Versus

Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ - Lavender Versus Prequel Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Japanese Brand Japan
American Brand United States

Updated on July 23, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and silicones

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside

What's inside

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Absorbent, Abrasive

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
Abrasive

Tin Oxide is an inorganic oxide used to add opacity and volume to a product. In nature, it is already found in mineral form. The main ore of tin is an opaque and shiny mineral called casseterite.

Tin Oxide helps remove translucency in a product, or make it more opaque. Besides adding opacity, tin oxide is used for bulking to add volume.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

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

When to use

262 Routines
98% use in am
2% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
63 Routines
97% use in am
3% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

3.30
Overall rating
5
4
3
2
1
What people say
Works Well 67% Light Scent 33% Absorbs Well 33%
3.43
Overall rating
5
4
3
2
1
What people say
Hydrating 50% Works Well 50% Light 33%