Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ - Original Versus Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum
Updated on May 09, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 10 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, parabens or 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 Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ 19 ingredients
Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum 34 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 Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ 19 ingredients
Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum 34 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPolymethyl Methacrylate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Aroma
Triethanolamine
BufferingTrimethoxybenzylidene Pentanedione
Antioxidant
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingLecithin
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Aroma, Triethanolamine, Trimethoxybenzylidene Pentanedione, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Dimethicone
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
MaskingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingParfum
Masking
Kaolin
Abrasive
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPropanediol
Solvent
Disodium EDTA
Lecithin
Emollient
BHT
Antioxidant
Trideceth-9
EmulsifyingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Capillaris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Chlorphenesin, Allantoin, Glycerin, Arachidyl Glucoside, Parfum, Kaolin, Xanthan Gum, Propanediol, Disodium EDTA, Lecithin, BHT, Trideceth-9, Centella Asiatica Extract, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, CI 42090, CI 19140
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinOctocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocrylenePhenoxyethanol 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.
We don't have a description for Polymethyl Methacrylate yet.
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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ 19 ingredients
Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum 34 ingredients
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Somethinc Holyshield! UV Watery Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ 19 ingredients
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