Versus

Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+ Versus Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Classic SPF 50

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Australian Brand Australia
American Brand United States

Updated on July 23, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or sulfates

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant 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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Classic SPF 50

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber

Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.

Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.

Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.

Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.

Learn more about Zinc Oxide
Masking, Preservative

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.

Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.

It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.

Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.

We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate
Masking

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.

You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.

There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.

The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.

Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.

Learn more about Sodium Chloride

This ingredient is a combination of red, black, and yellow iron oxide pigments. This combination of colors is usually found in foundation, because it results in a "skin" color.

When to use

37 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
84% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
66 Routines
97% use in am
3% use in pm
86% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+ 20 ingredients

4.6 /5
from 5 ratings
Works Well (2) Heavy (1) Hydrating (1)
mikkoflam's avatar

mikkoflam

1 year ago
Review

I have a love-hate relationship with this one. Its too thick and silicone-y for me but it works and doesn't break me out. Also dries matte which is nice. But like I said, sometimes I hate it and sometimes I like it.

sophiesmigiel's avatar

sophie

5 months ago
Review

SO glad I finally found a mineral spf that uses only non nano zinc oxide (no chemical filters or spf ‘boosters’), is tinted and doesn’t clog my pores. Wish it didn’t have PEGs but other than that it’s a pretty clean formula and I like how it feels on my skin. The texture feels light enough to blend in well but thick enough to feel like it’s protecting my skin properly. Love it!

#hydrating
#light scent
#works well

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Classic SPF 50 39 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Expensive (1) Hydrating (1)
spellcaster's avatar

spell caster

9 months ago
Review

I was quite impressed with this sunscreen and I like the fact that is mineral and suitable for fungal acne prone skin. It has a tint which is very minimal but it adds a slight layer of colour to your skin. Its not matte but the finish seems to settle after a few minutes into a natural glow. The price is quite high and unless you need a fungal acne safe sunscreen, I wouldn’t necessarily pay that Show more

#expensive
#hydrating
#absorbs well
#works well