
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Dimethicone Silylate
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Yeast Extract, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Silylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 5%
UV Absorber
Titanium Dioxide 3.2%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 3.6%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polydecene
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin ConditioningHydrated Silica
Abrasive
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer
Hydroxyapatite
Abrasive
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Sodium Rna
Skin ConditioningQuaternium-90 Bentonite
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3
Skin ConditioningStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPEG-8 Laurate
Emulsifying
Propylene Carbonate
SolventSilica
Abrasive
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 5%, Titanium Dioxide 3.2%, Zinc Oxide 3.6%, Water, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Polydecene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Hydrated Silica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer, Hydroxyapatite, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Sodium Rna, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-8 Laurate, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Tocopherol, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77491, CI 77492
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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 GlycolButyloctyl Salicylate is similar to octisalate. It a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.
This ingredient is a common sunscreen ingredient carrier and photostabilizer. According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for carrying micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.
According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolThis ingredient is a high molecular weight silicone. It has emulsifying and skin conditioning properties.
We don't have a description for Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3 yet.
We don't have a description for Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer yet.
We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer yet.
We don't have a description for Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate yet.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTitanium Dioxide is a mineral (or physical) sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection by blocking both UV-A and UV-B rays.
It sits on the skin’s surface and primarily reflects and scatters UV light and also absorbs some of it.
This makes the line between “mineral” and “chemical” sunscreens a bit blurry, but in skincare labeling, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are the two ingredients officially classified as mineral filters.
Because it’s non-irritating, Titanium Dioxide is often recommended for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Thanks to modern production methods, nano-scale or fine-grade Titanium Dioxide is now widely used in cosmetics to reduce white cast and improve texture.
Despite its small particle size, studies show that Titanium Dioxide, even in nanoparticle form, is not absorbed into the skin.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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 WaterZinc 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 may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.
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 OxideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Nihon Water Gel UV Sunscreen 25 ingredients
Clinique Superdefense™ City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector 38 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
