Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte SPF 45 Sunscreen Versus e.l.f. cosmetics Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF 30 - Original
Updated on July 04, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte SPF 45 Sunscreen 15 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF 30 40 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte SPF 45 Sunscreen 15 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF 30 40 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 10%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 10%
UV Absorber
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Diisopropyl Adipate
EmollientDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Emollient
Silica Silylate
EmollientSqualane
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 10%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Diisopropyl Adipate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Silica Silylate, Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 9%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 7%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate
Emulsifying
CI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantNiacinamide
Smoothing
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Trehalose
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Stearyl Caprylate
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearyl Heptanoate
Emollient
Polyacrylate-13
Polyisobutene
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Emollient
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Iron Oxides
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 9%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, Water, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, CI 77163, Niacinamide, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Trehalose, Silica, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Stearyl Caprylate, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Heptanoate, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Iron Oxides
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneHomosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.
Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.
(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)
Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.
Learn more about HomosalateEthylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateOctocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.
Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.
Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.
The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:
Learn more about OctocryleneSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte SPF 45 Sunscreen 15 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF 30 40 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte SPF 45 Sunscreen 15 ingredients
To call this a sunscreen is an insult to properly formulated sunscreens. Tried to apply to my face and it didn't even spread
. Instead it began PILLING INSTANTLY making a COMPLETE MESS. DONT EVEN BOTHER
No white case and goes on smoothly.
e.l.f. cosmetics Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF 30 40 ingredients
I’m pretty much almost done with this product, and i will say it does good at bringing in the glow. However, if you use too much it will make you look very oily. I’ve honestly used and found better products than this, but if you’re in desperate need of one and are dry then i do recommend this. Use it very sparingly just because it will make you look somewhat oily. If you’re into that kind of look Show more
The SPF does the job but the texture isn’t very pleasant. It tends to separate and come out oily, and when applying to skin it starts pilling.
