Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen Versus Olay Face Sunscreen Serum And Shine Control - SPF 35
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide, SPF and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, 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
Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen 25 ingredients
Olay Face Sunscreen Serum And Shine Control - SPF 35 22 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen 25 ingredients
Olay Face Sunscreen Serum And Shine Control - SPF 35 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.5%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 10%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 8%
UV Absorber
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Dimethicone
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Cocoate
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyurethane-35
Silica
Abrasive
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Phytate
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Water
Skin ConditioningButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.5%, Homosalate 10%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 8%, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Glycerin, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Phenoxyethanol, Polyurethane-35, Silica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Water
Octocrylene 3%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningTapioca Starch
Dimethicone
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
BHT
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientDimethiconol
Emollient
Cetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
PEG-100 Stearate
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
Absorbent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Octocrylene 3%, Water, Tapioca Starch, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, BHT, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethiconol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Disodium EDTA, PEG-100 Stearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 OctocryleneCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeParfum 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 ParfumNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamidePhenoxyethanol 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.
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 AcetateWater. 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
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen 25 ingredients
Olay Face Sunscreen Serum And Shine Control - SPF 35 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen 25 ingredients
Waffled between giving this 3 stars or 4 stars. I'll give it four stars because it's a nice enough sunscreen. The company really hypes up the scent and I was underwhelmed - it's not bad, it's just not the best tropical scent ever. The Hempz sunscreen I've been using wins on scent, plus cost, since this is roughly twice the price. I'm glad I got a travel size and didn't spring for a full size tube.
