Prequel Solar Shade Broad Spectrum SPF 46 PA++++ Versus Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50
Updated on September 05, 2024
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 SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
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
Prequel Solar Shade Broad Spectrum SPF 46 PA++++ 43 ingredients
Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 38 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Prequel Solar Shade Broad Spectrum SPF 46 PA++++ 43 ingredients
Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 38 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 7%
Skin Conditioning
Octocrylene 9%
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPongamia Glabra Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Undecane
EmollientBetaine
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Ethyl Ferulate
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Oryza Sativa Germ Extract
EmollientGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Tridecane
Perfuming
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantDunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningHaematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Antioxidant
Inulin
Skin ConditioningFructose
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Laurate
Emulsifying
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Laurate
Emulsifying
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Phytate
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCellulose
AbsorbentButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 7%, Octocrylene 9%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Water, Glycerin, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil, Undecane, Betaine, Silica, Ethyl Ferulate, Oryza Sativa Extract, Oryza Sativa Germ Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Tridecane, Glycine Soja Oil, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Inulin, Fructose, Glucose, Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Arachidyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Cellulose Gum, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Arachidyl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Sodium Phytate, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 10%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientPolymethyl Methacrylate
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates Copolymer
Saccharomyces Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
C24-28 Alkyldimethylsiloxy Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Skin ProtectingPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin Conditioning
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSodium Chloride
Masking
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Raspberry Ketone
Masking
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingTriethyl Citrate
Masking
Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate
Emulsifying
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Phytate
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 10%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Water, Isododecane, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Acrylates Copolymer, Saccharomyces Ferment, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, C24-28 Alkyldimethylsiloxy Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Glycine Soja Oil, Squalane, Raspberry Ketone, Lauroyl Lysine, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Triethyl Citrate, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Octyldodecanol, Tocopherol, Sodium Phytate, Polysorbate 60, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneButyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.
According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateGlycine Soja Oil comes from the soybean. Glycine Soja is native to eastern Asia.
Soybean oil is an emollient. It is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids including palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids.
As an emollient, the fatty acids in soybean oil helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. It does so by creating a film on top that traps moisture in.
Soybean oil is also rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. Vitamin E is also anti-inflammatory and provides a soothing effect.
Studies show soy may help fade hyperpigmentation from UVB. It does so by disrupting the melanin process from UVB induced skin inflammation.
This ingredient may not be malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne, safe.
Soybeans are rich in proteins and are part of the legume family. Foods made with soybeans include tofu, soymilk, edamame, miso, and soy sauce.
Learn more about Glycine Soja OilHomosalate 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 HomosalatePolysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Sodium 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.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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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When to use
Prequel Solar Shade Broad Spectrum SPF 46 PA++++ 43 ingredients
Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 38 ingredients
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