Transparent Lab Lightweight Sunscreen SPF50+ Versus The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum
Updated on July 12, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain 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
Transparent Lab Lightweight Sunscreen SPF50+ 53 ingredients
The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum 25 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Transparent Lab Lightweight Sunscreen SPF50+ 53 ingredients
The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum 25 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Propylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientDibutyl Adipate
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Dimethicone
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Dicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide As
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide
Skin Conditioning
Oligopeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Glycoproteins
Skin Conditioning
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Gossypium Herbaceum Callus Culture
Skin ConditioningCistus Incanus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningLansium Domesticum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingDimethiconol
Emollient
Poloxamer 407
EmulsifyingAcrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Sodium Phytate
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Glucoside
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantSucrose Distearate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Phosphoric Acid
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Cholesterol
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Dibutyl Adipate, Glycerin, Silica, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dicaprylyl Ether, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide EOP, Allantoin, Ectoin, Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, Oligopeptide-2, Glycoproteins, Beta-Glucan, Gossypium Herbaceum Callus Culture, Cistus Incanus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Lansium Domesticum Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Decyl Glucoside, Dimethiconol, Poloxamer 407, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Maltodextrin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Phytate, Butylene Glycol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Dipropylene Glycol, Sucrose Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Phosphoric Acid, Citric Acid, Cholesterol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 7%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 10%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Acrylate
Biosaccharide Gum-2
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Isododecane
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Acetyl Carnosine
Skin ProtectingP-Anisic Acid
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Propanediol
Solvent
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPhospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Sphingolipids
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tri (Polyglyceryl-3/Lauryl) Hydrogenated Trilinoleate
EmulsifyingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 7%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Octocrylene 10%, Water, Behenyl Acrylate, Biosaccharide Gum-2, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Chlorphenesin, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Isododecane, Magnesium Sulfate, Acetyl Carnosine, P-Anisic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Propanediol, Sodium Citrate, Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Tocopherol, Tri (Polyglyceryl-3/Lauryl) Hydrogenated Trilinoleate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 SalicylateGlycerin 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 GlycerinPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolTocopherol (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 TocopherolWater. 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
Transparent Lab Lightweight Sunscreen SPF50+ 53 ingredients
The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum 25 ingredients
Reviews
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