Versus

SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 Versus DRMTLGY Physical Tinted Moisturizer SPF44

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on April 28, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging and dry skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant 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

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Physical Tinted Moisturizer SPF44

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.

D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.

It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.

Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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 Dimethicone

Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

We don't have a description for Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer yet.

Masking

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 Chloride

Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (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.

Preservative

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.

When to use

10 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day
42 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 17 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Expensive (1) Light Scent (1) Works Well (1)
sooyeonkim's avatar

☁️Holly☁️

6 months ago
Review

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.

#expensive
#light scent
#works well

DRMTLGY Physical Tinted Moisturizer SPF44 26 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 1 rating
Light (1) Works Well (1)
Lady_McGregor's avatar

Lady_McGregor

1 year ago
Review

This tinted moisturizer is great with the exception of the dewy look. I know it’s in now, but after struggling with oily skin and trying to avoid shine for most of my life, I prefer a matte finish.

#light
#works well