Obagi Nu-Derm Sunfader Versus ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Updated on July 27, 2023
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols or common allergens
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
Obagi Nu-Derm Sunfader 17 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 56 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Obagi Nu-Derm Sunfader 17 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 56 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydroquinone
Stabilising
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Benzophenone-3
UV Absorber
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
Butylparaben
Masking
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Glycerin
Humectant
Methylparaben
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
Saponins
CleansingSodium Lauryl Sulfate
Cleansing
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Water
Skin ConditioningButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 10%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 10%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
PEG-100 Stearate
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyamide-5
Skin ConditioningSteareth-21
CleansingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Petasites Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingMelanin
Skin ProtectingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBoron Nitride
AbsorbentEthyl Ferulate
Antioxidant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Ethylene Brassylate
MaskingPolymethyl Methacrylate
Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Acrylates Crosspolymer-4
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenyl Triacetate
Glycerin
Humectant
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSimethicone
Emollient
Ethyl Linoleate
Emollient
Oleyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
PEG-8 Laurate
Emulsifying
Steareth-2
EmulsifyingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingIsostearic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Iron Oxides
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 10%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Water, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Mica, PEG-100 Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Polyamide-5, Steareth-21, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Petasites Japonicus Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Melanin, Pentylene Glycol, Boron Nitride, Ethyl Ferulate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Beta-Glucan, Ethylene Brassylate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Panthenyl Triacetate, Glycerin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Simethicone, Ethyl Linoleate, Oleyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-8 Laurate, Steareth-2, Coco-Glucoside, Isostearic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 AcidDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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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