SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 - Tinted Versus Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
Updated on January 01, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain 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
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 38 ingredients
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 47 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 38 ingredients
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 47 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Isododecane
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialUndecane
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingIsohexadecane
EmollientNylon-12
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Phenethyl Benzoate
Emollient
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Silica
Abrasive
Tridecane
Perfuming
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientTalc
Abrasive
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Alumina
Abrasive
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Magnesium Sulfate
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientIron Oxides
PEG-8 Laurate
Emulsifying
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Propylene Carbonate
SolventArtemia Extract
Skin ConditioningBenzoic Acid
Masking
C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosphate
Skin ConditioningPEG-9
HumectantTitanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Water, Dimethicone, Isododecane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Undecane, Triethylhexanoin, Isohexadecane, Nylon-12, Caprylyl Methicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Phenethyl Benzoate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Tridecane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Talc, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Aluminum Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Alumina, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Sulfate, Caprylyl Glycol, Iron Oxides, PEG-8 Laurate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tocopherol, Propylene Carbonate, Artemia Extract, Benzoic Acid, C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosphate, PEG-9
Zinc Oxide 12%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Isododecane
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tridecyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTrilaureth-4 Phosphate
EmulsifyingDimethiconol
Emollient
Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Polyester-1
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentSodium Chloride
Masking
Bisabolol
Masking
Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIsoceteth-10
EmulsifyingZein
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingDimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Zea Mays Starch
AbsorbentSilica
Abrasive
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Zinc Oxide 12%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Isododecane, Propanediol, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Tridecyl Salicylate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trilaureth-4 Phosphate, Dimethiconol, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Mica, Polyester-1, Maltodextrin, Sodium Chloride, Bisabolol, Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Allantoin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Isoceteth-10, Zein, Hexylene Glycol, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zea Mays Starch, Silica, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
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 WaterDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeIsododecane 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 IsododecaneC12-15 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 BenzoateCaprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
Butyloctyl 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 SalicylateSilica 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 SilicaPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
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 GlycolThis ingredient is a combination of red, black, and yellow iron oxide pigments. This combination of colors is usually found in foundation, because it results in a "skin" color.
Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
The antimicrobial property of Benzoic Acid helps elongate a product's shelf life. Its main role is to reduce fungi growth and is not found to be effective at fighting bacteria. Therefore Benzoic Acid is always added along with other preservatives.
In its pure form, Benzoic Acid looks like a white crystalline solid. It has slight solubility in water.
The name of Benzoic Acid comes from gum benzoin, which used to be the sole source of deriving this ingredient. Benzoic Acid is the most simple aromatic carboxylic acid.
Benzoic Acid is naturally occuring in strawberries, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. It has a slight scent but is not considered to be a fragrance.
Learn more about Benzoic AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 38 ingredients
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 47 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 38 ingredients
This used to work great for me. But as my skin has aged, the slight grey tone was not complimentary. Did not burn around the eyes and did not cause breakouts. Very thin with light coverage.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 47 ingredients
I really wanted to like this. I think that for someone that isn’t acne prone. It aould be fine but doesn’t have a ton of coverage and left me with a slightly orangey tone. I liked that it was slightly dewy though but didn’t leave me super oily. But unfortunately made me break out in little white heads all over. I’m not sure if I’m just reactive to Nia or what ingredient would have but Nia has Show more
Great option for fair skin
I am very pale, but the Fair colour works well for my complexion, doesn't look orange. I used this, in combination to the Original formula, to even out my skin tone and as a concealer. It is a bit shiny initially, but does settle into a natural finish.
