Stuff That Matters Face Sunscreen SPF 50+ Versus Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30
Updated on April 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 19 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and 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
Stuff That Matters Face Sunscreen SPF 50+ 29 ingredients
Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30 33 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
Stuff That Matters Face Sunscreen SPF 50+ 29 ingredients
Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30 33 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Homosalate 10%
Skin Conditioning
Octocrylene 8%
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 4%
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4%
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Triazone 3%
UV Absorber
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Camellia Sinensis Callus
Antimicrobial
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCeteareth-20
Cleansing
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Colloidal Silver
AntimicrobialCyclomethicone
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Parfum
Masking
Ganoderma Lucidum Ferment Filtrate
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root
Skin ConditioningIsostearyl Neopentanoate
Emollient
Caprylic Acid
CleansingPEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water
Skin ConditioningSilicon
Abrasive
Triethanolamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHomosalate 10%, Octocrylene 8%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 4%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4%, Ethylhexyl Triazone 3%, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Camellia Sinensis Callus, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Colloidal Silver, Cyclomethicone, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Ganoderma Lucidum Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Caprylic Acid, PEG-40 Stearate, Potassium Sorbate, Water, Silicon, Triethanolamine, Xanthan Gum
Homosalate 8%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4%
UV Absorber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 2%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclomethicone
Emollient
Isostearyl Neopentanoate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Polypropylene
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic Acid
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Triacontanyl Pvp
HumectantCetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPanthenyl Triacetate
Sodium Lactate
BufferingLactic Acid
Buffering
Serine
Masking
Urea
Buffering
Sorbitol
Humectant
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Oleyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ethyl Linoleate
Emollient
Homosalate 8%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Octocrylene 2%, Water, Cyclomethicone, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Glycerin, Ceteareth-20, Polypropylene, Cetearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Caprylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Triacontanyl Pvp, Cetyl Dimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, PEG-40 Stearate, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA, Pentylene Glycol, Panthenyl Triacetate, Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Serine, Urea, Sorbitol, Sodium Chloride, Allantoin, Oleyl Alcohol, Ethyl Linoleate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalateOctocrylene 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 OctocryleneAlso 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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
AAVC is able to increase the consistency and viscosity of products due to its large molecule size. It also prevents ingredients from separating.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCeteareth-20 is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. It is derived from cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol.
As an emulsifier, Ceteareth-20 prevents oil and water from separating. It is also a surfactant. Surfactants help gather oil, pollution, and dirt to be washed away.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCetyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Cyclomethicone is a class of silicones used to improve the texture of products.
Their cyclic or circular structure decreases stability. This causes quick evaporation when applied to skin. Cyclomethicones are often used as a carrier for other ingredients. Once it evaporates, it leaves a silky barrier on the skin.
The most popular types of cyclomethicones include D5 and D6.
Learn more about CyclomethiconeTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinIsostearyl Neopentanoate comes from Isostearyl Alcohol and neopentanoic acid.
It is an emollient, meaning it helps moisturize the skin.
Caprylic Acid is a fatty acid commonly found in plant oils, such as palm and coconut oils.
Much of the research is based on caprylic acid derived from coconut oil. Coconut oil is an emollient and helps moisturize the skin.
Caprylic Acid has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Several studies found it to be effective at treating yeast infections. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Besides cosmetics, this ingredient is also used for a variety of medical purposes such as treating digestive disorders.
This ingredient is minimally soluble in water.
Read more about a similar ingredient Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.
Learn more about Caprylic AcidPeg-40 Stearate is a waxy solid made up of polyethylene glycol and stearic acid. It is an emulsifier and cleanser. Emulsifiers help oils and water mix.
Stearic acid is a a fatty acid. Therefore, Peg-40 stearate may not be fungal-acne safe.
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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
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