Versus

Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Versus Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face - Rich to Deep

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on February 14, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 4 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, oils, parabens or sulfates

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

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

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

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
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

When to use

12 Routines
92% use in am
8% use in pm
92% use every day
77 Routines
100% use in am
0% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ 23 ingredients

Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face 27 ingredients

2.7 /5
from 7 ratings
Drying (2) Heavy (2) Expensive (1)
Lakooo's avatar

Lakooo

1 year ago
Review

Good choice of colors, but dried out my skin
First, the good: Unlike brands that offer only one "universal" tint that isn't actually a universal match, there a three shades, so you can get a good colour match for your skin. Also, it has a genuinely matte finish and won't make you look like a glazed donut all day.

Now, the bad: The cost of that matte finish is that it's drying, and it made my Show more

MichelleR's avatar

MichelleR

1 year ago
Review

For $13, it has its uses...
It has its pros and cons. Its thick and the matte finish can sometimes appear chalky. It layers well under powder foundation. For $13, I think it's worth it for particular scenarios.
(1) I use it on a weekend after slugging all day and I fiinnnallyy decide to go outside.
(2) I wear it under my makeup when I am working from home and need to get on zoom calls. I don't Show more