Versus

Zitsticka MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum Versus Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++

Sunscreen
Sunscreen
American Brand United States
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on April 17, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum
Ginseng Moist Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Butyloctyl Salicylate is similar to octisalate. It a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. Its main purpose is to evenly spread out ingredients.

This ingredient is a common sunscreen ingredient carrier and photostabilizer. According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for carrying micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.

Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.

Due to regulation loopholes, this ingredient is not required to be labeled as an active chemical filter like other UV ingredients. This is why you'll likely find this ingredient in mineral sunscreens from the US.

According to EU regulation, this ingredient can cause harmful effects to aquatic life.

Learn more about Butyloctyl Salicylate
Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.

As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.

This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.

Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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

When to use

36 Routines
97% use in am
3% use in pm
89% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
32 Routines
94% use in am
6% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Zitsticka MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum 38 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 4 ratings
Irritating (1) Light Scent (1)
Stephen's avatar

Stephen

1 year ago
Review

Love this product, but it’s definitely not for everyone. Finish is very dewey, and there is a minor white cast (from the 3% zinc oxide) that may show on darker skin tones. Slight scent from the thyme extract (which may cause allergies for some). On the lighter side, but still has a residual feel — definitely not the feeling of “nothing.”

That said, I’ve appreciated more skincare benefits from Show more

#light scent
LadyoftheRedSensitiveSkin's avatar

Jen

6 months ago
Review

Ok at first but always caused severe eye burning and tears after about an hour. Had to stop using.

#irritating

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++ 37 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 1 rating
Irritating (1)
shortlumpia's avatar

Alycia S

6 months ago
Review

It was so good, then it suddenly burned like no other one morning around my eye area and nose.

#irritating