Prequel Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ Versus Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Updated on June 28, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones 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
Prequel Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 43 ingredients
Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 32 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Prequel Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 43 ingredients
Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 32 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 18%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDiisooctyl Succinate
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Olivate
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Bisabolol
Masking
Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingTetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
Antioxidant
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Antioxidant
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Antioxidant
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Succinate
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77015
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Zinc Oxide 18%, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diisooctyl Succinate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sorbitan Olivate, Bisabolol, Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Succinate, Lauroyl Lysine, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Arachidyl Alcohol, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Behenyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Arachidyl Glucoside, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetyl Alcohol, Tin Oxide, Isononyl Isononanoate, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Sorbitan Oleate, CI 77891, CI 77015, Iron Oxides
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Coco-Caprylate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
SolventVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCoco-Glucoside
CleansingAstrocaryum Tucuma Seed Butter
Emollient
Ethyl Ferulate
Antioxidant
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Sorbitan Palmitate
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Bisabolol
Masking
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Glycerin
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Water, Zinc Oxide, Coco-Caprylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Coco-Glucoside, Astrocaryum Tucuma Seed Butter, Ethyl Ferulate, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sorbitan Olivate, Arachidyl Glucoside, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Bisabolol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
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 TriglycerideButyloctyl Salicylate is similar to octisalate. It a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.
This ingredient is a common sunscreen ingredient carrier and photostabilizer. According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for carrying micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.
According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolGlycerin 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 GlycerinPolyhydroxystearic 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 AcidSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateBisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
This ingredient also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Learn more about BisabololArachidyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol made from peanut oil. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener.
You'll most likely find this ingredient as an emulsifier in water-based cosmetics.
Xanthan 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 GumA type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as traditional alcohols.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
Behenyl Alcohol is usually derived from the fats in vegetable oils.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholCaprylyl 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 GlycolWe don't have a description for Arachidyl Glucoside yet.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Prequel Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 43 ingredients
Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 32 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Prequel Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 43 ingredients
I have sensitive skin, especially with sunscreens. I had one of the worst allergic reactions of my life with this sunscreen. I have no idea what caused it, as I am usually just fine with mineral sunscreens. Definitely recommend patch testing if you are sensitive with sunscreens like I am. Other than that, the finish was beautiful and felt great on my skin at first.
Super lightweight and moisturizing sunscreen!! This is the first sunscreen that has worked so well on my sensitive skin. My new holy grail!!
Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 32 ingredients
Probably one of the best zinc based sunscreens I’ve used. Feels a lot less heavy than the others and over time feels a lot less sticky. Definitely has a white cast though. And I’m pretty pale mind you. Not super noticeable but it is there.
Not my daily sunscreen though. I use it once or twice a week because my acne proneness responds well to zinc.
I was so sad when I ran out of this product, it left no white cast, (minimal on my arm as I have arm hair, but really good considering I’m part south Asian, so I’m tan/brown), and super convenient and easy to use. One of my favorite minerals, just wish it was a higher spf and bigger tube/size.
