Comparison between Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 vs. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30
Find out which product is better for your skin.
Face to Face
Positive Effects
ECO Metrics
Concerns
Components by Skin Type
Detailed view
#1Water
Water is a great solvent. It’s neutral and doesn’t provide any strong positive or negative effects. It just helps components to mix better and to transport active components.
#1Avobenzone
Avobenzone is the only chemical UV-protection component with a broad spectrum coverage. It can help to block both UVA I and UVA II rays. It's safe and it is allowed to use at a 3% concentration in the USA and a 5% concentration in the EU countries.
There is one problem: avobenzone loses efficiency when exposed to the sun. If you are outside, it loses 36% of its ability to block UV rays an hour after application. That's why it's recommended to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
#2Zinc Oxide
Zinc Oxide is a great physical sunscreen, meaning it deflects the UV rays. It’s the only natural mineral sun protector recommended by the FDA for babies. It’s good for sensitive skin because it’s less irritating than chemical sunscreens.
It has very nice spectrum protection. It helps to protect from UVA I, UVA II, and UVB and nowadays it’s the broadest range of sunscreen used in cosmetics. In other words, it’s brilliant in its league.
The negative side is that it can feel heavy on the skin. It can leave a slight whitish tint on the surface of the skin and some people may not like this. Keep in mind that it’s relatively easy to wash off, so it’s better to use water-resistant sunscreens if you are swimming.
#2Homosalate
#3Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient that also hydrates the skin without leaving a fatty film. When applied, the component feels smooth and light. In haircare products, it’s also used for hydrating purposes. It makes hair silky, lowers tangling, and makes hair smooth.
It’s safe for most people, except for people with allergic reactions to coconut or palm oil because these oils are usually used for producing the component.
#4C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is mostly used as formulation component. It gives the product a soft and silky but non-greasy feeling. As for the skin benefits, it's an emollient – it makes the skin softer and more hydrated. It also helps to kill bacteria and increase the product’s shelf life.
#4Octocrylene
Octocrylene is an organic chemical sunscreen. It protects against UVA and UVB rays that can damage your skin or even lead to melanoma. It also stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients in a formulation and increases the water resistance of a product. It is approved by the FDA in concentrations of up to 10%. It’s not a very effective component on its own, that’s why manufacturers combine it with other chemical sunscreens.
Despite its effectiveness, there are some “cons” against the component. As with any other chemical sunscreen, it is absorbed and can be detected in blood. This doesn’t mean the component is harmful, but still… Octocrylene should also be used carefully by anyone who is breastfeeding because it can be found in breast milk.
Anyway, the component isn’t researched quite well despite its popularity. More studies are required to determine how safe the component is.
Despite its effectiveness, there are some “cons” against the component. As with any other chemical sunscreen, it is absorbed and can be detected in blood. This doesn’t mean the component is harmful, but still… Octocrylene should also be used carefully by anyone who is breastfeeding because it can be found in breast milk.
Anyway, the component isn’t researched quite well despite its popularity. More studies are required to determine how safe the component is.
#5Dimethicone
Dimethicone is the most popular silicone. It makes the skin softer and forms a film adding smooth and silky feeling. This film not only improves how the skin feels but also works as a protective barrier. It also improves the visual appearance of your skin by filling small wrinkles. What you should really know is that this component is difficult to wash off! So make sure you did proper cleansing after using it.
#5Water
Water is a great solvent. It’s neutral and doesn’t provide any strong positive or negative effects. It just helps components to mix better and to transport active components.