SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 Versus Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Updated on May 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
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
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 17 ingredients
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ 30 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
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 17 ingredients
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ 30 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentSodium Citrate
BufferingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTriethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Caffeine, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Sodium Citrate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Titanium Dioxide 8%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 10%
Cosmetic Colorant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Alumina
Abrasive
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Dimethicone
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Emollient
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Hexyl Laurate
Emollient
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Methyl Glucose Dioleate
Emollient
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientPEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Propanediol
Solvent
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide 8%, Zinc Oxide 10%, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Alumina, Aluminum Stearate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Hexyl Laurate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propanediol, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Water
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. 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 DimethiconeIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 17 ingredients
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ 30 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 17 ingredients
Repurchased 8 times.
My favorite holy grail sunscreen. The zinc buffs into the skin if you rub it for a minute. The zinc also calms down my acne and redness. Great for my dry and reactive skin. I try other famous sunscreens and come back to this one.
