Comparison between EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 vs. CeraVe Am Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen

Find out which product is better for your skin.

17 Ingredients 25

1
Zinc Oxide
1
Homosalate
2
Octinoxate
2
Octinoxate
3
Water
3
Octocrylene
4
Cyclomethicone
4
Zinc Oxide
5
Niacinamide
5
Water
6
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
6
Niacinamide
7
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
7
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
8
Polyisobutene
8
Cetearyl Alcohol
-- Show others --
Uniqueness13 out of 17
76.5%
Uniqueness21 out of 25
84.0%

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
3 out of 17
18%
chemical
12 out of 17
71%
natural
6 out of 25
24%
chemical
18 out of 25
72%

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: 2Negative: 0
Sodium Hyaluronate#10Butylene Glycol#15
Oily skin
Positive: 1Negative: 0
Zinc Oxide#1
Sensitive skin
Positive: 1Negative: 2
Zinc Oxide#1Octinoxate#2Lactic Acid#12
Dry skin
Positive: 1Negative: 0
Glycerin#9
Oily skin
Positive: 1Negative: 0
Zinc Oxide#4
Sensitive skin
Positive: 1Negative: 1
Zinc Oxide#4Octinoxate#2

Detailed view

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 vs. CeraVe Am Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen
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 --

#1Homosalate

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Fragrance ingredient
UV Protection
EWG Rating [ 2 ]
Position 2
Both products have the same component on this position.

#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.
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 --

#3Octocrylene

Origin: chemical
Role: No information
UV Protection
EWG Rating [ 2 ]

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.

Position 4

#4Cyclomethicone

Origin: chemical
Role: Antistatic agent, Emollient, Hair conditioning, Humectant, Solvent, Viscosity controlling agent
Antistatic
Protection
Hair conditioning
Silicones
Comedogenic rating [ 1 ]
EWG Rating [ 6 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]
-- versus --

#4Zinc 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.

Position 5

#5Niacinamide

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Hair conditioning, Smoothing
Antioxidants
Acne fighting
Pore Shrinking
Soothing
Anti-aging
Lightening
Elasticity improvement
EWG Rating [ 1 ]

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 and it’s a superman in cosmetics. This ingredient is researched very well. It has a lot of positive reviews from scientists and experts. It's very important for healthy skin. The lack of this vitamin can cause dryness, itching, and sun sensitivity. The component removes small wrinkles and fine lines, heals wounds, and prevents the forming of cancer cells. It also makes the skin tone even by removing dark spots. It increases ceramide synthesis which increases the overall health of your skin. It fights acne and lowers pores.

Researches say that 4-5% of Niacinamide is the most effective concentration for skincare use.

-- versus --

#5Water

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.

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