SkinMedica Total Defense Repair SPF 34 Tinted Versus SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35
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, 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
SkinMedica Total Defense Repair SPF 34 Tinted 43 ingredients
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 17 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SkinMedica Total Defense Repair SPF 34 Tinted 43 ingredients
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 17 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 3%
UV Absorber
Titanium Dioxide 3.5%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 8%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSqualane
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Polygonum Aviculare Extract
EmollientPhysalis Angulata Extract
Skin ProtectingDunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningUbiquinone
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Betaine
Humectant
Melanin
Skin ProtectingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Batyl Alcohol
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Iron Oxides
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 3%, Titanium Dioxide 3.5%, Zinc Oxide 8%, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Silica, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polygonum Aviculare Extract, Physalis Angulata Extract, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Ubiquinone, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Betaine, Melanin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Batyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Isostearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Aminomethyl Propanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides
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
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 DimethiconeButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
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.
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 Total Defense Repair SPF 34 Tinted 43 ingredients
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 17 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
SkinMedica Total Defense Repair SPF 34 Tinted 43 ingredients
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.
