Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ Versus Wardah UV Shield Essential Sunscreen Gel SPF 30
Updated on July 26, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ 30 ingredients
Wardah UV Shield Essential Sunscreen Gel SPF 30 24 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ 30 ingredients
Wardah UV Shield Essential Sunscreen Gel SPF 30 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Homosalate
Skin Conditioning
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyester-7
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Bisabolol
Masking
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingPropanediol
Solvent
Polyacrylate-13
Disodium EDTA
Parfum
Masking
Polyisobutene
Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Arachidyl Alcohol, Polyester-7, Behenyl Alcohol, Bisabolol, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Stearyl Alcohol, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Chlorphenesin, Arachidyl Glucoside, Propanediol, Polyacrylate-13, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Polyisobutene, Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil, Polysorbate 20, Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor
UV Absorber
Acrylates Copolymer
Polyacrylamide
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Dimethicone
Emollient
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Triethanolamine
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Triethylene Glycol
Masking
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
Emollient
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propylene Glycol, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Acrylates Copolymer, Polyacrylamide, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Laureth-7, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Triethylene Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateAlso 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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxanePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
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 EDTAIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ 30 ingredients
Wardah UV Shield Essential Sunscreen Gel SPF 30 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence SPF 50 PA++++ 30 ingredients
Wardah UV Shield Essential Sunscreen Gel SPF 30 24 ingredients
Tried this on half of my face as a test. Didn’t give any reactions at first. However, the applied area flared up, itching so bad the next morning.
Other than that, it has a strong fragrance that hurts my nose when applying.
