SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 Versus Dr. Brandt Skincare Liquid Sun Shield SPF 50
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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
Dr. Brandt Skincare Liquid Sun Shield SPF 50 40 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 17 ingredients
Dr. Brandt Skincare Liquid Sun Shield SPF 50 40 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 ConditioningCamellia 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
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Propanediol
SolventDimethicone
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Isoamyl Laurate
Emollient
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Dioleate
Emulsifying
Lecithin
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Polysilicone-11
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Propylene Carbonate
SolventAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sclareolide
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
Emollient
Linalool
Perfuming
Linalyl Acetate
Masking
Plankton Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
Emollient
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Isododecane, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Isoamyl Laurate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Lecithin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ectoin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-11, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Sclareolide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Linalool, Linalyl Acetate, Plankton Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Ascorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Tocopherol
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 DimethiconeThis ingredient is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
This ingredient is a type of elastomer.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Ingredient 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
Dr. Brandt Skincare Liquid Sun Shield SPF 50 40 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.
