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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ versus Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++ .

Last updated on November 28, 2023. Published on December 26, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain niacinamide and SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols or parabens

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 South Korean Brand South Korea
Sunscreen South Korean Brand South Korea

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 Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++

Shop

Buy Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++

Starts at $1.69

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
50

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Mineral UV Filter
Exfoliators
Niacinamide
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid (5)
Peptides (3)

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (6)
Reduces Irritation (7)
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting (3)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Mineral UV Filter (2)
Niacinamide

Benefits

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

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
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Ingredients Compared

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

Water • Diisobutyl Adipate • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Glycerin • Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate • Polysilicone-15 • Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate • Niacinamide • Silica • Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol • Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine • Ethylhexyl Triazone • Polymethylsilsesquioxane • Cetearyl Olivate • Sorbitan Olivate • Dipropylene Glycol • Cetearyl Alcohol • Panthenol • Glyceryl Stearate • Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate • Hydroxyacetophenone • Decyl Glucoside • Sodium Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Tromethamine • Parfum • Caprylyl Glycol • Allantoin • Adenosine • Disodium EDTA • Xanthan Gum • Butylene Glycol • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Ceramide NP • Pearl Extract • Centella Asiatica Extract • Saccharum Officinarum Extract • Propanediol • 1,2-Hexanediol • Sodium Hyaluronate • Allium Victorialis Extract • Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract • Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract • Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract • Salicornia Herbacea Extract • Vitis Vinifera Skin Extract • Juglans Regia Seedcoat Extract • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract • Avena Sativa Meal Extract • Benzyl Glycol • Phenoxyethanol • Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans • Propolis Extract • Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer • Ethylhexylglycerin • Asiaticoside • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Madecassoside • Madecassic Acid • Asiatic Acid • Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 • Copper Tripeptide-1 • Hyaluronic Acid • Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 • Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

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: 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

VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 25.

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

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 4.

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 27.

3
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

Niacinamide 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 Niacinamide

VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 8.

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 9.

4
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.

When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.

Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.

If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Polymethylsilsesquioxane

VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 13.

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 17.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.

Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.

In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.

Learn more about Adenosine

VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 28.

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 24.

6
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 31.

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 29.

7
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.

It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 37.

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 6.

8
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.

VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 38.

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 13.

9
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 55.

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 35.

10
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Asiaticoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.

Asiaticoside is an antioxidant and helps with wound healing. It has been shown to increase antioxidant activity during the wound healing process.

VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 56.

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 36.

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

Madecassoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.

Madecassoside has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. It contains fatty acids, amino acids, beta-carotene, and phytochemicals.

One study found using Madecassoside with ascorbic acid helped reduce the signs of aging and improved skin hydration.

Learn more about Madecassoside

VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 58.

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 39.

12
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Madecassic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It is a triterpenoid, meaning it naturally acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect your skin against damage from environmental factors such as pollution and UV.

Studies show Madecassic Acid helps soothe the skin due to its ability to block inflammation pathways.

Learn more about Madecassic Acid

VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 59.

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 37.

13
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Stabilising
Community Rating: Loved

Asiatic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Studies show Asiatic Acid is able to block the pathway for skin inflammation receptors, helping to soothe skin.

As an antioxidant, asiatic acid helps protect our skin against damaging environmental factors.

Learn more about Asiatic Acid

VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 60.

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 38.

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

58% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
20% are disliked or very disliked
15% have no rating yet
38% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
45% are disliked or very disliked
7% have no rating yet

Usage

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Reviews

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VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun SPF50+ PA++++ 66 ingredients

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Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-up Suncream SPF 50+ PA++++.

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