Wardah UV Shield Essential Sunscreen Gel SPF 30 Versus The Pastels Shop Invisible Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++
Updated on July 26, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both 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, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
Wardah UV Shield Essential Sunscreen Gel SPF 30 24 ingredients
The Pastels Shop Invisible Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++ 26 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 Essential Sunscreen Gel SPF 30 24 ingredients
The Pastels Shop Invisible Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++ 26 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Glycerin
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Sodium Polyglutamate
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Succinic Acid
BufferingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
Skin Conditioning
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAlgin
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc Oxide, Glycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Sodium Polyglutamate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Succinic Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Maltodextrin, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Phospholipids, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Algin, Potassium Sorbate
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethanePhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Wardah UV Shield Essential Sunscreen Gel SPF 30 24 ingredients
The Pastels Shop Invisible Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++ 26 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
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.
The Pastels Shop Invisible Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++ 26 ingredients
The only sunscreen that doesn't cause any breakout on my skin and i can wear daily without irritation. As a muslim, this is the only sunscreen that i can remove even just using water which is helpful for prayers. It feels like wearing light moisturizer on my skin, suitable for acne prone oily skin types like mine.
