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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum versus Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ .

Last updated on January 16, 2024. Published on March 07, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 16 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for sensitive skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances, oils 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 Indonesian Brand Indonesia
Sunscreen Indonesian Brand Indonesia

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

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
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)
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Irritating (2)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (6)

Benefits

Reduces Irritation

Concerns

Irritating (2)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

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

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

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
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

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 2.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

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

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 Octocrylene

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 3.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 6.

4
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

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 4.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 5.

5
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

We don't have a description for Polymethyl Methacrylate.

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 5.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 7.

6
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.

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 9.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 18.

7
What it does: Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Arachidyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol made from peanut oil. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener.

You'll most likely find this ingredient as an emulsifier in water-based cosmetics.

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 10.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 13.

8
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.

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 12.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 8.

9
What it does: Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

A type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as traditional alcohols.

Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.

Behenyl Alcohol is usually derived from the fats in vegetable oils.

In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.

Learn more about Behenyl Alcohol

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 13.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 15.

10
What it does: Antimicrobial, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.

Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.

Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.

Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.

Learn more about Chlorphenesin

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 14.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 21.

11
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Mixed

We don't have a description for Arachidyl Glucoside.

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 17.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 22.

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

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 18.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 26.

13
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

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 21.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 23.

14
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

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 22.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 25.

15
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract.

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 30.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 30.

16
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.

Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.

The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.

Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 20

Wardah UV Shield Airy Smooth Sunscreen Serum contains this as ingredient number 32.

Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 29.

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

21% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
53% are disliked or very disliked
18% have no rating yet
17% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
63% are disliked or very disliked
13% have no rating yet

Usage

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

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