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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream versus Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ .

Published on December 25, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 15 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, oils, 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 need an update? Let us know.

Sunscreen Bulgarian Brand Bulgaria
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 Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream

Shop

Buy Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++

Starts at $33.98

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
50
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

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (6)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

Benefits

Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (4)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (3)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (5)
Retinoid
Vitamin C (2)
Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Skin Texture (4)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Irritating (4)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

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

Water • Octocrylene • Homosalate • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate • Benzophenone-3 • Ethylhexyl Salicylate • Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Peg-100 Stearate • Glyceryl Stearate • CI 77346 • Cetearyl Alcohol • CI 77891 • Dimethicone • Ascorbyl Palmitate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract • Lanolin • Allantoin • Ceteareth-20 • Parfum • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Xanthan Gum • Petrolatum • BHT • Disodium EDTA • Citric Acid • Sodium Benzoate • Potassium Sorbate

Ingredients Side-by-side

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

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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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: 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

Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 6.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.

Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.

(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)

Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.

Learn more about Homosalate

Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 3.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.

UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.

The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 4.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter

You probably know this ingredient as Oxybenzone, a sunscreen ingredient. It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredient, meaning it can protect the skin against UVB and short UVA rays. The absorption range is 270-350 nm with peak absorption at 288 and 350 nm.

This chemical ingredient protects your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy. UV absorbers may absorb both UVA and UVB rays. It is often combined with other sunscreen ingredients to help with stability.

Ongoing research is looking into whether oxybenzone causes skin irritation and sensitivity. However, it has been shown to trigger contact dermatitis in some studies.

Oxybenzone is allowed in certain concentrations by many countries. It is allowed up to 6% in the US, and Canada, 5% in Japan, and 10% in Australia. Other countries and regions of the US have banned this ingredient to protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems. These places include Hawaii, Key West, US Virgin Islands, marine parks in Thailand, Aruba, and Palau.

The EU currently allows the following maximum concentrations:

Studies show conflicting results about oxybenzone being absorbed into the human body. The Swedish Research Institute has advised careful use of this ingredient by pregnant women and children. We always recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns about this ingredient and your health.

Learn more about Benzophenone-3

Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 5.

5
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Salicylate

Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 6.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 4.

6
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.

Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.

Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.

However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.

Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!

The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.

Learn more about Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 7.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

7
What it does:
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.

Peg-100 Stearate helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. It helps prevent oil and water from separating in a product. By binding oil and water, it helps remove dirt and oil to be rinsed away.

Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 9.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 13.

8
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

Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 10.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 12.

9
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 14.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 15.

10
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Ascorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.

Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may break down skin cells. Antioxdants help reduce signs of aging.

Ascorbyl Palmitate is a stable version of Vitamin C, meaning it does not disintegrate when exposed to sunlight. However, studies show it does not penetrate skin as well as pure Vitamin C.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Ascorbyl Palmitate

Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 15.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 27.

11
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Acetate

Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 16.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 26.

12
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, 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.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term '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. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

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 Parfum

Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 21.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 48.

13
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 22.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 43.

14
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 24.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 40.

15
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Victoria Beauty Sun Protection SPF 50 Face Cream contains this as ingredient number 27.

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ contains this as ingredient number 42.

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

13% are loved or liked
3% have mixed ratings
77% are disliked or very disliked
7% have no rating yet
32% are loved or liked
6% have mixed ratings
40% are disliked or very disliked
22% have no rating yet

Usage

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