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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 versus Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ .

Last updated on February 14, 2024. Published on June 07, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin and sensitive skin

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 need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen American Brand United States
Sunscreen American Brand United States

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Price

Shop

Buy Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Shop

Buy Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
30
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
50

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter
Ceramides (5)

Benefits

Hydrating (7)
Redness Reducing (5)
Reduces Irritation (5)
Anti-Aging (5)
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter

Benefits

Hydrating
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger (2)
Rosacea
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Liked

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 can be harmful to coral reefs.

More about harmful reef ingredients here.

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

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 23.

3
What it does: Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.

As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.

This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.

Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.

Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 4.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 5.

Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 20.

5
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.

As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.

In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.

Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 9.

Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 9.

6
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Caprylyl 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 Glycol

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 25.

Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 5.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 26.

Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ contains this as ingredient number 14.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

50% are loved or liked
4% have mixed ratings
31% are disliked or very disliked
15% have no rating yet
26% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
43% are disliked or very disliked
22% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 26 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 3 ratings
Heavy (2) Hydrating (2) Irritating (1) Light (1) Strong Scent (1) Absorbs Well (1)
ArielHansen's avatar

ArielHansen

15 days ago · Combination Skin
Review

Great moisturizer/sunscreen! It does not cause any irritation or redness nor does it clog my pores. Only downside is that it leaves a white cast.

RachelM_417's avatar

RachelM_417

5 days ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

It's a bit whitening. Because I am so pale, I don't necessarily find that to be a huge issue for me bit it could be for others. It is also quite...

It's a bit whitening. Because I am so pale, I don't necessarily find that to be a huge issue for me bit it could be for others. It is also quite moisturizing but it does seem to absorb well after a bit and just leaves me looking a bit dewy. Later in the day though I feel like it looks like the zinc is kinda sitting on top of my skin in a less nice way... I've not been testing it quite long enough though. It's unscented which means you smell the zinc which isn't my favourite scent but I appreciate the sensitivity.

Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ 23 ingredients

Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ hasn't been rated yet.
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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 24 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 24 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+.

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