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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ versus Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High .

Published on July 19, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and fungal acne (malassezia) safe sunscreens. They have a total of 19 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF and Vitamin E

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen Czech Brand Czechia
Sunscreen German Brand Germany

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Price

Shop

Buy Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+

Shop

Buy Sun Lotion SPF 50 High

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea (2)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Irritating (4)
Rosacea (5)
Eczema (4)
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 1.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Octocrylene 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 Octocrylene

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 2.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.

As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.

This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.

Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 3.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 4.

4
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin 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 Glycerin

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 4.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 5.

5
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Methoxydibenzoylmethane

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 5.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 6.

6
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Disliked

Ethylhexyl 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 Salicylate

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 6.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 7.

7
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Mixed

This ingredient is more commonly known as Ensulizole, a chemical sunscreen ingredient.

Ensulizole mainly protects UV-B (290-340 nm) but offers a little UV-A (320-400 nm) protection. It is often paired with less photo-stable sunscreen ingredients due to its photo-stability.

Due to it being water-soluble, Ensulizole helps give sunscreens a light and non-oily texture.

Ensulizole is approved worldwide:

Learn more about Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 8.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 8.

8
What it does: Humectant

We don't have a description for Triacontanyl Pvp.

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 9.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 9.

9
What it does:
Community Rating: Mixed

Acrylates Copolymer is used as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer.

After applied, Acrylates Copolymer forms a thin film cover that helps skin feel more soft. It can help sunscreens become more water-resistant.

It is also used to make a product more thick.

Learn more about Acrylates Copolymer

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 10.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 10.

10
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Xanthan 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 Gum

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 11.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 11.

11
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 12.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 13.

12
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 13.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 14.

13
What it does: Absorbent, Emulsion Stabilising, Stabilising
Community Rating: Loved

Microcrystalline Cellulose is another name for refined wood pulp. It is used as an emulsifier and mattifying ingredient. As an emulsifier, it helps keep ingredients together.

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 14.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 15.

14
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is also an emulsifier. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 15.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 16.

15
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Glycol

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 16.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 17.

16
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 17.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 18.

17
What it does:

We don't have a description for Galactoarabinan.

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 18.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 19.

18
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium 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 EDTA

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 19.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 20.

19
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Community Rating: Mixed

Cellulose Gum is a water-soluble polymer that comes from cellulose. It is used to change the texture of a product and to help stabilize emulsions.

As an emulsifier, cellulose gum specifically thicken the texture of water-based products.

This ingredient is considered hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Cellulose Gum can be found in cosmetics, food, and other household goods such as paper products.

Learn more about Cellulose Gum

Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 20.

Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High contains this as ingredient number 22.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

25% are loved or liked
25% have mixed ratings
35% are disliked or very disliked
15% have no rating yet
17% are loved or liked
17% have mixed ratings
59% are disliked or very disliked
7% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Sundance Med Ultra Sensitiv Sonnenbalsam SPF 50+.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Cien Sun Lotion SPF 50 High.

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