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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ versus Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ .

Published on September 19, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 23 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances and 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 Japanese Brand Japan
Sunscreen Japanese Brand Japan

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

Shop

Buy The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++

Shop

Buy Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++

Starts at $65.08

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (6)
Mineral UV Filter (2)
Vitamin E
Exfoliators (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (5)
Rosacea (5)
Eczema (5)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (3)
Mineral UV Filter
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating
Anti-Aging
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (4)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (3)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 14.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

3
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

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 can be harmful to coral reefs.

More about harmful reef ingredients here.

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 Oxide

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 3.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

4
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Methoxycinnamate

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 4.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 5.

5
What it does: Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.

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.

Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.

Learn more about Alcohol

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 5.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 3.

6
What it does: Emollient, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Isododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.

As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.

Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.

Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.

Learn more about Isododecane

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 10.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 4.

7
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

Dextrin Palmitate comes from the palmitic acid ester of Dextrin. It is used as an emulsifier and texture enhancer.

Emulsifiers help keep ingredients together. According to a manufacturer, dextrin palmitate helps create a low-viscosity gel texture.

Due to its fatty acid base, this ingredient is not fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Dextrin Palmitate

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 17.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 15.

8
What it does: Abrasive, Absorbent
Community Rating: Disliked

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.

Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.

Learn more about Silica

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 20.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 13.

9
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Xylitol is a humectant and prebiotic. It can help with dry skin.

In studies, xylitol has been shown to improve dry skin. It decreased transepidermal water loss, or when water passes through the skin and evaporates. Xylitol also showed to help improve the biomechanical properties of the skin barrier.

The prebiotic property of xylitol may also help reinforce our skin's natural microbiome. Having a healthy microbiome prevents infection by bad bacteria and helps with hydration.

As a humectant, Xylitol helps draw moisture from both the air and from deeper skin layers. This helps keep skin hydrated.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol and commonly used as a sugar substitute. It is naturally occurring in plants such as strawberries and pumpkin.

Learn more about Xylitol

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 21.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 16.

10
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ppg-17.

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 22.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 17.

11
What it does: Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.

Bemotrizinol has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. Skin exposed to UV causes free-radical molecules to form. This ingredient works by preventing the UV from reaching your skin.

It is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.

Bemotrizinol is not approved in the US but is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia.

In fact, it is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted by in the EU.

It is oil-soluble.

Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 25.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 8.

12
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Isostearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Its structure makes it a great surfactant.

Surfactants help decrease the surface tension between two liquids. This property also makes it an effective emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent waters and oils from separating in a product.

Isostearic Acid is created from oleic acid.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Isostearic Acid

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 26.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 19.

13
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Acid

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 30.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 34.

14
What it does:
Community Rating: Mixed

We don't have a description for Trisodium EDTA.

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 33.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 32.

15
What it does:
Community Rating: Mixed

We don't have a description for Distearyldimonium Chloride.

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 35.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 20.

16
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 36.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 27.

17
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

BHT also helps stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Many products are sensitive to air and light. BHT prevents them from breaking down when exposed.

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 37.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 30.

18
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Tocopherol

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 38.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 31.

19
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 39.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 7.

20
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract.

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 45.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 37.

21
What it does: Antioxidant, Preservative
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium Metabisulfite is an antioxidant and is a preservative.

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 49.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 33.

22
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Syzygium Jambos Leaf Extract.

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 51.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 40.

23
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract.

Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 53.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector Hydrofresh SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 41.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

16% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
47% are disliked or very disliked
24% have no rating yet
17% are loved or liked
15% have mixed ratings
41% are disliked or very disliked
27% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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