Open Formula SPF 30 Sheer Moisturizer Versus itk Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Serum
Updated on January 29, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens and fragrances
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
Open Formula SPF 30 Sheer Moisturizer 20 ingredients
itk Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Serum 18 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
Open Formula SPF 30 Sheer Moisturizer 20 ingredients
itk Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Serum 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 20%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Coco-Caprylate
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sucrose Palmitate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Sucrose Laurate
Emollient
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Sodium Phytate
Zinc Oxide 20%, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Niacinamide, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerin, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sucrose Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Saccharide Isomerate, Sucrose Laurate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Phytate
Water
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-8 Stearate
Emulsifying
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Carnosine
Skin Conditioning
Water, Coco-Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-8 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 20, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Panthenol, Benzyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Oleate, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Phytate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Carnosine
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholThis 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 TriglycerideCoco-Caprylate is created from fatty coconut alcohol and caprylic acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel. It may help solubilize other ingredients, or help other ingredients be dispersed evenly.
Coco-Caprylate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-CaprylateDehydroacetic Acid is fungicide and bactericide. It is used as a preservative in cosmetics. Preservatives help elongate the shelf life of a product.
Dehydroacetic Acid is not soluble in water.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It 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.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPolyhydroxystearic 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 Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
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 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
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