e.l.f. cosmetics Suntouchable! Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35 Versus Starface Clear As Day SPF 46
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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 Suntouchable! Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35 19 ingredients
Starface Clear As Day SPF 46 12 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
e.l.f. cosmetics Suntouchable! Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35 19 ingredients
Starface Clear As Day SPF 46 12 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 8%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 7%
Skin Conditioning
Isododecane
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
StabilisingGlycerin
Humectant
PEG-12 Dimethicone/PPG-20 Crosspolymer
Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Polyester-7
Skin ConditioningNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 8%, Homosalate 7%, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Caprylyl Methicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, PEG-12 Dimethicone/PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Polyester-7, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate
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 MethoxydibenzoylmethaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexyl 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 SalicylateHomosalate 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 HomosalateIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
Learn more about IsododecaneOctocrylene 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 OctocryleneIngredient Ratings
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When to use
e.l.f. cosmetics Suntouchable! Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35 19 ingredients
Starface Clear As Day SPF 46 12 ingredients
Reviews
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