Peter Thomas Roth Max Vitamin D-Fense Sunscreen Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Versus SkinBetter Science Sunbetter Sheer SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
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
Peter Thomas Roth Max Vitamin D-Fense Sunscreen Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 50 27 ingredients
SkinBetter Science Sunbetter Sheer SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion 48 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Peter Thomas Roth Max Vitamin D-Fense Sunscreen Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 50 27 ingredients
SkinBetter Science Sunbetter Sheer SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion 48 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 15%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 10%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPolyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Emulsion Stabilising
Bioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningGlycoproteins
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sodium Phytate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Fructooligosaccharides
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPhytic Acid
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 15%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Water, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Citrate, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Bioflavonoids, Glycoproteins, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Fructooligosaccharides, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ubiquinone, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Phytic Acid
Titanium Dioxide 3.6%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 10%
Cosmetic Colorant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Alumina
Abrasive
Bis-Vinyl Dimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBisabolol
Masking
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentCapparis Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCerium Oxide
Cetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingGlycerin
Humectant
Himanthalia Elongata Extract
Skin ProtectingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Olea Europaea Fruit Extract
BleachingOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Plankton Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Sorbityl Linseedate
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Emulsifying
Polygonum Aviculare Extract
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Silica
Abrasive
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Tropolone
Skin ConditioningUbiquinone
Antioxidant
Water
Skin ConditioningZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingTitanium Dioxide 3.6%, Zinc Oxide 10%, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Allantoin, Alumina, Bis-Vinyl Dimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Bisabolol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Capparis Spinosa Fruit Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Cerium Oxide, Cetyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Glycerin, Himanthalia Elongata Extract, Niacinamide, Olea Europaea Fruit Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Panthenol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Plankton Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Sorbityl Linseedate, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Polygonum Aviculare Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Potassium Sorbate, Silica, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Squalane, Stearic Acid, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethyl Citrate, Tropolone, Ubiquinone, Water, Zea Mays Starch, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterGlycerin 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 GlycerinSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualanePhenoxyethanol 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.
Panthenol 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 PanthenolTocopheryl 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 AcetatePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateUbiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) is a molecule already found in our bodies. It is a potent antioxidant and skin-soothing ingredient.
Aging and environmental exposure diminishes our skin's natural ubiquinone levels. This is much like our natural collagen and elastin.
The good news is: studies show applying this ingredient topically replenishes ubiquinone levels in our skin. This also comes with a ton of skin benefits. These benefits include:
Ubiquinone is considered a large molecule and cannot be absorbed into the lower layers of skin. This is why it is believed to be such an effective antioxidant: it protects our skin in the upper layers and prevents damage in the deeper layers.
When used in sunscreen, ubiquinone is shown to increase ingredient stability, increase SPF factor, and add to infrared protection.
Fun fact: ubiquinone is fat-soluble.
Learn more about UbiquinoneIngredient Ratings
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