Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 versus ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 .
Last updated on July 27, 2023. Published on July 27, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 19 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid, SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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 need an update? Let us know.
Sunscreen
Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.
Sunscreen
Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.
Price
Ingredient Info
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 43 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 56 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 43 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 56 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 43 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 56 ingredients
Titanium Dioxide 1% • Zinc Oxide 20% • Cyclopentasiloxane • Dimethicone • Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Peg-10 Dimethicone • Phenyl Trimethicone • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract • Ecklonia Kurome Extract • Glycine Soja Seed Extract • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract • Hexyl Laurate • Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate • Tribehenin • Bisabolol • Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone • Water • Glycerin • Cyclotetrasiloxane • Squalane • Polymethyl Methacrylate • Dimethiconol • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Stearic Acid • Alumina • Caprylyl Glycol • Behenyl Behenate • Melanin • Tocopheryl Acetate • Ethyl Ferulate • Triethoxycaprylylsilane • Ascorbic Acid • Retinyl Palmitate • Ethylhexylglycerin • Tocopherol • Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8 • Pentylene Glycol • Phenoxyethanol • Chlorphenesin • CI 77492
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Homosalate 10% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Octocrylene 10% • Water • Dimethicone • Butyloctyl Salicylate • Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer • Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer • Glyceryl Stearate • Mica • Peg-100 Stearate • Butylene Glycol • Polyamide-5 • Steareth-21 • Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Petasites Japonicus Root Extract • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract • Tocopheryl Acetate • Tocopherol • Ascorbic Acid • Retinyl Palmitate • Caprylyl Glycol • Hexylene Glycol • Melanin • Pentylene Glycol • Boron Nitride • Ethyl Ferulate • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate • Beta-Glucan • Ethylene Brassylate • Polymethyl Methacrylate • Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Disodium EDTA • Acrylates Crosspolymer-4 • Panthenyl Triacetate • Glycerin • Aluminum Hydroxide • Simethicone • Ethyl Linoleate • Oleyl Alcohol • Cetearyl Alcohol • Peg-8 Laurate • Steareth-2 • Coco-Glucoside • Isostearic Acid • Sodium Hydroxide • Phenoxyethanol • Potassium Sorbate • Ethylhexylglycerin • Parfum • Titanium Dioxide • CI 77492
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Titanium 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 DioxideZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 55.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 4.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 6.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 8.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 36.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 10.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 17.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, this component is usually removed in the leaf extract.
Rosemary Leaf Extract can help protect your skin against damage from free-radical molecules. It contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 14.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 19.
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 20.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 5.
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 GlycerinZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 21.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 40.
We don't have a description for Polymethyl Methacrylate.
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 24.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 34.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 29.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 24.
We don't have a description for Melanin.
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 31.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 26.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 32.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 20.
Ethyl Ferulate is an antioxidant.
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 33.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 29.
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 35.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 22.
Retinyl palmitate is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the superstar class of anti-aging ingredients that include tretinoin and retinol.
This particular ingredient has had a bumpy year with its rise and fall in popularity.
First, Retinyl palmitate is created from palmitic acid and retinol. It is a retinol ester and considered one of the weaker forms of retinoid.
This is because all retinoids have to be converted to Tretinoin, AKA retinoic acid. Retinyl Palmitate is pretty far down the line and has to go through multiple conversions before its effects are seen.
Due to this long and ineffective conversion line, the benefits of Retinyl Palmitate are debated.
Studies show Retinyl Palmitate to help:
Dermatologists say this ingredient is ineffective because it isn't used in high enough concentrations in cosmetics.
This ingredient used to be found in sunscreens to boost the efficacy of sunscreen filters.
The downfall of Retinyl Palmitate was due to released reports about the ingredient being correlated to sun damage and skin tumors.
While there is a study showing this ingredient to cause DNA damage when exposed to UV-A, there is no concrete proof of it being linked to skin cancer. It is safe to use when used correctly.
All retinoids increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun in the first few months of usage. Be especially careful with reapplying sunscreen when using any form of retinoid.
Currently, this ingredient is still allowed in cosmetics all over the world. In Canada, cosmetics must have a warning label stating the product to contain Retinyl Palmitate
Fun fact: This ingredient is often added to low-fat milk to increase the levels of Vitamin A.
Learn more about Retinyl PalmitateZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 36.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 23.
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.
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 37.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 53.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 38.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 21.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can help thicken or emulsify a product. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 40.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 27.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 41.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 51.
Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 43.
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 contains this as ingredient number 56.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 43 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 56 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Prime Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 43 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 56 ingredients
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