Tage Cica-Tree Invisible Sun Gel SPF 50+ Versus Missha All Round Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Homosalate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Acrylates Copolymer
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Silica
Abrasive
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Laureth-4
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialWater
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Acrylates Copolymer, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Silica, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Tocopheryl Acetate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Laureth-4, Ethylhexylglycerin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Water, Centella Asiatica Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Silica
Abrasive
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Dimethicone
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Limonia Acidissima Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin Conditioning
Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Morus Alba Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin Protecting
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantThymus Vulgaris Leaf Water
Skin ConditioningCentaurea Cyanus Flower Water
Skin Conditioning
Helichrysum Italicum Flower Water
Skin ConditioningWater, Homosalate, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Silica, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone, Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Limonia Acidissima Extract, Butylene Glycol, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Water, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Helichrysum Italicum Flower Water
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
You might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2026.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineAlso 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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 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 SalicylateEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinHomosalate 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 HomosalateAmiloxate is a chemical sunscreen absorber. It mainly protects against UV-B rays (290-320 nm) but offers a bit of UV-A protection (320-340 nm).
This ingredient is available in the EU (up to 10%) and Asia. However, it has not yet been approved in the US or Canada.
It is created from isoamyl alcohol and methoxycinnamic acid.
Studies show the structural similarities between this ingredient and cinnamic acid give it anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In fact, it is believed amiloxate works by scavenging free-radical molecules from UV.
One animal study found this ingredient was not absorbed or able to penetrate through skin.
Learn more about Isoamyl P-MethoxycinnamateOctocrylene 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 OctocryleneSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
