Comparison between EltaMD UV Active Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 vs. SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF 50

Find out which product is better for your skin.

32 Ingredients 33

1
Zinc Oxide
1
Water
2
Titanium Dioxide
2
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
3
Water
3
Drometrizole
4
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
4
Trisiloxane
5
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
5
Cyclopentasiloxane
6
Ethyl Macadamiate
6
Glycerin
7
Glycerin
7
Propylene Glycol
8
Sorbitan Olivate
8
Titanium Dioxide
-- Show others --
Uniqueness25 out of 32
78.1%
Uniqueness26 out of 33
78.8%

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
12 out of 32
38%
chemical
16 out of 32
50%
natural
8 out of 33
24%
chemical
22 out of 33
67%

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: 3Negative: 0
Glycerin#71,2-Hexanediol#20Tocopherol#31
Oily skin
Positive: 1Negative: 0
Zinc Oxide#1
Sensitive skin
Positive: 2Negative: 0
Zinc Oxide#1Titanium Dioxide#2
Dry skin
Positive: 5Negative: 1
Glycerin#6Propylene Glycol#7Palmitic Acid#16Butylene Glycol#27Tocopherol#28Alcohol Denatured#9
Oily skin
Positive: 0Negative: 3
Stearic Acid#14Glyceryl Stearate SE#18Glyceryl Stearate SE#33
Sensitive skin
Positive: 1Negative: 0
Titanium Dioxide#8

Detailed view

EltaMD UV Active Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 vs. SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense 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.

-- versus --

#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

#2Titanium Dioxide

Origin: chemical
Role: Colorant
UV Protection
EWG Rating [ 1 ]

Titanium Dioxide is a very effective sunscreen. It belongs to physical sunscreens, meaning it reflects the UV rays like a mirror. The component is a mineral with white color. That’s why it’s also used in different powders as a pigment or brightener.

The component can be both safe and unsafe. It’s reported to be possibly carcinogenic to humans when inhaled. That’s why we don’t recommend using products where TiO2 is used in the form of powder and can be inhaled.

Sometimes it can be a nanoparticle. We recommend avoiding this form because it’s not researched well enough. A safer option is to use a non-nano form.

-- versus --

#2Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

Origin: No information
Role: No information
Position 3

#3Water

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.

-- versus --

#3Drometrizole

Origin: No information
Role: No information
Position 4

#4Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Origin: natural
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Fragrance ingredient
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]

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.

-- versus --

#4Trisiloxane

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Antifoaming agent
EWG Rating [ 2 ]
Position 5

#5Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Origin: natural
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Emollient
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ B ]
-- versus --

#5Cyclopentasiloxane

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Emollient, Hair conditioning, Solvent
Protection
Silicones
EWG Rating [ 3 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]

Cyclopentasiloxane is a fluid silicone. It’s non-greasy and doesn’t have any scent or color. It evaporates pretty fast which makes this ingredient essential when it comes to making products that have to dry quickly. It also gives a nice silky feeling when you apply the product to the skin and hair. It leaves a thin film that protects the skin after evaporation.

Cyclopentasiloxane is chemically neutral, meaning it doesn’t react with other components.

Skin Signal
2023 - 2024

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Disclaimer: All the information on the website is not a medical advice. Visit a doctor if you have problems.

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