Comparison between Elta MD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 vs. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-light Face Sunscreen SPF 50

Find out which product is better for your skin.

16 Ingredients 37

1
Zinc Oxide
1
Water
2
Octinoxate
2
Dimethicone
3
Octisalate
3
Isododecane
4
Bees Wax
4
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
5
Butylene Glycol
5
Undecane
6
Cetyl Dimethicone
6
Triethylhexanoin
7
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
7
Isohexadecane
8
Disodium EDTA
8
Nylon-12
-- Show others --
Uniqueness14 out of 16
87.5%
Uniqueness35 out of 37
94.6%

Positive Effects

Find out what good effects the product has

ECO Metrics

Find out how eco-friendly the components are
Vegan
No
No
Cruelty free
No
No
Reef friendly
Yes
Yes
Ozone layer safe
Yes
Yes
Organic score
natural
4 out of 16
25%
chemical
11 out of 16
69%
natural
6 out of 37
16%
chemical
28 out of 37
76%

Concerns

Pay attention to these components
-- Extra information --

Components by Skin Type

Find out what components are good or bad for your skin type
Dry skin
Positive: 1Negative: 0
Butylene Glycol#5
Oily skin
Positive: 1Negative: 1
Zinc Oxide#1Isopropyl Palmitate#11
Sensitive skin
Positive: 1Negative: 1
Zinc Oxide#1Octinoxate#2
Dry skin
Positive: 2Negative: 0
Propylene Glycol#26Tocopherol#32
Oily skin
Positive: 0Negative: 0
Sensitive skin
Positive: 0Negative: 1
Benzoic Acid#36

Detailed view

Elta MD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 vs. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-light Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Position 1

#1Zinc Oxide

Origin: natural
Role: Bulking agent, Colorant
UV Protection
Antiseptic
Comedogenic rating [ 1 ]
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
Good for oily skin
Good for oily skin

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.

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#1Water

Origin: natural
Role: Solvent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]

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.

Position 2

#2Octinoxate

Origin: chemical
Role: No information
UV Protection
EWG Rating [ 5 ]
Octinoxate is an effective sun protector that absorbs UV-B rays mostly. That means it can help to protect the skin from burns and from cancer. It’s also a solvent for other sunscreen components. This helps manufacturers to make products less oily.
-- versus --

#2Dimethicone

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Antifoaming agent, Emollient
Silicones
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]

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.

Position 3

#3Octisalate

Origin: chemical
Role: Fragrance ingredient
UV Protection
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
-- versus --

#3Isododecane

Origin: chemical
Role: Emollient, Fragrance ingredient, Solvent
Softening
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ B ]

Isododecane is an emollient and a good base for colorants. Very often used in powders and shades because it spreads on the skin nicely. It also helps to soften the skin and helps to lower water loss making all the moisturizing components work better.

Position 4

#4Bees Wax

Origin: No information
Role: No information
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#4C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Antimicrobial agent, Emollient
Cleansing
Softening
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]

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.

Position 5

#5Butylene Glycol

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Fragrance ingredient, Humectant, Masking, Solvent, Viscosity controlling agent
Moisturizing
Softening
Hair protection
Comedogenic rating [ 1 ]
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]
Good for dry skin
Good for dry skin

Butylene Glycol is a very popular synthetic alcohol. It helps the product to absorb deeper and faster. It is also a solvent for other ingredients. As for the skin benefits, it helps to attract water and helps to make the skin softer.

Unlike many other “Glycols”, it is not harmful and that's why it is used in many products. It was approved by US FDA and US EPA for usage.

-- versus --

#5Undecane

Origin: chemical
Role: No information
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
Skin Signal
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