e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 Versus Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
Updated on July 26, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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
e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 36 ingredients
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream 11 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 36 ingredients
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream 11 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Ingredients Side-by-side
2 Concerns
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Non-Reef-Safe
Homosalate 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.
2 Concerns
Ethylhexyl 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.
2 Concerns
Octocrylene 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.
Water. 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.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.
6 Benefits
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is a synthetic powder used as an absorbent, thickener, and anti-caking agent.
Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
Stearyl Heptanoate is a waxy compound derived from stearyl alcohol.
2 Concerns
Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a 3-amino acid peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It can be found naturally in our skin and hair.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Squalane 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.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
Cetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
3 Concerns
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate is a citric acid ester of glyceryl stearate.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
We don't have a description for Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
Polyacrylate-13 is a type of acrylate polymer. Acrylate polymers are commonly used as adhesives in cosmetics.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
2 Concerns
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
EU Allergen
Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
2 Concerns
Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 9%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, Water, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Niacinamide, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Trehalose, Stearyl Heptanoate, Silica, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Dimethicone, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Geraniol, Linalool
Water. 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.
2 Concerns
Petrolatum is more commonly known as petroleum jelly. It is created by mixing waxes and mineral oils.
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a hydrating and moisturizing agent created from the reduction process of glucose.
3 Concerns
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. It is derived from cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol.
Simethicone is a silicone. It is an emollient and used to reduce foaming in a product. It is also often used to coat sunscreen ingredients for better spreadability.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
May worsen Eczema
Sorbic Acid is a preservative. It is the most commonly used food preservative in the world.
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. 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 WaterCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 36 ingredients
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream 11 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 36 ingredients
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream 11 ingredients
AshN.
This is a budget-friendly cream that I would recommend to anyone with dry to extremely dry skin for face or body use. Never had any issues with...
This is a budget-friendly cream that I would recommend to anyone with dry to extremely dry skin for face or body use. Never had any issues with irritation regarding it. Given how thick this formulation is you would not need much of it for your face, so it lasts a long time. (I bought this product back in March 2023 and I still have a 1/4 of it left!). I ran into this product because I couldn't find my usual CeraVe Moisturizing Cream so this is a pretty solid dupe. Usually leaves my skin very moisturized, but with a more matte finish. Big fan of the pump dispenser as I find it more sanitary.
Completely broke me out all over my face after 3 days of use! If you have combo, fungal acne prone skin, would not recommend. It’s a thick and occlusive moisturizer.
Completely broke me out all over my face after 3 days of use! If you have combo, fungal acne prone skin, would not recommend. It’s a thick and occlusive moisturizer.
@Amanda Sorry that you had that kind of experience with the product. At the time I wrote this my skin was fairly dry which is why I preferred it. But since the weather has...
@Amanda Sorry that you had that kind of experience with the product. At the time I wrote this my skin was fairly dry which is why I preferred it. But since the weather has warmed up I actually switched to using it as a hand moisturizer 😅. Also thanks for pointing those additional skin concerns out, I'll be more mindful of that in regards to my reviews in the future!
