Zitsticka MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum Versus Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30
Updated on September 12, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
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
Zitsticka MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum 38 ingredients
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 56 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Zitsticka MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum 38 ingredients
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 56 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Homosalate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Amodimethicone
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCamellia Sinensis Extract
Antioxidant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Colloidal Oatmeal
Absorbent
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Cyclotetrasiloxane
Emollient
Daucus Carota Sativa Extract
Perfuming
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Glyceryl Undecylenate
Emollient
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrogenated Methyl Abietate
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Seed Oil
Antioxidant
Thymus Vulgaris Extract
Perfuming
Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Zinc Oxide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Amodimethicone, Water, Butylene Glycol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carbomer, Citric Acid, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Ceramide Ng, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Colloidal Oatmeal, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Daucus Carota Sativa Extract, Ferulic Acid, Glycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrogenated Methyl Abietate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Niacinamide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Polysorbate 20, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Seed Oil, Thymus Vulgaris Extract
Zinc Oxide 17.53%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC13-15 Alkane
SolventPropanediol
SolventC15-19 Alkane
SolventBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningHarungana Madagascariensis Extract
Skin ConditioningIpomoea Batatas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Seed Oil
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Hull Extract
MoisturisingSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Bisabolol
Masking
Amber Powder
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingGlucose
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Arachidyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Lecithin
EmollientPolyglycerin-3
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Lactate/Laurate
CleansingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Silica
Abrasive
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantSodium Phytate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Inositol
HumectantLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces Lysate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientZinc Oxide 17.53%, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C13-15 Alkane, Propanediol, C15-19 Alkane, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ectoin, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Harungana Madagascariensis Extract, Ipomoea Batatas Root Extract, Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Curcuma Longa Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Hull Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Amber Powder, Coco-Glucoside, Glucose, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Arachidyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglycerin-3, Polyglyceryl-3 Lactate/Laurate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, T-Butyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Inositol, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Lysate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Zinc 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 OxideWater. 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 WaterButylene 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.
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 SalicylateThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Zitsticka MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum 38 ingredients
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 56 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Zitsticka MEGASHADE Breakout-Proof SPF 50 Serum 38 ingredients
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
Ok at first but always caused severe eye burning and tears after about an hour. Had to stop using.
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 56 ingredients
This is the sunscreen I repurchase over and over. It works for my sensitive skin, cancels out my redness, and doesn’t break me out. The zinc/mineral base is great. I find that it leaves no white cast at all.
liked it originally but..
i like the green color and consistency, it feels smooth and cancels out redness really well. i like the smell of it too, it reminds me of cinnamon or something? it’s hard to describe. i previously left a more positive review on it but found that it pills super bad on me. no matter how well my skin is hydrated beforehand it pairs awfully with makeup and on its own. the Show more
