Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion versus Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ .
Published on April 07, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 17 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid, SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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
Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion 41 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ 50 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 🎉
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 😥
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:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
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:
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are 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
Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion 41 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ 50 ingredients
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion 41 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ 50 ingredients
Homosalate 10% • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5% • Benzophenone-3 6% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Octocrylene 2% • Water • Propylene Glycol • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Palmitic Acid • Phenoxyethanol • Stearic Acid • Triethanolamine • Bentonite • Carbomer • Dimethicone • Allantoin • Peg-8 Dimethicone • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice • Cetyl Alcohol • Panthenol • Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate • Tetrasodium EDTA • Myristic Acid • Potassium Sorbate • Sodium Benzoate • Arachidic Acid • Lauric Acid • Ascorbic Acid • Octyldodecanol • Retinyl Palmitate • Silica • Sodium Propoxyhydroxypropyl Thiosulfate Silica • Tocopheryl Acetate • Ceramide NP • Butylene Glycol • Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract • Butyl Acetate
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Homosalate 6.5% • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Benzophenone-3 2% • Water • Butylene Glycol • Stearic Acid • Diisopropyl Sebacate • Cocoglycerides • Lauryl Lactate • Glyceryl Stearate • Peg-100 Stearate • Isodecyl Neopentanoate • Dimethicone • Cetyl Alcohol • Cetyl Phosphate • Urea • Yeast Amino Acids • Trehalose • Inositol • Taurine • Betaine • Phospholipids • Retinyl Palmitate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Ascorbyl Palmitate • Pelvetia Canaliculata Extract • Ectoin • Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract • Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract • Passiflora Incarnata Extract • Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate • Sodium PCA • Panthenol • Tripleurospermum Maritimum Extract • Zinc Gluconate • Ethyl Linoleate • Magnesium Aluminum Silicate • Xanthan Gum • Aminomethyl Propanol • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Caprylyl Glycol • Chlorphenesin • Limonene • Linalool • Parfum • CI 15985 • CI 17200
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.
Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalatePeter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 1.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 2.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamatePeter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 2.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 3.
You probably know this ingredient as Oxybenzone, a sunscreen ingredient. It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredient, meaning it can protect the skin against UVB and short UVA rays. The absorption range is 270-350 nm with peak absorption at 288 and 350 nm.
This chemical ingredient protects your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy. UV absorbers may absorb both UVA and UVB rays. It is often combined with other sunscreen ingredients to help with stability.
Ongoing research is looking into whether oxybenzone causes skin irritation and sensitivity. However, it has been shown to trigger contact dermatitis in some studies.
Oxybenzone is allowed in certain concentrations by many countries. It is allowed up to 6% in the US, and Canada, 5% in Japan, and 10% in Australia. Other countries and regions of the US have banned this ingredient to protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems. These places include Hawaii, Key West, US Virgin Islands, marine parks in Thailand, Aruba, and Palau.
The EU currently allows the following maximum concentrations:
Studies show conflicting results about oxybenzone being absorbed into the human body. The Swedish Research Institute has advised careful use of this ingredient by pregnant women and children. We always recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns about this ingredient and your health.
Learn more about Benzophenone-3Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 3.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 5.
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 SalicylatePeter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 4.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 4.
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethanePeter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 5.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 WaterPeter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 7.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 6.
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 StearatePeter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 9.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 12.
Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Peg-100 Stearate helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. It helps prevent oil and water from separating in a product. By binding oil and water, it helps remove dirt and oil to be rinsed away.
Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 10.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 13.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 14.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 43.
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidPeter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 15.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 8.
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.
Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 19.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 15.
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Cetyl Alcohol is not related to SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or ethyl alcohol. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Its main roles are:
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholPeter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 23.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 16.
Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.
lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.
Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
Learn more about PanthenolPeter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 24.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 35.
Retinyl palmitate is a form of retinoid. It is created from palmitic acid and retinol.
This ingredient has antioxidant and exfoliating properties. Like other types of retinols, retinyl palmitate increases cell turnover. Removing dead skin cells and encouraging the growth of new ones improves skin tone and unclogs pores. This in turn promotes brighter looking skin and even skin texture.
As an antioxidant, retinyl palmitate helps neutralize free-radical molecules. These molecules have the potential to damage skin cells. Thus, antioxidants may help with anti-aging.
Retinyl palmitate can be good for be good for oily skin by helping to unclog pores. However, it may not be good for dry skin and fungal acne.
After using this product, you should follow up with sunscreen.
This ingredient is often added to low-fat milk to increase the levels of Vitamin A.
Learn more about Retinyl PalmitatePeter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 34.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 25.
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 AcetatePeter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 37.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 26.
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.
Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 39.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 7.
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract comes from the leaves of the Ginkgo tree. This tree is native to China and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
Ginkgo Biloba has soothing and antioxidant properties. It contains flavonoids and terpenoids, potent antioxidants. Antioxidants may protect your skin from damage caused by external sources such as pollution.
Its soothing ability comes from a variety of compounds including biflavones, a type of flavonoid. Studies show gingko biloba has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Ginkgo Biloba Leaf ExtractPeter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion contains this as ingredient number 40.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 30.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion 41 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ 50 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense® Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion 41 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ 50 ingredients
Alternatives
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See 50 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++.
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