Curology The Sunscreen Versus EltaMD, Inc UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF50+ Serum
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
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
Curology The Sunscreen 32 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF50+ Serum 23 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Curology The Sunscreen 32 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF50+ Serum 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Oxide 9.4%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialSorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
Cleansing
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract
Skin Conditioning
Polyester-5
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethyl Ferulate
Antioxidant
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingBisabolol
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Urea
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide 9.4%, Water, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract, Polyester-5, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, C14-22 Alcohols, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethyl Ferulate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Bisabolol, Sodium Chloride, Phospholipids, Gluconolactone, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Urea, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Octocrylene 10%
UV Absorber
Zinc Oxide 15%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Isohexadecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Isododecane
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingPolysilicone-11
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingOctocrylene 10%, Zinc Oxide 15%, Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Isohexadecane, Butylene Glycol, Isododecane, Phenoxyethanol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Acacia Senegal Gum, Polysilicone-11, Xanthan Gum, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.
Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.
Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.
Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.
Learn more about Zinc OxideWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterSqualane 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".
Learn more about SqualaneThis is a synthetic polymer. It helps improve the texture of products by adding thickness and gel-like feel.
It is also an emulsifer, meaning it prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It also helps evenly disperse other ingredients.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilanePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Curology The Sunscreen 32 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF50+ Serum 23 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Curology The Sunscreen 32 ingredients
EltaMD, Inc UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF50+ Serum 23 ingredients
I quite like this sunscreen by EltaMD. One of my favorite talking points about this sunscreen is the vitamin C derivative it contains, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD), which is oil-soluble. THD is able to much more readily penetrate the compacted hydrophobic (water repellent) lipid matrix of the stratum corneum versus other vitamin C derivatives used in skincare. This product also contains Show more
