SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 Versus Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
Updated on January 22, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan sunscreens. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and sensitive skin
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
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 17 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 29 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
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 29 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 Conditioning
Triethoxysilylethyl 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 ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPongamia Pinnata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
CleansingMagnesium Hydroxide
AbsorbentTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Magnesium Sulfate
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSodium Chloride
Masking
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Tranexamic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Magnesium Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Magnesium Sulfate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Citrate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateWater. 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 WaterIngredient 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. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 29 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 17 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 29 ingredients
Be the first to review All-Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
Write the first review
