Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ Versus VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++
Updated on November 28, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 48 ingredients
VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ 66 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
Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 48 ingredients
VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ 66 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientOctocrylene
UV Absorber
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Gossypium Herbaceum Extract
Skin ConditioningSophora Flavescens Root Extract
Antioxidant
Rheum Palmatum Root/Stalk Extract
AstringentScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPhellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientBisabolol
Masking
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Octyldodecanol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
Emulsifying
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Synthetic Wax, Dibutyl Adipate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Octocrylene, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Silica, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ozokerite, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Rheum Palmatum Root/Stalk Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Bisabolol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Titanium Dioxide, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Octyldodecanol, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Tocopherol, Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningDiisobutyl Adipate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlycerin
Humectant
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Polysilicone-15
UV FilterPolyglyceryl-6 Distearate
Emulsifying
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Silica
Abrasive
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Emulsion Stabilising
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Tromethamine
BufferingParfum
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Pearl Extract
Antioxidant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingPropanediol
Solvent
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Allium Victorialis Extract
Antioxidant
Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Skin Extract
Antioxidant
Juglans Regia Seedcoat Extract
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Avena Sativa Meal Extract
SoothingBenzyl Glycol
SolventPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantPropolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Copper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Water, Diisobutyl Adipate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polysilicone-15, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Niacinamide, Silica, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ceramide NP, Pearl Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allium Victorialis Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Vitis Vinifera Skin Extract, Juglans Regia Seedcoat Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Avena Sativa Meal Extract, Benzyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Propolis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Asiaticoside, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Hyaluronic Acid, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about SilicaDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateYou 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 2025.
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 TriazineCaprylyl 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 GlycolWater. 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 WaterButylene 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 Glycol1,2-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
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 48 ingredients
VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ 66 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 48 ingredients
despite lightweight texture this one was very irritating
It’s was ok, wasn’t hydrating at all, actually a bit drying. My skin is sensitive and a bit dry and I’ve had fungal spots before. I would repurchase if I had to, but you could find better.
VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ 66 ingredients
Beautiful and lightweight product. Unfortunately I can't stand the fragrance and won't be repurchasing
