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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection versus Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 .

Published on January 06, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 24 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, retinoid, SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils, parabens 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 American Brand United States
Sunscreen American Brand United States

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 Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection

Shop

Buy Weightless Protection SPF 30

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
30
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
30

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter
Mineral UV Filter
Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (4)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Skin Texture (3)
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (4)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing (3)
Acne Fighting (3)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

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

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (2)
Mineral UV Filter
Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (2)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

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

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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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: 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

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 1.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 2.

2
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Salicylate

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 2.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.

3
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

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 3.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 4.

4
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Stearate

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 4.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 5.

5
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 5.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 6.

6
What it does: Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.

As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.

This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.

Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 6.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 7.

7
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil is created by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil in order to give it more stability. This process also raises the melting point of vegetable oil. In cosmetics, it is an emollient.

Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.

The term "Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil" is an umbrella term and can refer to a variety of vegetable oils and blends of: sunflower oil, soybean oil, olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and more.

Due to the differences in vegetables, the benefits may vary.

Learn more about Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 7.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 8.

8
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 8.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 9.

9
What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. It is derived from cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol.

As an emulsifier, Ceteareth-20 prevents oil and water from separating. It is also a surfactant. Surfactants help gather oil, pollution, and dirt to be washed away.

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 9.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 10.

10
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cyclomethicone is a class of silicones used to improve the texture of products.

Their cyclic or circular structure decreases stability. This causes quick evaporation when applied to skin. Cyclomethicones are often used as a carrier for other ingredients. Once it evaporates, it leaves a silky barrier on the skin.

The most popular types of cyclomethicones include D5 and D6.

Learn more about Cyclomethicone

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 10.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 11.

11
What it does: Emollient

Cetyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 11.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 12.

12
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.

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 13.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 14.

13
What it does: Antioxidant, Buffering, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.

Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.

Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.

Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!

Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.

Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.

The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.

Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.

Learn more about Ascorbic Acid

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 14.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 15.

14
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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 Palmitate

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 15.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 16.

15
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Acetate

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 16.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 17.

16
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Calendula Officinalis Extract comes from the common Marigold plant.

Marigold flowers contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of substances found naturally in plants. They possess antioxidant and inflammation properties.

Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. This may help reduce the signs of aging.

Calendula Officinalis Extract may help soothe your skin by reducing inflammation. Emerging studies show it inhibits NO production safely, therefore reducing inflammation.

Marigolds have been used in traditional medicine throughout Asia and Europe.

Learn more about Calendula Officinalis Extract

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 19.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 20.

17
What it does: Emollient, Skin Protecting, Tonic
Community Rating: Loved

Panax Ginseng Root is a popular herb from Asia. This root contains antioxidants, favonoids, and vitamins B12 and D.

Ginseng Root helps increase skin hydration, even out texture and tone, and helps improve wrinkles.

Ginseng root helps improve blood circulation and oxygen flow. This in turn helps nourish the skin and improve wrinkles. By speeding up circulation, ginseng root can also help drain fluids.

Ginseng root contains both Vitamin D and B12. Both of these vitamins help boost collagen production in your skin. Collagen gives you skin the appearance of looking plump and firm.

Ginseng Root can also aid in decreasing inflammation.

Studies also show ginseng may help with hyperpigmentation. Ginseng disrupts the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme that starts the process of skin darkening.

Historically, people in East Asia have used ginseng as both food and medicine.

Learn more about Panax Ginseng Root Extract

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 20.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 21.

18
What it does: Skin Conditioning

Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract comes from the fruit (nuts) of the Ginkgo Biloba tree. This tree is native to China.

These nuts contain potassium, Vitamin C, calcium, phosphorous, and other minerals.

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 21.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 22.

19
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and is naturally occurring on human skin.

The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.

Sodium PCA is a has conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.

Learn more about Sodium PCA

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 24.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 25.

20
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 25.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 26.

21
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Gum

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 26.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 28.

22
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.

Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 27.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 29.

23
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Methylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben. It is used to prevent the growth of fungus, mold, and other harmful bacteria. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in both cosmetics and food.

Methylparaben can be synthetically created. It can also be found naturally in some fruits, such as blueberries.

Oftentimes, Methylparaben is combined with other parabens to help increase the shelf life.

The safety of Methylparaben is currently being studied. While ongoing studies are looking into the safety of parabens, the results have been very mixed. Some studies have not found Methylparaben to be harmful.

Learn more about Methylparaben

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 28.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 27.

24
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Diazolidinyl Urea is a preservative. It can cause irritation and worsen eczema.

Skin Actives Scientific Sunscreen SPF 30 Advanced Protection contains this as ingredient number 29.

Renee Rouleau Skin Care Weightless Protection SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 30.

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

39% are loved or liked
4% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
7% have no rating yet
34% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
52% are disliked or very disliked
7% have no rating yet

Usage

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

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