Youth Lab City Guard Anti-Pollution Day Cream SPF 50 Versus Dr. Denese SkinScience SPF 40 Defense Day Cream
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free day moisturizers. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils 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
Youth Lab City Guard Anti-Pollution Day Cream SPF 50 52 ingredients
Dr. Denese SkinScience SPF 40 Defense Day Cream 50 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Youth Lab City Guard Anti-Pollution Day Cream SPF 50 52 ingredients
Dr. Denese SkinScience SPF 40 Defense Day Cream 50 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Glycerin
Humectant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Undecane
EmollientTridecane
Perfuming
C13-15 Alkane
SolventBetaine
Humectant
Hexyl Laurate
Emollient
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Parfum
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Trehalose
HumectantUrea
Buffering
Serine
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAlgin
Masking
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Pullulan
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingPotassium Phosphate
BufferingTapioca Starch
Propanediol
SolventTropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCellulose Acetate Propionate
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Methicone
Emollient
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Dimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Undecane, Tridecane, C13-15 Alkane, Betaine, Hexyl Laurate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Trehalose, Urea, Serine, Pentylene Glycol, Algin, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pullulan, Disodium Phosphate, Potassium Phosphate, Tapioca Starch, Propanediol, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cellulose Acetate Propionate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Methicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Stearic Acid, Cyclohexasiloxane, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool
Titanium Dioxide 4%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 14%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Masking
Melanin
Skin ProtectingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Pantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingArginine
Masking
Aspartic Acid
MaskingPCA
HumectantGlycine
Buffering
Alanine
MaskingSerine
MaskingValine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingAlumina
Abrasive
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide 4%, Zinc Oxide 14%, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Propanediol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Bisabolol, Melanin, Phospholipids, Retinyl Palmitate, Pantothenic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Alumina, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
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 WaterDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeZinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.
Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.
Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.
Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.
Learn more about Zinc OxideCyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxaneTitanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.
Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.
With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.
Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.
Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSerine is an amino acid naturally found in our body. Our bodies use amino acids to create protein.
Amino-acids help give keep our skin hydrated. They play an important role in the skin barrier, which keeps the skin plump and firm.
Serine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning we don't need to obtain it from eating foods.
Learn more about SerineSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
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 PropanediolPhenoxyethanol 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.
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.
Peg-10 Dimethicone is silicone with conditioner and emulsifier properties. It mostly acts as an emollient in skincare and and humectant in haircare.
According to the manufacturer, acidic formulations decrease the stability of this ingredient. It works best in neutral or near neutral formulations.
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Youth Lab City Guard Anti-Pollution Day Cream SPF 50 52 ingredients
Dr. Denese SkinScience SPF 40 Defense Day Cream 50 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Youth Lab City Guard Anti-Pollution Day Cream SPF 50 52 ingredients
Dr. Denese SkinScience SPF 40 Defense Day Cream 50 ingredients
I love this stuff so much. Some people say it dries their skin out or make its oily but it does neither to mine. I have not had one breakout since I switched from using coverup to this.
