Obagi Physical Defense Broad-Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40+ PA++++ Versus Vacation Mineral Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils or parabens
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 Physical Defense Broad-Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40+ PA++++ 27 ingredients
Vacation Mineral Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen 27 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Obagi Physical Defense Broad-Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40+ PA++++ 27 ingredients
Vacation Mineral Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen 27 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 12.8%
Cosmetic Colorant
Titanium Dioxide 4.5%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Propanediol
SolventPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Cetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentBioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSilica
Abrasive
Alumina
Abrasive
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Disodium EDTA
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Zinc Oxide 12.8%, Titanium Dioxide 4.5%, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Cetearyl Glucoside, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Bioflavonoids, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Stearic Acid, Lauryl Glucoside, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Silica, Alumina, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCapryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientCaprylyl Glyceryl Ether
CleansingCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDiheptyl Succinate
EmollientGalactoarabinan
Glycerin
Humectant
Helianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Methyl Dihydroabietate
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Propanediol
SolventRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
Antioxidant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Glyceryl Ether, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Diheptyl Succinate, Galactoarabinan, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Niacinamide, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propanediol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Water
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Zinc 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 OxideWater. 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 WaterThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideDicaprylyl 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.
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 GlycerinPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolPolyhydroxystearic 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 AcidAloe 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 ExtractTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneCaprylhydroxamic Acid is a chelating agent.
Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted reactions and effects from using the product.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid is often used with natural antimicrobial products as an alternative to preservatives.
Learn more about Caprylhydroxamic AcidIngredient Ratings
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Obagi Physical Defense Broad-Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40+ PA++++ 27 ingredients
Vacation Mineral Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen 27 ingredients
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