Somethinc Copy Paste Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40 PA++++ - Alter Versus DR's Secret Sunscreen 5 SPF25
Updated on January 30, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain silicones and sulfates
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
Somethinc Copy Paste Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40 PA++++ 36 ingredients
DR's Secret Sunscreen 5 SPF25 18 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
Somethinc Copy Paste Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40 PA++++ 36 ingredients
DR's Secret Sunscreen 5 SPF25 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Magnesium Sulfate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Silica
Abrasive
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientBetaine
Humectant
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
CI 77492
Cosmetic Colorant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Magnesium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Betaine, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Allantoin, Caffeine, CI 77491, CI 77499, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, CI 77492, 1,2-Hexanediol
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Diglycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Dimethicone
Emollient
Isohexadecane
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Cyclotetrasiloxane
Emollient
Magnesium Sulfate
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCanola Oil
Emollient
Zea Mays Oil
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Diglycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Magnesium Sulfate, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Canola Oil, Zea Mays Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateEthylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. It can be naturally found in sea water or mineral deposits.
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
You might recognize Magnesium Sulfate as epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Titanium Dioxide is a mineral (or physical) sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection by blocking both UV-A and UV-B rays.
It sits on the skin’s surface and primarily reflects and scatters UV light and also absorbs some of it.
This makes the line between “mineral” and “chemical” sunscreens a bit blurry, but in skincare labeling, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are the two ingredients officially classified as mineral filters.
Because it’s non-irritating, Titanium Dioxide is often recommended for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Thanks to modern production methods, nano-scale or fine-grade Titanium Dioxide is now widely used in cosmetics to reduce white cast and improve texture.
Despite its small particle size, studies show that Titanium Dioxide, even in nanoparticle form, is not absorbed into the skin.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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
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When to use
Somethinc Copy Paste Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40 PA++++ 36 ingredients
DR's Secret Sunscreen 5 SPF25 18 ingredients
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Somethinc Copy Paste Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40 PA++++ 36 ingredients
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