Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen versus SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 .
Last updated on February 16, 2024. Published on April 16, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both 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, brightening skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols 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
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
Ingredient Info
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 31 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 31 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Benefits
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 31 ingredients
Water • Alcohol Denat. • Ethylhexyl Triazone • Drometrizole Trisiloxane • Isononyl Isononanoate • Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate • Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane • Diisopropyl Sebacate • Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine • Niacinamide • Dimethicone • Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol • Octocrylene • Propanediol • Ethylhexyl Salicylate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Silica • Tranexamic Acid • Tocopherol • Phenoxyethanol • Peg-10 Dimethicone • CI 77891 • Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate • Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate • Caprylyl Glycol • Butylene Glycol • Cetearyl Glucoside • Mica • Glycerin • Peg-20 • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate • Carbomer • Inulin Lauryl Carbamate • T-Butyl Alcohol
Water • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate • Drometrizole Trisiloxane • Glycerin • Propylene Glycol • Dimethicone • Titanium Dioxide • Alcohol Denat. • Pentylene Glycol • Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid • Sulfuric Acid • Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate • Triethanolamine • Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine • Stearic Acid • Potassium Cetyl Phosphate • Tocopherol • Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate • Phenoxyethanol • Peg-100 Stearate • Palmitic Acid • Xanthan Gum • Tromethamine • Caprylyl Glycol • Carbomer • Disodium EDTA • Cetyl Alcohol • Butylene Glycol • Butyrospermum Parkii Seedcake Extract • Aluminum Hydroxide • Glyceryl Stearate
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterSkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 1.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 contains this as ingredient number 1.
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol and other additives. It has a low molecular weight and will evaporate quickly. This helps other ingredients become better absorbed and dry once applied.
Alcohol Denat. is volatile and may cause irritation. It helps draw out natural oils in skin and dry out your skin.
One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased irritation.
Alcohol is antibacterial by nature. This can help preserve products and increase their shelf life.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 2.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 contains this as ingredient number 8.
Drometrizole Trisiloxane is a UV filter that provides both UV-A (344 nm) and UV-B (303 nm) protection.
This ingredient is photostable and studies show it to be generally safe and effective. The compound Meroxyl XL is owned by L'Oreal while Drometrizole trisiloxane can be found in other sunscreen brands.
It is currently approved for use in the EU, Canada, Australia, and Japan. However, it is not yet approved for use in the US.
This ingredient is often used with other sunscreen ingredients, such as Ecamsule.
Learn more about Drometrizole TrisiloxaneSkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 4.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 TriazineSkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 9.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 contains this as ingredient number 14.
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.
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 11.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 contains this as ingredient number 6.
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 TocopherolSkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 19.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 contains this as ingredient number 17.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 20.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 contains this as ingredient number 19.
Caprylyl 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 GlycolSkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 25.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 contains this as ingredient number 24.
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.
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 26.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 contains this as ingredient number 28.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinSkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 29.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 contains this as ingredient number 4.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen contains this as ingredient number 33.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 contains this as ingredient number 25.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 31 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 31 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 31 ingredients
nasaye
I got this product free as part of a brand offer and I'm glad. The SPF doesn't work well with other products like moisturiser or make up. You can...
I got this product free as part of a brand offer and I'm glad. The SPF doesn't work well with other products like moisturiser or make up. You can get much better SPF for a fraction of the price.
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen.
See 50 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50.
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