SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 - Tinted Versus ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30
Updated on November 25, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 11 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 and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens 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
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 43 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 38 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 43 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
Emollient
Talc
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
Titanium Dioxide 1%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 20%
Cosmetic Colorant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ecklonia Kurome Extract
HumectantGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHexyl Laurate
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Tribehenin
Emollient
Bisabolol
Masking
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Cyclotetrasiloxane
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Alumina
Abrasive
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientBehenyl Behenate
EmollientMelanin
Skin ProtectingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethyl Ferulate
Antioxidant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Iron Oxides
Titanium Dioxide 1%, Zinc Oxide 20%, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Ecklonia Kurome Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Hexyl Laurate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Tribehenin, Bisabolol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Water, Glycerin, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Squalane, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dimethiconol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid, Alumina, Caprylyl Glycol, Behenyl Behenate, Melanin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethyl Ferulate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, 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.
Titanium Dioxide is a mineral (or physical) sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection by blocking both UV-A and UV-B rays.
It sits on the skin’s surface and primarily reflects and scatters UV light and also absorbs some of it.
This makes the line between “mineral” and “chemical” sunscreens a bit blurry, but in skincare labeling, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are the two ingredients officially classified as mineral filters.
Because it’s non-irritating, Titanium Dioxide is often recommended for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Thanks to modern production methods, nano-scale or fine-grade Titanium Dioxide is now widely used in cosmetics to reduce white cast and improve texture.
Despite its small particle size, studies show that Titanium Dioxide, even in nanoparticle form, is not absorbed into the skin.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideZinc 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 DimethiconePentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolAlumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.
As an absorbent, alumina can give a mattifying effect. It is used in mineral sunscreens to help coat nano-sized filters, such as titanium dioxide. By increasing the size of the UV filters, these ingredients stay on the skin for a longer time. By coating small sized ingredients, alumina helps thicken a product.
Alumina may be used as an abrasive, or exfoliant.
Alumina is naturally occurring in the mineral corundum. Certain varieties of corundum create rubies and sapphires. Corundum is also the crystalline form of alumina.
Learn more about AluminaPhenoxyethanol 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.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneTocopherol (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 TocopherolIngredient 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
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 43 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.
